Plastic Dreams, Broken Promises at The Cedar Ridge Creative Centre, February 15-27, 2020

Plastic Dreams, Broken Promises exhibition, Feb 2020

Plastic Dreams, Broken Promises exhibition, Feb 2020

From February 15-27, 2020 fellow artists Zoraida Anaya, Lisa Fox and I will feature our latest work in an art exhibition entitled Plastic Dreams, Broken Promises at the Cedar Ridge Creative Centre.

As part of the Cedar Ridge Gallery Contemporary Exhibition series, the collaborative installation centers around the themes of a throwaway and wasteful culture in an effort to raise awareness of its impact on the environment.  Ordinary plastic bags, crocheted into sculptures, photography on acrylic sheets and transparency lanterns transform the space to create a visually interesting exhibit.

The exhibition is part of the Women’s Art Project (WAP) Collective initiative, where the artistic intention is to make experimental work in a supportive, inspiring and collaborative environment.

Cedar Ridge Creative Centre is nestled within lush gardens enjoyed by the public and often rented for weddings and special events. Discover Cedar Ridge Gallery, home to contemporary and classic visual, and folk art exhibits. The upper floor of the main house and the adjacent carriage house contain working studio spaces that offer hands-on creative arts programs for visitors of all-ages. The refurbished pottery studio is located in what was the original carriage house.

Exhibition Dates: February 15-27, 2020
Reception: February 23, 1-3pm.

Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
225 Confederation Dr, Scarborough, ON M1G 1B2
Phone: 416-396-7378.

Hours:
Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Thursday to Sunday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Closed on Statutory Holidays
Entry is free.

For more info visit The Cedar Ridge Creative Centre.

 

Wild Imperfections at S. Walter Stewart Library, July 4-30 , 2019

Thanks to everyone who showed their support for Women’s Art Project (WAP), art exhibition Wild Imperfections at S. Walter Stewart Public Library. Works from the exhibition are now posted to the Paintings gallery. Here are some photos of the show just after set-up.

 

From the Sketchbook

From the Sketchbook (July 2019 – ) features preliminary drawing and painting studies on paper.  One thing I believe is there is always something new to learn and the sketch book is where everything begins – ideas for future paintings, new techniques, inner thoughts and ramblings. For me being a fine artist is a vocation in life, one where you are continuously learning – about life, yourself and how you visualize the world.

Wild Imperfections

Coming soon: Wild Imperfections at S. Walter Stewart Library, July 4-30 , 2019

Wild Imperfection, S. Walter Stewart Library, July 3-30, 2019

Wild Imperfection, S. Walter Stewart Library, July 3-30, 2019

From July 3-30, 2019 fellow artists Zoraida Anaya, Lisa Fox and I will feature our latest work in an art exhibition entitled Wild Imperfections at the S. Walter Stewart Public Library.

The multidisciplinary exhibition features work in mixed media, painting and photography and is part of the Women’s Art Project (WAP) Collective initiative. The artistic intention of the collective is to make experimental work in a supportive, inspiring and collaborative environment.

Exhibition Dates: July 4 to 30, 2019

S. Walter Stewart Public Library
170 Memorial Park Avenue, Toronto, ON  M4J 2K5
Phone: 416-396-3975

Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, 1:30 – 5:00 PM

 

 

 

Mere Bodies or Something More?

Broken Hearted - June 2018

Mere Bodies or Something More? (July 2018 – ) In life, we think of our experiences thus far, and what the future holds for us. But when faced with our own mortality, we think of things we took for granted, and what else we could’ve done better. Health is often the catalyst for change, leading us to question life, death and thereafter.

Regardless of lifestyle, the body seems to have a language of its own which manifests through physical, changes. And our transformation takes us from where we were to what we become.

We also share an emotional connection through indirect experiences. Events such as bearing witness to the birth of one life, or grieving the death of another are indirect experiences which allow us to explore the meaning of body as a vessel. “Can we fully comprehend that which makes a body more than just a mere body without the direct experience of its absence?

Mere bodies or something more? is an introspective look at the human body as a physical and spiritual vessel. An interpretation of how one may experience health changes while contemplating mortality and spirituality.

Mere Bodies or Something More? at The Red Head Gallery, August 20-25, 2018

Thanks to everyone who showed their support for Women’s Art Project (WAP), art exhibition Mere Bodies or Something More? at The Red Head Gallery. It’s been a tremendous experience. Works from the exhibition are now posted to the Paintings gallery. Here are some photos of the show just after set-up.

Coming soon: Mere Bodies or Something More? Exhibition at The Red Head Gallery, August 20-25, 2018

Broken Hearted - June 2018

From August 20 to 25, 2018 fellow artists Zoraida Anaya, Lisa Fox and I will feature our latest work in an art exhibition entitled Mere Bodies Or Something More? at The Red Head Gallery

Mere bodies or something more? is an introspective look at the human body as a physical and spiritual vessel. The multidisciplinary exhibition features work in mixed media, assemblage and photography. Through the art we aim to share our understanding in dealing with health changes while contemplating mortality and spirituality. The exhibition is part of the Women’s Art Project (WAP) Collective initiative, where the artistic intention is to make experimental work in a supportive, inspiring and collaborative environment.

