Written by David McConnell
Sitting at the corner of Gordon and College Streets as you approach the University of Guelph is an edifice that has had both an educative and artistic history within the city. More recently crowned as the Art Gallery of Guelph, it was originally known as the MacDonald Stewart Art Centre which re-opened as an Art hub after its closure as a school in 1972. Its original mandate as a public gallery was to present as many as 15 exhibitions of contemporary and historical art drawn from regional, national, and international sources. A major component of this endeavour was to feature, at intervals, some of the 4,000-piece University of Guelph and Art Centre collections that spans the sprawling history and diversity of Canadian Art. This continues to be the function of the Art Gallery of Guelph.
As a testament to this particular focus, a new and modern exhibit is currently on display for those interested in taking it in. And take it in you should. Curated through an open call to artists, “155,578”, as it is interestingly and creatively titled, brings together pieces by 55 artists living and working within the region. The title of the exhibit, “155,578”, is meant to suggest the general number of people residing within the City of Guelph now. The art itself is meant to provide a form of mapping, listening closely to the many questions, gestures, and stories that the city has revealed. The exhibition considers and suggests through its various visual interpretations, ways that art and ideas can give form to civic life, while creating a platform for local dialogue and exchange. Enhancing the walk-through experience that the first-floor offers of this exhibit are touch screen devices that allow viewers a closer perusal of the individual pieces on display.
But don’t end your experience here. Also available for viewing on the second floor is a display entitled “Fuzzy Thinking.” This exhibit brings together historical and contemporary textile offerings that explore softness, tactility, and material complexities as ways of understanding the world around us. Tapestries by Joyce Wieland, Michael Snow, William Kurulek, and others are interconnected with Inuit wall hangings and First Nations beadwork. This colourful exhibit draws from the AGG’s own collection and beyond.
There is always more, of course. If the weather is favourable, make sure to take in the wonderful outdoor Donald Forster Sculpture Park. Its 41 permanent installations located on the 2+ acres adjoining the AGG building are well worth a stroll. And should the weather not be conducive to outside wanderings don’t complete your visit without at least visiting the gallery store on your way out. There is a diverse array of incredible art reflecting different mediums, many from locally sourced artists, that can be purchased and, in some cases, rented.
One can hopefully see from this brief overview that there are 155, 578 reasons and more to visit the Art Gallery of Guelph. It has provided an important artistic context for the community for many decades and is always worth visiting, not just for these exhibits, but throughout the year. And it is free, although a donation at the end of a visit is always welcome. Art is so important in helping unite people, so please take advantage of the opportunity. “155,578” and “Fuzzy Thinking” are both accessible until August 29th. Get out and support the contributing artists and the gallery staff who have helped make this show public.
