Summer 2024 Exhibition & Programs

SUMMER EXHIBITIONS & PROGRAMS

Art is for Anyone!

At JNAAG, we believe art is for anyone, and we’re happy to say that coming to see our art is free! We want everyone, big and small, to come and enjoy the colours, shapes, and stories in the paintings. So, bring your friends and family, and let’s have fun with art together at JNAAG!

SUMMER HOURS

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

* Sunday hours start May 19, 2024.

Friday

Saturday Sunday*

Open select First Fridays until 9:00 p.m. CLOSED CLOSED 11:00 - 4:00 11:00 - 8:30 11:00 - 4:00 11:00 - 4:00 11:00 - 4:00

FIND US

147 Lochiel St, Sarnia, ON, N7T 0B4

519-336-8127 jnaag.ca

PARKING INFORMATION

When you visit JNAAG, finding parking is easy! You can park on the street for up to two hours to give you plenty of time to enjoy the art. If you’re looking for longer parking, there are is a free public lot at the corner of Victoria St. N and Davis St. If you prefer a paid parking option, there is a lot between Front St and Christina St. N, right on the same block as JNAAG.

Siobhán Humston

In the Garden of Exquisite Unknown

April

19 - September 1, 2024

Enter the immersive environment of In the Garden of Exquisite Unknown. This exhibition explores artist Siobhán Humston’s philosophical and spiritual queries around human entanglement with nature and the fragile, complicated beauty of life and death. The dimensionality and richness of Humston’s art practice spans sculptural installation, mixed media drawing, soft sculpture and beyond.

The artist has developed an acute awareness, sensitivity to and respect for her ever-changing surroundings and her work evolves as a direct response to both where her studio is located and what (re)usable materials she discovers. In the Garden of Exquisite Unknown is inspired by her current surroundings of Lake Huron, Plympton-Wyoming and Lambton County.

About Siobhán Humston

Throughout her artistic career, Humston’s work has focused on elements of our natural environment, from landscapes, ley lines and megalithic tombs in Ireland, to waterways, islands, wooded areas and the teeming life of gardens. Reading, writing, playing music, collecting nature’s ephemera and creating from these interests remain the heart of her life, weaving gently with continued interests in spirituality and consciousness. Her artwork has been featured in over seventy exhibitions internationally and is held in various private and corporate collections. Visit jnaag.ca to read a full bio.

MAY 03

7:00 - 9:00 PM

MEMBERS’ RECEPTION

Artist will be in attendance.

Members will enjoy live music, drinks and light snacks.

MAY 09

7:00 PM GUIDED TOUR

See page 21 for more details.

Siobhán Humston, I feel I know you, 2023; embroidered braille on sheer curtain.

JON SASAKI HOMAGE

April 19 - September 1, 2024

The Toronto Conceptual artist Jon Sasaki began his career in the mid-nineties as a landscape painter. As the years have gone by, his approach to art making has evolved, but one constant remains: his near-devotional attentiveness to the Group of Seven and their legacy in Canadian art. In this project, Sasaki takes his devotion to almost comic excess—swabbing the palettes used by the Group members and Tom Thomson held in the McMichael collection and growing the resulting bacterial cultures in petri dishes for his eventual large-scale photography. The results are microbial landscapes in their own right, records of slow blooms of colour and texture that exalt the natural world at the microscopic level while honouring the ghosts of Canadian art history.

Organized by

Exhibition Sponsors

Richard and Donna Ivey

MAY 03 7:00 - 9:00 PM

MEMBERS’ RECEPTION

Artist will be in attendance.

Members will enjoy live music, drinks and light snacks.

JULY 11 7:00 PM

SLOW VIEW TOUR

See page 21 for more details.

Jon Sasaki, Microbes Swabbed from a Palette Used by F.H. Varley, 2020; archival print; 91.44 cm x 91.44 cm; Image courtesy of the artist and Clint Roenisch Gallery.

Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven

April 19 - September 1, 2024

The opportunity to display Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven’s artwork in a space adjacent to their original palettes, paintboxes and artist tools is too irresistible to pass-by. In response to the exhibition Homage the JNAAG is pleased to share a selection of Tom Thomson and Group of Seven paintings from the permanent collection.

JUL 07 GUIDED TOUR

See page 15 for more details.

AUG 08 7:00 PM GUIDED TOUR

See page 21 for more details.

Red Dot Tours available on First Fridays from June to August. See page 21 for more details.

A. Y. Jackson, Fog on Eclipse Sound, 1927; oil on wood panel. From the collection of the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery.

May 3 - July 12, 2024

Step into the captivating finale of the Re View series, a tribute to the incredible talents housed within the JNAAG permanent collection. Five new artists are explored: Stephen Andrews, Franklin Arbuckle, John Colin Forbes, Ian McLean and Jessie Oonark.

