A group of young, Haliburton-based artists are inviting residents to “step into their mind” and experience a pop-up art show debuting this weekend.
The Limbic Collective is made up of 10 artists who, through a variety of media, have expressed their take on personal identity, emotions and the nuances of human existence for the series, opening Dec. 4 in unit four downstairs in the Stedman’s Mall on Highland Street. There’ll be an official opening at 6 p.m.
Joey Varga is the heart and soul of the movement. An aspiring painter, Varga said they’ve often found it difficult to find avenues to showcase their pieces – something they believe is common among those looking to break into the industry.
“I first conceptualized this some time ago, while I was a student at Haliburton School of Art + Design. Another student and I started talking and thought it would be really great to have something in town that wasn’t elitist, ultra-competitive or difficult to get into,” Varga said. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for young artists to exhibit their work, but more than that to make them feel like they really belonged.”
The ‘Step Into Our Mind’ art show will run until Dec. 11 featuring installation, video, performance, painting, 3D printing, wearable, sculpture, and poetry.
Speaking to their medium, Varga said, “Installation art is unique – rather than inviting people to look at a painting, a video or a sculpture, it’s like you turn a specific space into a piece of art. So that means putting things on the ceiling, on walls and on the floor. My goal is to have something that people can walk through to experience as more of an atmosphere rather than simply something to look at.”
The event is being part sponsored by the Ethel Curry Gallery and Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre.
Plans are in place for the Limbic Collective to host more events in the community.
“The idea for this collective is not to just have one event and for it to be over … Maybe there’s opportunities for some artists to rent studio space together, to hold individual events, or do big seasonal shows at different times of the year,” Varga said.
“We’re just starting out, and we’re growing, which is really exciting.”
The opening ceremony will run from 6 to 8 p.m., with the show open daily from Dec. 5 to 10 from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A closing ceremony will take place on Dec. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. The show is free to all residents, though they will be accepting donations at the door to help cover running costs.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Haliburton-based artist Tiffany Howe would be serving as curator of this event, with Varga as curatorial assistant. Instead, Varga will be serving as lead curator, with assistance with all artists involved.
