Gallery co-ordinator Loree Lawrence and partner MIchelle Irving gave a warm welcome to the community at the opening reception.
Gallery Co-ordinator Loree Lawrence speaks at opening reception. Photo Credit Mary MIlne
“It’s for community members, for all kinds of people with different value systems and different perspectives” said Lawrence, “And I really hope that this will be a place where people feel comfortable coming and meeting new people.”
Former gallery owners Joey Shulman and Barry Siegrist, who started the gallery in 2013, were at the opening, bringing the new owners an arrangement of fiery flowers to signify the passing of the torch to the new Wildewood.
“What they’ve done is transformative” said Shulman. “They turned a good space into a stunning space….the wood shelves for the pottery display, the diversity of the pottery, the whole theme of it being within our area.
“They’re continuing a tradition that was really important: to give local artists exposure. It’s so joyous. It’s a real addition to the main street. We’re very proud.”
Shulman and Siegrist, cherished members of the Maynooth community for decades, contributed exponentially to arts and culture in the area after first landing on Madawaska Road in 1988. Lawrence acknowledged their powerful impact and legacy:
“I want to thank Joey and Barry with all of our hearts for really planting the seeds for what we’re doing today. These are very big shoes to to fill,” she said.
“Size 7 and a half,” called out Shulman to a laughing crowd.
“They have been a huge support,” continued Lawrence, with a laugh.
She then addressed Shulman and Siegrist.
“You’ve really enthusiastically supported what we’re doing and given us advice and told us not to worry or freak out and I really thank you for that.”
Lawrence went on to say it was a great first day.
“It was so amazing having people come into the gallery for the first time, who have had a long-standing relationship with Barry and Joe.”
Lawrence also shared in her opening remarks that Wildewood Gallery is not a stand-alone enterprise but part of a broader vision.
“We have recently incorporated as the Rumor Mill Arts Center,: said Lawrence. “And the gallery is a project of (that).”
She referenced a recent concert of musical artist Veda Hill hosted by the Arts Centre, saying they encouraged people to ‘bring their enthusiasm’ and new ideas to the space:
“If you have an idea, if you want to do something in this space, don’t be afraid. I’m really interested in guest curation as well. We’ll be doing residencies down the line, so that’s very exciting.”
The current exhibition Homegrown features area artists working in ceramics, visual art and stained glass.
Artists are:
Visual artists: Rockey Lawrence Green, Freddy Towe and Ken Fraser. Ceramicists: Lisa Barry, Amy Doole, Lara Elliot, April Gates, Karen Gray, Jane Lee, Stephanie Park and Renee Woltx. Wood by Matt Mahlik and glass by Sean Sarty.
The Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.