Highlighting the essence of the Re View exhibitions are all new audio tours, designed to enhance the visitor experience. Each tour promises a diverse range of encounters from moments of quiet introspection to thought provoking questions crafted to lead visitors towards discovering hidden symbolism within the art.

Ian McLean, Storm Over Lake Huron, 2012; oil on canvas. From the collection of the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery.

August 2 - October 12, 2024

Teens across Lambton County have been making creatively inspired photographs in response to this year’s Teen Photo Contest theme “Lambton Through the Lens.”

In this exhibition a juried selection of submissions will appear alongside photography by Jane Hinton from JNAAG’s permanent collection. Hinton’s fascination with photographing bridges took her around the world and produced a body of work which included many works featuring Sarnia’s Blue Water Bridge.

This exhibition is a community arts initiative with Lambton County Library.

Jane Hinton, Blue Water Bridges, 1996; photograph. From the collection of the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery.

Teen Photography Workshops with Sierra Rei Hart

Join local award-winning photographer Sierra Rei Hart in this series of workshops as she explores photography techniques that will support teens to hone their photo making skills.

Composing Composition

Sunday, May 26, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Learn tips and tricks of how to make an interesting photograph.

Abstract Focus

Thursday, June 6, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Learn how to compose and edit photographs from a unique point of view, focusing on shapes, lines, and shadows.

RAAW Photography

July 2-5, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Create interesting compositions, perfect lighting and express storytelling through the eye of your camera.

Teen Photo Contest

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Submission deadline: July 7, 2024

Ages 13-18

Call for submission is now open for the annual Teen Photo Contest. Teens from Lambton County are invited to submit up to five photos inspired by the theme “Lambton Through the Lens.”

Three subcategories make up the theme: Local Icons, Abstract, and Romance of Ruin.

Supportive workshops and presentations are offered by both Lambton County Library and JNAAG to help teens develop their skills.

Visit jnaag.ca for more details about the contest and themes.

Art & Ideas

Through engaging discussions with prominent artists and experts, Art & Ideas provides a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the inspiration, techniques, and perspectives behind the art on display.

In Conversation with Jon Sasaki

Saturday, May 4, 11:30 a.m.

Free Registration Required

Jon Sasaki will lead a tour of his exhibition Homage, describing the process of growing microbial colonies from historic objects.

In Conversation with Joanie & Gary McGuffin

Thursday, May 16, 7:00 p.m.

Free Registration Required

Joanie & Gary McGuffin will discuss their search for iconic locations captured by artists from the Group of Seven and their documentary, Painted Land.

In Conversation with Siobhán Humston

Thursday, June 20, 7:00 p.m.

Free Registration Required

Siobhán Humston will lead a tour of her exhibition In the Garden of Exquisite Unknown and discuss her creative process and methodology.

Workshops

Mindful Stitch with Evelyn Ward

Thursday, May 2, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

$40 (+tax) Member discount available

Learn the practice of slow stitching. Put your inner critic on mute as you focus on the process and rewards of staying present with the needle and thread without regards to the outcome. Supplies included.

Creative Photography with Sierra Rei Hart

Thursday, May 23, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

$45 (+tax) Member discount available

Learn how to create masterpieces with your camera and phone. This workshop will focus on composition and lighting to enhance your images. Please bring your cell phone or camera.

Methods for Creative Making with Siobhán Humston

Sunday, June 16, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

$60 (+tax) Member discount available

Observe, learn and make your own mixed media art creation using natural and recycled materials. Supplies and lunch included.

Acrylic Painting en Plein Air with Helena Renwick

Sunday, July 28, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

$75 (+tax) Member discount available

Learn how to be bold with colour and brushes in this painting workshop designed for the intermediate painter. Supplies and lunch included.

Art & Books Club

Free Registration Required

Art & Books Club is a collaboration between Lambton County Library and JNAAG. Books are specially selected for this club to complement themes which appear in current exhibitions at the JNAAG. Participants of the book club are supplied with a copy of the book available to pick up at the Sarnia Library and invited to a group discussion which is followed by a private tour at the gallery. Inquire with the library for digital, audio, or large print options.

2:00 p.m. - Book discussion at Sarnia Library.

3:00 p.m. - Exhibition tour at JNAAG.

Thursday, May 30

The Invention of Nature: Alexander Von Humbolt’s New World by Andrea Wulf

Thursday, August 29

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

Group of Seven Day

Discover the captivating legacy of the Group of Seven as we celebrate their profound connection to Ontario, the province they cherished as home.

Experience the inaugural Group of Seven Day with us! Explore Jon Sasaki’s Homage exhibition, featuring an array of Group of Seven palettes and toolboxes. Take a free guided tour of our Tom Thompson and Group of Seven exhibition, where their timeless masterpieces await.

Plus, unleash your inner artist with a special Lawren Harris colouring page, allowing you to create your own masterpiece inspired by these iconic Canadian artists. Join us in commemorating their enduring influence and celebrate your creativity on Group of Seven Day!

