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New gallery in Stroud is 'A Leap of Faith' for local artists (5 photos)

A group of artists have taken the initiative to open a gallery space in Innisfil

The new gallery space in Stroud is named be contemporary gallery, but it could just as easily share the title of the inaugural exhibit: “A Leap of Faith…”

It took a leap of faith to open a gallery in the village of Stroud, transforming the former Stroud Medical Centre on Yonge Street into an art space and studio, to showcase local and regional artists.

“The gallery is a space that I am hoping will not only give artists opportunities, but as well engage the community and help grow the arts,” said participating artist Jeanette Luchese.

The be contemporary gallery, located at 7869 Yonge St., officially opens this Friday, Feb. 28, with a reception planned from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be a ribbon cutting at 7 p.m., with Deputy Mayor Dan Davidson.

Earlier this week, a team of volunteers – participating artists, their friends and family members – were busy, getting the space ready for the opening. There were walls to paint, floors to clean, and artwork to hang and install, as the former pharmacy and medical clinic was transformed into a gallery and creative space.  

The inaugural exhibit, A Leap of Faith: the making of a gallery space features works by artists Ted Fullerton, Tim Lauren, Robert Marchessault, Teresa Cullen, Gary Evans, Sadko Hadzihasanovic, Amy Bagshaw, Amy Switzer, Scott Sawfell, Tammy Benoit, Frances Thomas, Jill Price, Gail Esau, Pauline Bradshaw, Tanya Cunnington, Bewabon Shilling, Luci Dilkus, Sue Miller, John David Anderson, Clayton Samuel King, Bernice Vasey, Katja van den Enden, Chum McLeod, Michael Coughlin, Judith Gibson-Vick, Jeff Ney, Roy Hickling, Sue Hickling, Christina Luck, Juliana Hawke, Christine Mack, David Alan Hill, Nathalie Bertin, Midori Fullerton, Gita Karkins, Claudia Mandlier McKnight, Will Blakey, Melissa Robertson, Jennie Clark, Sue Street, Cathy Boyd, Janet Reid, Tyler Durbano, Karen Wild, Brian Barrer, Kim Prett, Deborah Atkinson, Christina McBean, Maggie Grace, Sarah Hawley, Jane Dewar, Leonora Husveti-Frenette, Sarah Elizabeth Leonard, Joanne Lomas, and Jeanette Luchese.

“I am so grateful this amazing group of friends have come together,” said Luchese.

A Leap of Faith will be at the gallery from Feb. 28 to March 22. Upcoming exhibits include works by Third-year Georgian College Fine Arts students, and an exhibition of sculptural work to celebrate International Sculpture Day, #ISDAY.

Be contemporary gallery is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For information call 705-436-7607 or email [email protected].


Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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