“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso Over the past several months, as opportunities have opened up, we’ve had the chance to visit a number of local, community art galleries to experience first-hand, the wonderful creativity of local artists and be inspired by the exhibits these galleries offer. The passion, knowledge and dedication of gallery staff provide ever-changing exhibit themes, which mirror the times we live in and cause us to reflect on our communities, in a meaningful way. We were lucky enough to meet with a number of program directors and volunteers and were so impressed with their welcoming spirit and enthusiasm while letting us know of the present and future plans for their galleries. These galleries are a cultural focal point for their communities, wonderful places to meet for discussions and a source of artistic education, to inspire us. We invite you to visit your local galleries to support the amazing artists of the Georgian Bay region. Galleries Just Around the Corner! Find your Inspiration: Midland Cultural Centre 333 King St., Midland 705.527.4420 The Quest Art School & Gallery is located in the Midland Cultural Centre, which is a modern, architecturally inspiring, light-filled building, built on the site of the former Roxy Theatre. It provides space for a number of local, cultural initiatives such as performing arts, theatre, art classes, speaker series and concerts. The Quest Art School & Gallery comprises two exhibit galleries and a teaching classroom offering a variety of multimedia educational opportunities. On the ground floor, is a newly created, permanent, Indigenous Art Exhibit, which has been created to focus on the work of artists and artisans from the Beausoleil First Nation and members of the Georgian Bay Metis community, as well as other Canadian Indigenous artists. On Exhibit: When we visited the Quest Art School & Gallery, we were lucky enough to meet with Erin Coholan, who orientated us to the gallery and was excited to tell us of the many initiatives that the Quest Gallery will be undertaking in the near future. We viewed works of art from local artists, many of whom were students of the gallery and an exhibit of art works created by Alondria Ruiz-Hernandez and Kasia Latos, which are surrealist inspired. The second exhibit entitled “Healing Room For Beloved Authoresses Who Died Tragically”, displayed multimedia artworks created by Michele Karch-Ackerman. On the ground floor, we visited the newly opened Gallery for Indigenous Art, whose inaugural exhibition displays the works of Andy Trudeau, a local Metis artist, who used graphite pencil on loose paper to chronicle his life growing up on the outer islands of Georgian Bay. These powerful, honest works spoke of a time and place that few of us have experienced. www.midlandculturalcentre.com Find your Inspiration: Maclaren Art Centre (Art Gallery) 37 Mulcaster St., Barrie 705.721.9696 The Maclaren Art Centre is located near the Barrie Townhall, housed in the former Barrie City Library, a Carnegie Building, that includes an architectural space created by Siamak Harire. In addition to a café, this multileved art gallery offers a series of beautiful exhibition spaces that blend the original architecture with modern features. The large windows bring in natural light and allow beautiful scenes of Barrie. The warm, inviting entrance space also includes a gift shop and seating area, warmed by a fireplace. We have visited this museum on numerous occasions and are always impressed by the warmth and knowledge of the staff and volunteers and their ever changing exhibits. In addition to the art being exhited, this art centre has an amazingly strong community presence featuring educational experiences and public art installations to be found throughout the city. On Exhibit: At the time of our most recent visit, the gallery was setting up for a fundraising auction called “Get Hooked”, featuring work by artists from our region, which runs from November 23 to November 27th. You are invited to visit the Maclaren Art Gallery site to find out about their up coming exhibits and art experience schedule. www.maclarenart.com Find your Inspiration: The Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH)-30 Peter St. S, Orillia 705.326.2159 The Orillia Museum of Art & History is located in a historic, imposing brick and limestone building designed in 1894, as a former customs house. The historic clock tower is a focal point of downtown Orillia and the building is a fitting site for this important museum. We visited the multi-storied gallery on a rainy, Fall day and were truly welcomed by staff, who were busily preparing the gallery for a host of new exhibits. The ground floor houses a grand foyer, an inviting gallery and a gallery shop, offering a number of items of local artistic and historic interest. The second floor had two galleries, one featuring local history and the other dedicated to exhibits. On Exhibit: Exhibits that we viewed included the Carmichael Landscape Exhibition that has been