SCOOP: Art Gallery of Windsor reopens with new classes, exhibits
The Art Gallery of Windsor (Photo by Laryssa Brooks)
They decided to go big.
After seven months of closure, the Art Gallery of Windsor is reopening. Fresh exhibits, classes and an app are just some of the new offers available.
“We’ve packed the galleries with as much art as possible,” said Sophie Hinch, education and public programs coordinator for the AGW. “We wanted to give the community a chance to come back and really have a wonderful experience.”
The new exhibits include photos by Edward Burtynsky, a series called Abandoned Namib Desert by Elaine Ling and a group exhibit called A Walk in the Wild.
Burtynsky’s photos investigate man’s effects on the environment, while the Ling exhibit examines the effects of nature on humans. A Walk in the Wild also explores the great outdoors.
This focus on nature is reflected in the classes the gallery hopes to lead this fall.
In September, Artist and Arts Educator April Morris led residents in a mindful, outdoor tour of Windsor’s urban art and spaces. Called Walking the City, participants were encouraged to consider how the city shaped them.
“Decipher your connection with the city that you live in and how you feel about that,” asked Morris. “What is your emotional response to the changes that are happening?”
The tour was such a knockout that the gallery hopes to lead more this month.
“Everybody kept asking, ‘Oh, when’s the next one? I’ll tell my friends,’” explained Hinch. “So we’re looking at different artists, different people and different places in the city for more art walks.”
Hinch said the gallery has also expanded its exhibits to focus on community and respond to current events.
The Art Gallery of Windsor is located downtown on Riverside Dr. W (Photo by Laryssa Brooks)
A show called Signs of Protest highlights local demonstrations for the Black Lives Matter movement, while an exhibit titled “Detroit, We Love You” features artists from both sides of the border to highlight the relationship between the two cities.
“We worked with a community activist to collect signs from the community. They’re displayed alongside some photos in our new community space,” Hinch said.
She noted that the new app will guide residents through these exhibits. “Visitors are able to access it from their smartphones. It has audio clips, images and work descriptions. It’s kind of like a self-guided tour throughout the gallery.”
Also part of these updates are free virtual tours for residents who wish to stay home. Registrants can experience the AGW’s permanent collection with gallery guides over Zoom.
The changes are expected to draw a number of visitors. “From what I’ve heard from the community, everybody is anxious and excited to go back,” said Hinch. “We just want to make sure that everyone stays safe and has a good time.”
To register for the AGW’s virtual tours and learn more about the new exhibits, visit the art gallery’s website.
