Guelph artist Jayne Keefe: Balancing comedy, the obscure and reality

By Barbara Salsberg Mathews

Jayne Keefe is a multidisciplinary artist: she draws, creates oil paintings, ceramics and mixed media. In 2018 she graduated with distinction from Concordia University’s Undergraduate program in Studio Art. Last spring, she moved from Montreal to Guelph to be closer to family and continue growing her art practice. Here’s how Keefe describes her art and how it has evolved:

Guelph artist, Jayne Keefe. Image courtesy of artist.

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Monthly Musical Member Video - Sam Boer

Each month we’ll feature a video from one of GAC’s musical members. If you’re a musician and have a video you’d like us to feature, please send a YouTube link our way along with a short bio.

This month, we share one from Sam Boer, who performs under the name “Samson Wrote”. Sam’s 2019 album Pigeon is nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award (“Pushing the Boundaries” category), which will be handed out via online awards show on Saturday, April 4^th (livestream on the CFMA website or Facebook page). In addition to being a fabulous musician, Sam also hosts a radio program/podcast called “Lyrically Speaking”, occasionally writes for Exclaim!, and happens to have a birthday today. Happy birthday, Sam!

Unusual folk about usual feelings.
Samson Wrote is Sam Boer, an unorthodox multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter from Guelph, Ontario. He performs acoustic-based experimental folk-rock that swings from quiet confidences to full-bodied roars. He shares stories of intimate moments, always rooted in the human voice, while incorporating such diverse instruments as the synthesizer, snare drum, glockenspiel, recorders, and the acoustic guitar. The Samson Wrote debut LP, “Pigeon,” was released on February 22nd, 2019.

Visit the Samson Wrote website for more on one of the brightest lights on the Guelph arts scene.

And for your enjoyment today, from the CFMA-nominated album Pigeon, this is Samson Wrote’s “Nowhere and Everywhere”

Resources for the arts community in response to COVID-19

By Jane Litchfield

All kinds of artists and arts organizations are feeling the impact of the cancellations and isolation measures in response to COVID-19. Below is a list of supports and resources for creative workers, compiled as of March 24. Many of these sites are updated regularly. Don’t forget to track your losses -- and stay safe!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more news, and let us know if you have anything to share. Our office is closed, but we are monitoring email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Tuesday-Thursday) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Tuesday-Friday) and phone messages at 519-836-3280.

Canada Council for the Arts lists government resources for arts workers and FAQs on their own grants and programs.

Photo credit: Qimono from Pixabay

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Guelph Arts Council responds to COVID-19

Guelph, ON – March 18, 2020 – Based on the recommendations of Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health, and the Government of Ontario’s declaration of an emergency, Guelph Arts Council has closed its office and postponed March and April public programs until further notice.

During the closure, GAC staff can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Tuesday – Thursday) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Tuesday – Friday). Phone messages left at 519-836-3280 will be checked daily.

Public programs currently affected are the following:

Collector’s Dilemma – postponed

Tickets will be honoured at the rescheduled event, may be converted to a tax-receiptable donation, or may be refunded.

Doors Open Guelph and volunteer training sessions – postponed

For updates, please sign up for GAC’s e-news at guelpharts.ca and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

GAC will continue to monitor Public Health’s recommendations and announce decisions on public programs scheduled after April 30.

These are challenging times for artists and small business operators, whose income is impacted by closures, cancellations, and social distancing. Please support them online and shop local.

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