The Red Head Gallery, is a professional artists’ collective committed to exhibiting the work of established and emerging artists and to encouraging work that is critically engaged within a wide range of contemporary discourse. Visit Red Head Gallery for more information.

Exhibition Dates: August 20 to 25, 2018
Reception: Friday, August 24, 5:00 – 8:00pm

Red Head Gallery
401 Richmond Street West
Ground Floor, Suite 115, Toronto, ON
Contact: 416.504.5654  |  [email protected]

Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Extended Hours: Monday to Tuesday, (August 20-21), 12:00 – 5:00 PM

4 Cardinal Points Exhibition at Gallery 1313, May 25 – June 4, 2017

On Saturday, May 27, 2017, the Women’s Art Project (WAP), 4 Cardinal Points art exhibition opened with a reception and artist talk at Gallery 1313. Coinciding with the Toronto Doors Open event, the gallery was bustling with around 500 visitors on the first day! Gallery 1313 played host to both art enthusiasts and tourists, looking to take in the art and learn more about the gallery’s historical building. Thanks to everyone who showed their support for WAP and Gallery 1313.

For myself, it’s always a pleasure to show with great contemporary artists like Lisa Fox, Zoraida Anaya and Aviva. And I look forward to next showing with this talented group! You can read about my painting from this exhibit here.

Below are some photos of the show just after set-up. Take care!

 

The Story of the Sun and the Moon: An Inspiration

Celestial Dance - by Michelle Montague

Celestial Dance, May 22, 2017, 39″x 63 1/2″, acrylic, ink, oil sticks on canvas

“Tell me the story about how the Sun loved the Moon so much he died every night to let her breathe.”

The quote itself have inspired, writers, poets and artists alike. Though the quote’s cultural origin is unknown, many believe its roots come from an earlier folk-tale Why The Sun Chases the Moon. However, there are several Sun and Moon mythologies around the world which may have inspired the quote as well. Whether depicted as lovers, siblings or mother and son, each cultural myth offers its own explanation of how the celestial bodies depend on each other for life, which would otherwise not exist.

As part of the 4 Cardinal Points exhibition, my newest work Celestial Dance (shown above) depicts the setting sun and the rising moon. The sun has to die every night so the moon can live, for without the sun there would be no moon. They depend on each other and her death every morning gives him life. It is their bond that gives each other what they want and need.

I’ve included a variation of the story below:

 

“Tell me the story about how the sun loved the moon so much he died every night to let her breathe.”

There once was a moon, as beautiful as can be, only the stars could fathom, but the sun could not see. The sun so radiant, he burns so bright. The moon so luminous, but only showed her face during the night. She was untouchable, surrounding herself with a blanket of darkness. The sun would give anything to catch a glimpse of the Moon illuminating the beautiful night sky.

Until one day when the Sun was sliding out of the heavens, he caught a glimpse of her. She was peeking up, a rare side of her being exposed to the light. And while the Sun could shine, he knew the Moon could glow.

Just as the Stars were wandering into the night, the Sun fell in love like a snowball hurdling down a mountain. How he wished to see her move than the fleeting moments he shared with her at both dawn and dusk. But they were a world apart.

“Go,” she whispered to him one of those nights, her voice as sweet and sorrowful as the last light of morning. “Go and let me breathe, for you and I have decided fates. You illuminate the day, and I cast a glow on the night. We will never be. Our connection would go against what all the people believe, all they know” During the summer he would stay a little longer just in case she would change his mind. It was no use.

“Don’t you dare abandon your blessing of light for my darkness.” And those were the last words the Moon was strong enough to speak to the Sun.

The Sun could feel her peaceful soul and it soon became clear. He would die each and every night to let his true love breathe, for it would put an end to all her misery.

 

 

 

 

Upcoming 4 Cardinals Points art exhibition at Gallery 1313, May 25 – June 4, 2017


The Women’s Art Project  is a multidisciplinary and diverse group of women artists. The artistic intentions of the collective make experimental work in a supportive, inspiring and collaborative environment.

Gallery 1313 is a not-for-profit, charitable artist-run centre located in the Parkdale neighbourhood of downtown Toronto. Gallery 1313 is equally an artist run centre exhibiting local, national and international contemporary art.

Gallery 1313
1313 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 1-6pm
Phone: 416-536-6778

 

 

Member’s Exhibition at Lakeshore Arts, Oct 5-Nov 5, 2016

My drawings will be part of the annual Lakeshore Arts Member’s Exhibition.

From paper collage to fabric design the Member’s Exhibition plays host to a diversity of forms and content, including elements of abstract and representational art and vivid explorations of memory, heritage, subjectivity and the natural world. Visit Lakeshore Arts for more information.

Exhibition Dates: October 5 – November 5
Closing Reception: Saturday November 5 12:00 – 2:00pm

Lakeshore Arts
2422 Lake Shore Blvd. West, Toronto, ON
Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 11 am-5 pm, Saturday: 11 am-2 pm
Phone: 416-201-7093

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