The Parrott Art Gallery on the third floor of Belleville Public Library is a vibrant centre for art and culture in the heart of downtown. If you have not had a chance to visit lately, take some time to check out the gallery and the Parrott Gallery Shop, where you can find unique gifts made by local artists and artisans. Here are some things you can look forward to at the Parrott over the next few months.
Have you had a chance to enjoy one of our free Armchair Traveler series yet? If not, you are in for a treat. On Saturday, Feb. 1, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., photographer and world traveler Lola Reid Allin guides us on a 10-day camping trek through snow-covered mountain passes and rushing rivers in Auyuittuq National Park, Nunavut. This is a repeat performance after our recent session with Lola was packed in December.
The next Armchair Traveler event is by accomplished wildlife photographer Bill Bickle, who explores British Columbia’s Khutzeymateen National Park Bear Sanctuary where he has encountered pristine forests and fabulous wildlife on six separate trips. Join us on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. for Bill’s presentation. Images from his adventure will be on display in the corridor gallery February through March.
Our next musical event will be a treat for your ears as we welcome Quinte Concerts on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 12:15 p.m. Enjoy a grand concert highlighting piano and vocal works by Mozart and Haydn. Indulge in the sensational musical imagination of composers from the classical era illustrated through their arias and sonatas. Renowned vocalist Douglas Rice hosts this classical music concert. Admission is free but donations to the musicians are appreciated.
If you have not dropped in to see our current exhibitions, they are amazing and different than almost anything we have had before. In Gallery One, enjoy the comic art of Blas Villagomez, in his installation entitled “Captain Albert and the Chronicles of Edenia.” There is artwork and comic books from his original series, along with some great sculptures. It is a very special show from an artist who is well-known in South America for his traditional murals and fine art. In Gallery Two, you should not miss “Inheritance” by artist and sculptor Kimberly Tucker. This unique show incorporates stunning felt work and a wide variety of found objects. It is a strange and disturbing show in some ways but it is one of my favourite exhibitions ever. Both shows close on February 13.
We are looking forward to the next show in the Parrott Gallery, running from February 20 – March 25. This exhibition features a variety of artists from the East Central Ontario Art Association for their annual juried show. This is year 62 for their juried show and we are thrilled they are having it here. Join us for the opening reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m..
Speaking of juried shows, are you an artist who is interested in showing your work? Enter the Parrott Gallery’s bi-annual juried show, which will be exhibited from May 7 to June 4. The deadline for entry is Friday, March 27 and the fee is just $25 for up to two entries. The theme this year is “Faces and Places”, so your work should reflect some aspect of the theme, however you choose to interpret it. For more information about how to enter your work for consideration in the show, call or visit the gallery section of our website, www.bellevillelibrary.ca. Join us for the opening reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m.
There are also great art workshops in the gallery every month. The Drawing Room offers non-instructional studio sessions for drawing and painting the human figure from a draped model. Join us on the third Thursday of each month from 2 – 4 p.m. in the meeting room. Donations are welcome for this free program. The Doodle Group, led by artist Marita Langlois, is a guided, mindful drawing session for all, on the third Friday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Remember to bring your supplies.
If you have any questions about any of our exhibitions, programs, or events, drop by the Gallery, email gallery@bellevillelibrary.ca, or call 613-968-6731 ext. 2040.
– Trevor Pross is the Belleville Public Library CEO
