BY TAMARA GAGNON
I had the pleasure a couple of years ago of viewing an
independent film put together by some Laurentian film students
on their pursuit of "art."  In the film Art, the cat, has
gone missing. The group travels through different areas of the
city visiting places and spaces that represent art in the
Sudbury area, finally coming to rest at the Art Gallery of
Sudbury.  The purpose of the film, I believe, is that art
exists in many shapes and sizes in this great city of ours.
As a staff member of the Art Gallery of Sudbury, I have the
good-fortune of visiting "art" each and every day. As I make my
way through the gallery to the third-floor offices, I pass by
paintings, drawings, prints and sound and video installations
that are always changing and always interesting.
The gallery is a drawing card, much in the same way as the
film, drawing people in who are looking for "art."
The gallery provides a space just inside its doors for local
artists and art organizations to post their upcoming events.
There is the newly revamped gallery shop offering fine
handcrafted gifts ranging from hand-blown glass pieces and
pottery to beautiful watercolour paintings. Then there are the
two galleries displaying an ever-changing showcase of fine art
created by local, regional and national artists. The second
floor studio is home to art classes for both children and
adults.
Currently, the gallery is featuring the work of Mary Green of Sudbury and Judith Ingwerson of North Bay. These two women have very different styles of work but they have found a common ground as women, as teachers and as artists in Shifting Transversions. This exhibition, featuring paintings by both women as well as artworks created in various other mediums, runs until May 14. Next Thursday May 11,  there is an artist talk from 7 pm to 8:30 pm where the two will share their experiences about their work.
For those not familiar with the Art Gallery of Sudbury, it's
not hard to find. Follow the orange banners over the Paris St.
bridge to John St.,  head down John to the iron gates of
the historic Bell Mansion. The Art Gallery of Sudbury is
located at 251 John St. in the beautiful black stone building.
The gallery is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 10
am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon 12 to 5 pm. See you at the
gallery.
Tamara Gagnon is the special projects co-ordinator for the Art Gallery of Sudbury.
