Three weeks into his debut exhibit at the Highlands’ newest studio space, Haliburton resident Scott Walling believes he’s found his calling as an artistic curator.
‘I’m Coming Out’ launched at The Space, located on Highland Street beneath Russell Red Records, amid much fanfare Nov. 1. It’s a compilation of 37 works by eight artists, ranging from paintings and sculptures to live, in-person performances.
An artist who dabbles in various mediums, from painting and photography to metalwork, Walling has long dreamed of establishing a local showroom that caters to everyone
“There aren’t many places for up-and coming artists to showcase their work, especially in smaller, rural communities. There are no labels at The Space – it’s just somewhere that, hopefully, can bring some attention to the amazing talent we have here in the County,” Walling said.
In preparing for his inaugural show, Walling welcomed submissions from friends and acquaintances familiar to him from his years living and working in the area, and from completing programs at the Haliburton School of Art + Design.
The result was a display that he said fit like a glove.
“I had been thinking about putting artists together that are kind of in the same circles, but hadn’t necessarily been showing together, or worked together before. I knew in my mind what I wanted to achieve, but when I was done, I was blown away by how everything pieced together,” Walling said. “I keep using the word ‘serendipity’ to describe it, because it felt like the pieces, where I placed them, came together almost on their own.”
There is a Raku pottery piece designed by Renee Woltz, a fractured plate reassembled, that fits perfectly with a pair of wood panel paintings completed by Sophie Creelman. Across the room, one of Walling’s hanging metal sculptures complements a set of David Partridge’s large pixel paintings.
“It looks like we had each collaborated with one another to come up with this larger display, but we had no prior communication. It’s quite amazing how people’s works matched so well together,” Walling said.
Other featured artists include Tiffany Howe, Zach Warne, and Jake Walling. Poet Ever has been a recurring presence, bringing three interactive performances to life this month. They will be back at The Space Nov. 26 for a special exhibition reception, headlined by musical performances by Evangeline Gentle. The event will run from 6 to 10 p.m. and will also include a curator talk, hosted by Walling, and snippets from the artists discussing their works.
‘I’m Coming Out’ will run for three more days before ending, Nov. 24 to 26 from noon until 6 p.m.
“It’s been an amazing ride this month. I’m ecstatic with how it’s all gone. I’m buzzing every time I’ve been in there. It’s been nice having people stop in, walking around the works with me and giving me the opportunity to talk about the amazing pieces featured – it’s been everything I hoped it would be,” Walling said.
Another exhibit, this one festively-themed, will debut Dec. 1 and will provide locals with an opportunity to find the perfect unique Christmas gift for a friend or loved one. ‘Deck the Halls’ will run Wednesdays, through Sundays until Dec. 23.
To keep up with the offerings at The Space, follow on Instagram at thespace_hali.