Registration Required for Guided Tours.

Family Saturday Studio Drop-In

Saturdays from 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Free Donations are welcome

Discover, create, and get curious every Saturday afternoon we are working on something in the art studio. All families are welcome to drop-in for a short artist facilitated studio activity inspired by the current exhibitions. The activity changes monthly. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

May 4, 11, 18, 25

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Suminagashi Paper Marbling

Create your own print inspired by patterns found in nature using Suminigashi or ‘floating ink’.

Microscopic Mixed Media

Explore art through a scientific lens as you use microscopic images as inspiration for a mixed media abstract art creation.

All Ages

July 6, 13, 20, 27

August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

September 7, 14, 21, 28

Botanical Prints

Capture the delicate details of flowers and leaves using the Gelli plate mono printing technique.

Natural Clay Pendant

Use air dry clay and natural elements to create a wearable nature pendant.

Nature’s Paint Brushes

Create your own paint brush using found natural objects and have fun testing it out on a collaborative mural wall in the art studio.

Ages 14-18

Photography with Sierra Rei Hart

July 2-5, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Sierra Rei Hart will guide you to create interesting compositions, perfect lighting and express storytelling through the eye of your camera.

Summer RAAW

Random Acts of Art Workshop (RAAW) is a multi-day intensive workshop designed for teens interested in exploring art making. Led by practicing professional artists, RAAW is the perfect balance of instruction and experimentation. No experience necessary. Spaces are limited.

Lunch not provided.

Free Suggested Donation of $10

Registration Required

A-SIDE / B-SIDE: Arts & Beats with Julie Fazooli

July 23-26, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join Julie Fazooli for a fun-filled audio-visual adventure that combines two major components of street culture. Learn the basics of DJing and create your own skateboard deck wall art.

TNT Summer Splash

Ages 9-13

August 6 Deal & Design: Create Your Own Card Game

August 8

Artful Attire: Creations You Can Wear

August 6-9, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Try New Things (TNT)! Develop your creative skills, make new friends, and explore your community. This program, led by local artist Lauren Davidson, is filled with a variety of exciting new experiences that will allow youth to discover new passions. Spaces are limited. Lunch not provided.

Free Suggested Donation of $10

Registration Required

August 7

Collaborative Canvas: Working Together to Make Art

August 9

Clay Critters: Sculpt Your Own Tiny Pet

In The Community

Inspirational Moments

A specialized art program for people with dementia and their care partner. JNAAG develops exclusive exhibition tours and hands on art activities in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton.

No experience required. To learn more or register contact the Alzheimer’s Society at 519-332-4444.

jobPath

jobPath is an Employment Discovery Workshop for workready people who have a disability. jobPath not only helps people with a disability find a job but specializes in coaching people on how to keep their job and remain successful at work.

To learn more or register email: info@employment-transitions.com

First Fridays

The gallery will be open until 9:00 p.m. on select First Fridays.

Summer First Friday dates include:

Friday, May 3

Friday, June 7

Friday, July 5

Friday, August 2

Which tour is right for you?

Community Group Tours

Did you know that JNAAG offers a two-hour art experience which includes a gallery tour and art making activity?

For fee schedule and booking contact:

Yesenia Samuel: 519-336-8127 ext. 3231

yesenia.samuel@county-lambton.on.ca

First Friday Red Dot Tours

June 7, July 5, August 2 between 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Free Drop-In

Drop in for a quick look at one or two art works from the Tom Thomson and Group of Seven exhibition. A red dot tour lasts roughly 15 minutes.

Slow View Tour

July 11 at 7:00 p.m.

Free Registration required

Bring your deepest thoughts and breathe as you take an extended look at a piece of art from Jon Sasaki Homage. Each session lasts 30 minutes.

Guided Tours

May 9, August 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Free Registration required

Enjoy everything from facts to playful exploration of In the Garden of Exquisite Unknown (May 9) and Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven (August 8). A guided tour can last 45 - 60 minutes.

ᓯᑯ ᕿᕐᓂᖅᓯᓯᒪᔪᖅ

ᓕᐊᔅᓕ ᕇᑦ ᐊᒻᒪ ᕌᕗᑦ ᑲᐅᑐᖅ

Dark Ice

Leslie Reid and Robert Kautuk

Glaces obscures

Leslie Reid et Robert Kautuk

ᒪᑐᐃᖅᑕᐅᓂᖓᓄᑦ ᑲᑎᓐᓂᐊᖅᑐᑦ: ᐊᒃᑑᕙ 4, 2024

Opening reception: October 4, 2024

Vernissage : 4 octobre 2024

The exhibition Dark Ice: Leslie Reid and Robert Kautuk is curated by Rebecca Basciano, and circulated by the Ottawa Art Gallery.

Funded by | Projet financé par:

Sponsors / Partners:

Cover: Ian McLean, Storm Over Lake Huron, 2012; oil on canvas. From the collection of the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery.