As the holiday season approaches, regional galleries are highlighting the many, many artists our area has to boast about by presenting group shows with a mix of offerings for sale. Extended hours at many spaces throughout December offer area art lovers extra chances to “buy local” this season and choose works by regional artists for gifting to friends and family, near or far.
Even if you’re not searching for that perfect something, art galleries — still quieter than the malls — are great spaces to visit this time of year. A visit to a local gallery can help you refresh and recharge you during this busy time of year.
Holiday group shows and exhibits: Christensen Fine Art, Gallery in the Attic, Artspace, Art Gallery of Peterborough, Evans Contemporary
If you need a break from holiday shopping or you have an art lover on your shopping list, you can support the creative economy by visiting several local galleries during December.
Christensen Fine Art
The Christmas Group Show at Christensen Fine Art (432 George St. N., Peterborough) features works by artists Meredith Bingham, Ian Bodnaryk, JoEllen Brydon, Paul Chester, Peer Christensen, Sarah Gibeault, Marilyn Goslin, Christy Haldane, Emma Hesse, Jane Hunter, Rebecca Last, Lisa Martini-Dunk, Janet Read, Anne Renouf, Shannon Taylor, Willem Verhulst, Arnold Zageris, and Joan Zageris.
Christensen Fine Art’s regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The Christmas Group Show runs until Christmas Eve.
Gallery in the Attic
The fourth annual Winter Group Show at Gallery in the Attic (3rd floor, 140-1/2 Hunter St. W., Peterborough) also involves a wide range of artists, including David Brown, Jamie Campbell, Angie Chapman, Charlotte Di Carlo, Mary Derrick, Elizabeth Fennell, Lesley Givens, Judith Graham, Yvonne Guerin, Rob Hailman, Dianne Latchford, Grace Mahoney, Melodie McCullough, Gail Nicholson, Paul Oldham, Michael Poulton, Rebecca Reynolds, Joe Stable, Josie Van Ryn, and Holly Young.
The gallery’s regular hours are 1 to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. The Winter Group Show is on until Saturday, January 2nd.
Artspace
“Sometimes the Story is Obvious”, the current exhibition at Artspace (378 Aylmer St. N.), features the work of Carolyn Code, Brette Gabel and Sarah Gibeault. The show itself is a curious mix of crafty-feeling creations whose title invokes an obviousness not necessarily evident in the works.
Audiences might benefit from greater exploration and analysis of this show, including attending a curatorial talk by Artspace’s Director Jon Lockyer on Tuesday, December 8th at 7 p.m.
“Sometimes the Story is Obvious” is on now until New Year’s Eve. Artspace is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Art Gallery of Peterborough
Those interested in taking a break from the hustle and bustle might also want to contemplate Peterborough’s artistic legacy by visiting the Art Gallery of Peterborough (250 Crescent St., Peterborough). The current exhibitions at the AGP feature artworks pulled from their vault — including local artists like the late David Bierk and Dennis Tourbin as well as some big names from the art world including Andy Warhol and Joyce Wieland.
The Art Gallery of Peterborough is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday.
Evans Contemporary
“Skin, Bone, Wool, Stone”, the current exhibition at Evans Contemporary (3rd floor, 129-1/2 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), is a wonderful prelude to the winter that’s coming. The collected works on display are all by indigenous artists from the north, and their often stark and straightforward materiality disguises the complexity of their craftsmanship and many-layered meanings.
The collection includes exquisite traditional beadwork and embroidery from the Sahtu region, whale bone carving from the Beaufort Delta, wool duffle packing dolls from Taloyoak, and wall hangings from Baker Lake. Traditional mukluks, moccasins, parkas and moose-hide gauntlets showcase the exceptional skill, creativity, and talents of the artists, craftspeople, elders and youth from these unique regions.
A must-see, the exhibition ends on Saturday, December 12th. Evans Contemporary is open on Saturdays only from noon to 6 p.m., but viewings can also be made by appointment by emailing evanscontemporary@gmail.com.
Annual General Meetings for Electric City Culture Council on December 1 and Art School of Peterborough on December 16
The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) invites you to their Annual General Meeting at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) on Wednesday, December 1st at 7 p.m. On the heels of successfully producing Artsweek 2015, EC3 has just hired their first Executive Director.
This emerging organization could have a significant impact on the local cultural sector as advocate, organizer, producer, and funding body. The best way to have your say in how this arm’s length City-funded organization influences our cultural landscape is to take an interest, become a member, and vote at the AGM.
The Art School of Peterborough (174A Charlotte St.) also has an AGM this month — this one doubling as a holiday party — at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday December, 16th. Anyone interested in arts instruction, classes, and art sales, should be aware of the Art School of Peterborough.
The school continues to innovate and expand on its mandate. This year has seen many firsts and new initiatives for them, including the debut of “Launch Gallery” — their show and sale space. Head over on December 16th to show your support as they vote in a new Board of Directors.
“Buy Local” season: Focus Fair, Joe Stable, and holiday markets
Local artist Joe Stable wants you to take home one of his copper drawings this holiday season. So much so that he’s put his work up at four different locations across the city, and he’s offering $450-off coupons to anyone interested in purchasing his work.
Stable has mounted parts of his most recent proliferation at The Community Butcher Show (374 George St. N., Peterborough), Tonic Hair Salon (446 George St. N., Peterborough), and Ashburnham Ale House (128 Hunter St. W., Peterborough). He can also be seen in the Winter Group Show at Gallery in the Attic (3rd floor, 140-1/2 Hunter St. W., Peterborough).
Other seasonal markets and pop-up shows flourish this time of year, so be sure to keep an eye out for unique shopping opportunities at places like Launch Gallery (174A Charlotte St., Peterborough) and the gift shop at the Art Gallery of Peterborough (250 Crescent St., Peterborough).
