Acclaimed Canadian musician Justin Rutledge performed at the Kingston’s Arts Council’s Juried Art Salon’s opening night to support Canadian art.
Kingston Arts Council (KAC) held their fourteenth annual Juried Art Salon at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning on the evening of May 21. The evening marked the opening exhibition of chosen pieces to be showcased at the Tett until June 26. Rutledge, who’s a Juno Award winning musician, showcased at the event.
The event also marked the first year the event took place at the Tett Centre. Last year, the opening night was held at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) Central Branch. The event included an opening reception, a gallery exhibition of the juried pieces and Rutledge’s performance.
Members of the organization and supporters of the Kingston arts community announced the juried winners during the opening reception.
Every year, the KAC invites local artists to submit works of art in any medium. After the submission deadline, two or three jurors spend approximately seven weeks reviewing and curating an exhibition of chosen pieces.
The evening began with the awards ceremony of the winning artists. Presenters offered each award in honour of a significant figure in the Kingston arts community or a Kingston arts organization. Each speaker emphasized the significance and uniqueness of the arts community in Kingston.
“It is absolutely astonishing to me how much talented artists and support for the arts is packed into this small city,” Susan Shaw, co-owner of the Frontenac Club Inn said.
The exhibition curated by the jurors, which was open for viewers throughout the evening’s events, was one example. The art pieces varied from paintings and drawings to small sculptures and photography.
One piece, titled Daddy’s Pride and Joy by artist Lindsay Foster, was a black and white photograph of two men crying and holding a newborn child.
“Daddy’s Pride and Joy was taken during Pride Week at Kingston General Hospital (KGH) in July 2014. The artist’s statement in a pamphlet provided to all attendees of the event read: “Baby boy Milo was born through a surrogate mom to two wonderful and caring fathers Frankie and BJ … this moment was emotional and joyous to witness.”
The night ended by a musical performance by Justin Rutledge, who played a selection of songs from his latest album Daredevil. The album is composed entirely of Tragically Hip covers.
In an interview before the show, Rutledge said Canadian communities should be commended for their efforts to support the arts.
“One thing that Canadian artists are really good at is supporting other Canadian artists, through grants and arts councils and community support,” says Rutledge.
“When I was traveling the country, it was clear that there is a real camaraderie between artists and people who love the arts.”
Rutledge’s message for musicians and other artists was simple.
“Play. Play live whenever you can. Play bad venues. Play great venues. Just keep playing,” said Rutledge.
Rutledge had been looking for an opportunity to perform in Kingston, according to KAC’s Artistic Director Greg Tilson.
“It seemed fitting to ask Justin to perform, especially with his recent homage to the Tragically Hip,” Tilson says. “Both him and the Kingston Arts Council were celebrating hometown artists. It fit aesthetically and artistically.”
Tilson said KAC uses the Juried Art Salon to support local artists.
“Works in the past have received national and international attention as a result of the show,” he said.
“With Justin performing, local businesses catering to show their support, and awards presented to the juried winners, the opening night is about celebrating the community’s dedication to art and increasing awareness.”
The Juried Art Salon gallery runs at the Tett Centre until June 26.
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