You don’t have to be an arts afficionado to appreciate Rails End Gallery’s latest exhibit ‘Arts and Labour’, says curator Laurie Jones.
A display of unique metalworks from Douro-based artist Garrett Gilbart will debut June 20 and be in place through summer to Aug. 28. He specializes in breathing new life into weathered products, such as canoes, tools, and vehicles. He also has a penchant for lichen art – recreating colourful algae spores using metal.
Jones said she met Gilbart several years ago, when he participated in the gallery’s annual Arts and Crafts Festival. Since then, he’s grown his body of work – with installations in Peterborough, Elora, and The Woodlands, Texas.
“I have really enjoyed watching his craftsmanship develop. He is very good at what he does – he’s always got something on the go,” Jones said.
She visited his studio in Douro last summer – “it was like stepping into his brain,” Jones said, with pieces in various stages of completion scattered around the room. The pair spent hours discussing their own artistic preferences and influences. They had long floated the idea of an exhibit in Haliburton.
Jones said the display, which kicks off with an opening reception Friday at 4 p.m., draws inspiration from the arts and crafts movement of the late 1800s. Famed textile designer William Morris was a particular focus.
“There will be eight pieces or so – they’re really big and we want to be careful to showcase them properly. I’ve just finished painting one of the interior walls an arsenic green, which is a totally weird colour, but it works with what we’re putting in,” Jones said. “He’s sourced some old William Morris wallpaper, we’ve got a couple of Morris’ chairs in there.”
She said the aim is to create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that speaks to people from all backgrounds – whether they’re interested in art or not.
“We want to do something that envelopes the visitor… it’s always my hope that people leave the gallery feeling a little more inspired, changed even.
“I’m really interested in drawing in different people who might not typically visit a gallery. This exhibit is perfect for people who don’t know anything about the artist, or anything about the artform. It’s all about appreciating something beautiful,” Jones noted.
The gallery is open Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