created to honour Group of Seven member Franklin Carmichael, who was born in Orillia. This juried show is in its’ nineteenth year and takes submissions from across Canada that are inspired by Canadian landscape. We really enjoyed this warm and inspiring collection of paintings and photographic works, honouring the spirit of Carmichael. Upstairs, we were lucky enough to view a collection of works by Indigenous artist D.Ahsen:Nase Douglas entitled “We Are Still Here!”, which is a remarkably powerful collection of works that speaks volumes. His works focus on Indigenous identify and culture, often incorporating images of friends and family to illustrate contemporary subjects. In addition to their exhibits, the OMAH also offers artistic workshop, art appreciation tours, guided walking tours and virtual tours. www.orilliamuseum.org Find your Inspiration: Tom Thomson Art Gallery 840 1st Avenue W, Owen Sound 519.376.1932 This art gallery was built in 1966 and features a number of exhibition halls, with a particular focus on the works and life of renowned Group of Seven painter, Tom Thomson, who grew up in nearby Leith, Ontario. This gallery houses a “nationally significant collection” of Tom Thomson’s works and that of other members of the Group of Seven. In addition to the Tom Thomson Room, this lovely gallery has a number of spacious galleries that feature contemporary artists. On Exhibit: Despite having viewed the works of Tom Thomson at the AGO and McMichael Galleries, it’s always exciting to view this intimate collection which was donated at the bequest of a nephew of Tom Thomson. Included in this exhibit are paintings such as “Canoe Lake”(1914), “Sunset Sky”(1915), “Algonquin Park” (1915) and “Pine Country” (1916), as well as a number of personal items and sketches. We went to the gallery earlier this month and took in the very timely exhibit “Facing It”, which focused on the social isolation experienced during our present pandemic, social connections and the emotional responses brought about by significant social challenges. Equally evocative, was Kristine Morgan’s exhibit entitled “Swimming at the Edge of Utopia”. This Owen Sound resident’s work features her exploration of solitude, sensations and perserverance of the often solitary activity of swimming. www.owensound.ca Find your Inspiration: Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts (BMFA), 65 Simcoe Street, Studio 4, Collingwood 705.445.3430 Located in the town centre of Collingwood, this small gallery is housed in a cultural centre that includes the Simcoe Street Theatre, the Fleetwood Dance Centre and a gallery space for exhibitions from local artists. The BMFA is a non-profit organization that provides support for local art development. Their shop gives one the opportunity to view and purchase works from artists from our region. On Exhibit: When we attended the BMFA in Collingwood, we were met by one of the many passionate volunteers who showed us around the gift shop and the gallery space, which was exhibiting works by Wasaga Beach artist, Jesse Unsworth. His exhibition featured primarily landscape works of the Georgian Bay region. His style incorporates impressionist techniques and use of texture, tone and abstraction. www.bmfa.on.ca Soup’s On! We are now at the mercy of the sometimes inconsistent November weather on the bay. Just today, we had rain, snow and hail! There is no better time than this, to create a delicious, warm pot of soup or to purchase and enjoy delicious, prepared soups from Operation Grow in Midland or other local food shops. We have also included some beautiful pottery bowls in our photos to highlight just a few of our talented,local makers. The Maker: Clay By Faye Created in Elmvale. (black and white pottery with fold) Where to Purchase: The Tiny Art Shack, 3-34 Queen Street West, Elmvale 705.322.2020 www.thetinyartshack.com The Maker: Rock Paper Poison Bethany Scott ( two patterned bowls)- Wheel-thrown tableware created by Bethany Scott in Orillia. Her work is inspired by the Canadian wilderness. Where to Purchase: The Georgian Artisan Shop, 5 Bruce St. South, Thornbury. 519.599.1188 www.thegeorgianartisanshop.com The Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH)-30 Peter St. S, Orillia 705.326.2159 www.orilliamuseum.org The Maker: Pottery by Antje Antje Gagne (two blue-green glazed bowls) Antje creates both ornamental and practical pottery at her home studio. Where to Purchase: Pottery by Antje Gagne, 39 Vanier St., Tiny Township, Ont. 705.533.0356 Antje has a home studio and showroom. Please call or email for an appointment. www.potterybyantje.ca Wendy B’s Fine Foods, 336 Lafontaine Rd. West, Lafontaine 705.533.15476. Delicious Prepared Soups by Chef Erika at Operation Grow: When you purchase products from Operation Grow in Midland, you are supporting women in our community and helping to fund many activities. On our latest visit, we bought Loaded Baked Potato, Broccoli, Moroccan Lentil, Roasted Carrot & Cinnamon, sweet Potato & Pear, Tomato Oregano Florentine and Sweet Potato & Pear. Operation Grow-436 Bay St., Midland, Ont. 705.526.GROW(4769) www.operationgrow.ca Carrot & Ginger Soup with Fried Carrot Nest Garnish For soup: · 2 tbsp. olive oil · ½ cup (about 70 grams) celery, finely chopped · ¾ cup (about 90 grams)shallots, finely chopped · 1 tsp. garlic · 2 tbsp. fresh ginger, grated · ½ tsp. caraway · ½ tsp. cumin · 1 tbsp. Ras El Hanout · 1 tsp. salt · Pepper to taste · 6 cups carrots, peeled and chopped (large dice) · 6 cups vegetable broth (1,420 mL) For Garnish: · A few large carrots, spiralized · Vegetable oil for frying · Sea salt flakes · Flat leaf parsley 1. Heat oil in large pan on medium. Add shallots and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes until soft and translucent. 