It was a beautiful day in Maynooth last Thursday, as Art Gallery of Bancroft artist-in-residence Kayla St. Pierre explored the area’s thriving arts scene, thanks to the hospitality of local artist-activists Ken Fraser and Roy Mitchell.
Fraser and Mitchell, who also host the Hybla Residency, spent the day showing St. Pierre around, introducing her to local artists and visiting their studios. The group hoped to make it to several locations throughout the day.
We caught up with them on the patio of the Sun Run cafe.
“We were at Wildewood Gallery in Maynooth, we’re heading to Patrick Doherty’s and Joey Bruni’s, and then over to Freddy Towes’ if we have time,” said Mitchell.
St. Pierre said she was excited for the day and delighted to discover such a diverse creative community in a rural setting.
“I love meeting artists. It’s always interesting to me to find out—how did you get where you are? What were the roadblocks? What brought you here?
“I love seeing artists’ spaces, the different things you can make happen in them, what makes them special. There’s always such a unique path into the art world—there’s no one straight way to get here.”
St. Pierre is exhibiting and working in residence at the Art Gallery of Bancroft throughout the month of May.
The work she produces during her residency will reflect her interpretation of the theme Finding Community.
She will be working in the gallery during regular hours and welcomes visitors to stop by, ask questions, and interact with her as she works.
The exhibition runs from April 29 to May 31.
