Know Your Locals: Lakefield’s David Goyette proves it’s never too late to find a new passion

The long-time musician, writer, arts promoter, community supporter, and philanthropist continues to find success as an abstract expressionist artist

Well known in Peterborough for his community support, philanthropy, and tireless promotion of the arts, as well as his creative endeavours as a musician and writer, David Goyette launched Gallery Goyette in 2013 upon finding a new passion in abstract painting. The Lakefield artist is celebrating an eventful month in October 2024 as his work is being included in a fundraiser for the Art Gallery of Peterborough, his exhibition at the Bridgenorth Public Library has been extended, he has joined an international online art gallery, and he has received even more local accolades. (Photo: Victoria Pearce)
Well known in Peterborough for his community support, philanthropy, and tireless promotion of the arts, as well as his creative endeavours as a musician and writer, David Goyette launched Gallery Goyette in 2013 upon finding a new passion in abstract painting. The Lakefield artist is celebrating an eventful month in October 2024 as his work is being included in a fundraiser for the Art Gallery of Peterborough, his exhibition at the Bridgenorth Public Library has been extended, he has joined an international online art gallery, and he has received even more local accolades. (Photo: Victoria Pearce)

Having been executive assistant to a former Peterborough mayor, Showplace Performance Centre board chair, United Way Peterborough & District campaign chair, and the founder of the annual Peterborough Performs concert for the homeless, David Goyette is a familiar face around town.

You might also recognize him for his vibrant presence in the arts community, as he has published five books, recorded three CDs, and is the namesake for the main stage and the green room at Showplace Performance Centre. His generous philanthropy, along with his personal creative endeavours and his tireless promotion of the arts, earned Goyette a 2021 induction into the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame. He also received the Paul Harris Fellow Award for community service from the Rotary Club of Peterborough in 2023.

While many of us might rest on those laurels, Goyette has not. Later in life, he discovered his passion for painting and founded Gallery Goyette in 2013, just a few years after his move to Lakefield. Inspired by what he describes as “the natural beauty of the changing seasons,” Goyette has established himself as a lyrical abstract artist whose large-scale works offer an array of colours.

“The paintings have you focus not on what you’re looking at, but what you’re feeling when you’re looking at it,” he explains. “For me, that means more depth of expression as a painter, and I think more depth of appreciation from the viewer.”

David Goyette's move to Lakefield in 2008 inspired a passion for visual arts and the establishment of Gallery Goyette in 2013. Already a musician and a writer, Goyette is finding new success as an abstract expressionist artist. (Photo: Victoria Pearce)
David Goyette’s move to Lakefield in 2008 inspired a passion for visual arts and the establishment of Gallery Goyette in 2013. Already a musician and a writer, Goyette is finding new success as an abstract expressionist artist. (Photo: Victoria Pearce)

While Goyette has already had 32 public showings of his work in the city and county of Peterborough, October 2024 is proving to be an especially eventful and celebratory month for him.

On Saturday, October 26th, he will attend the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s annual It’s All About ART fundraising auction, where his piece “Flamingos” will be available for public bid. He has also extended an exhibition of his work at the Bridgenorth Public Library until the end of October.

Though he says it “warms my heart” to show locally, Goyette has also been invited to be a part of an international and online community of artists on Singulart. Beginning in November, he will be exhibited alongside international greats including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, making his work accessible to browse and purchase by art lovers around the globe.

Most recently, Goyette was selected the winner of the Peterborough Examiner’s Readers’ Choice Award for Favourite Local Artist, and was named an Honorary Fellow of Trent University’s Traill College in recognition of his contributions to both the college and the community.

Between the event-filled October he has lined up and the community honours he has received, Goyette is living proof that it’s never too late to find a new passion.

To arrange a visit of his home studio, contact Goyette at davidgoyettemedia@gmail.com. To view his artworks, visit gallerygoyette.com or follow him on Facebook.

 

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