2. Add garlic, grated ginger, caraway, cumin, Ras El Hanout, salt & pepper. Stir and cook mixture for about 3 minutes. 3. Add carrots and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil then turn heat down to medium. Cover and cook until carrots are tender, about 20 minutes. 4. Remove soup from heat and puree soup using an immersion blender, until smooth. 5. To make soup even more delicate and smooth, pour soup through a fine metal sieve, using the back of a wooden spoon to press through, into a second pot. 6. Serve soup topped with a fried carrot nest and some chopped flat leaf parsley. To make Carrot Nest Garnish: 1. If making carrot nest garnish, heat oil and carefully drop a small handful of spiralized carrots in oil. Cook until crispy. 2. Remove with tongs and sprinkle with sea salt flakes. Make one nest for each bowl of soup. Mushroom Soup with Fried Mushrooms For soup: · 2 tbsp. olive oil · 5 tbsp. butter · ½ cup shallots, finely chopped · 1 tsp. garlic, finely chopped · 1 tbsp. carrots, finely chopped · 2 tbsp. celery, finely chopped · 8 cups of mushrooms (We used a variety-white button mushrooms, crimini, portobello, oyster, king oyster, enoki, shitake…)clean and evenly chopped (about 700 grams) · 8 small sprigs of thyme · 8 fresh sage leaves · 1 tbsp. dry sherry · 6 cups (1,420 mL) of mushroom broth or vegetable broth For Garnish: · Mushrooms, cleaned and cut into large pieces (a few handfuls) · Vegetable oil · A few tablespoons of Grano Padano or parmesan, finely grated. · Flat leaf parsley 1. Heat oil and butter in large pan on medium. Add shallots, garlic, carrots and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes until soft and translucent. 2. Add mushrooms, sherry and a pinch of salt & pepper. Stir and cook mixture until mushrooms have softened and browned lightly. 3. Add vegetable or mushroom broth. Bring to a boil and then turn heat down to medium. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes to develop flavours. 6. Serve soup topped with fried mushrooms and some chopped flat leaf parsley. To make Fried Mushroom Garnish: 1. Heat oil and carefully drop in mushrooms. Cook until crispy. 2. Remove with tongs and sprinkle with grated parmesan and sea salt flakes. Top each bowl of soup with a few beautiful fried mushrooms. Chickpea Soup With Parmesan Crostini and Tuile
For soup: 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 ⅓ cups (150 g) finely chopped celery and celery leaves 1 cup (117 g) finely chopped white onion 6 cups vegetable broth 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 4 sprigs of rosemary ( you may leave them whole and remove the branches later or you may wish to remove the leaves from the branch and finely chop them) 3 large bay leaves 1 can (398 ml) of chopped San Marzano tomatoes 3 cans (540 ml) of chickpeas For the Crostini and Tuile 4 slices of bread cut into small squares Grated parmesan cheese A few branches of curly parsley cut into small fleurettes 1 tablespoon grated parmesan for each tuile Instructions Warm 3 tablespoons of olive in a medium size soup or stock pot. Add the celery and onions and saute until they become soft and translucent. Add the tomatoes and chickpeas ( including the liquid in the can) and heat through. Add the herbs, spices and broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, Simmer for about 40 minutes or until chickpeas become tender. Remove the bay leaves and top with garnishes. Attention It is important to remove bay leaves as they are dangerous and pose a choking hazard. For Garnishes For the Crostini Heat the oven to 350. Place the bread squares on a baking sheet and pile a small amount of grated parmesan and a piece of parsley on each square. Heat in the oven until lightly browned and crispy. For the Tuile In a small non-stick frying pan place 3 separate, 1 tablespoon mounds of grated parmesan. Be sure to leave space between the mounds so that they have room to expand when melted. Heat the parmesan until it melts and becomes lightly browned. Remove immediately from the heat and allow to cool for a few seconds before placing them on a parchment to cool. To achieve an interesting shape, place the tuile on a cylindrical shape such as a rolling pin or a cannoli form and allow it to cool.
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