The Cornwall Regional Art Gallery is rolling out the red carpet as it celebrates its 30th anniversary in grand style, with a gala, on October 19.
The formal event will include a new exhibit, a red carpet photo shoot by Jason McNamara, guest speakers, a video on the history of the gallery, and catering by Moustache Joe’s. Special guests will include Mayor Bob Kilger and MP Guy Lauzon.
“We want to involve the community,” said Sylvie Lizotte, CRAG director, who is inviting all local artists to be part of the special exhibit, presently in the works for the event.
“We want to build a big community mosaic,” said Lizotte who is looking for submissions of square pieces to create a puzzle on the walls of the gallery.
“Size does not matter, as long as they are square” she said. “The more sizes, the more interesting it will be.” Artists are welcome to submit up to three pieces, regardless of medium.
Sculptors are also welcome to submit their pieces as well, for floor display. “We hope to have lots of sculptures.”
There is no entry fee to exhibit, however artists who wish to participate, are asked to donate a smaller piece which will be given away as door prizes.
“People are very excited to participate,” said Lizotte. “We’re having a very good response.”
The gallery will mark its milestone with a few changes, including a new name, which will be unveiled at the reception, along with the new logo. A recent paint job has spruced up the space, just in time for the celebration.
When they started out 30 years ago, said Lizotte, the idea was to have satellite galleries in every county, this turned out to be not financially feasible.
Since then, CRAG has taken up residency on Pitt Street, first in the location which is now Moustache Joe’s, and for the last 28 years at its present location, which had been previously a department store.
As far as the future of the gallery, Lizotte’s goal is to one day have a permanent location with more space, which would allow their program to grow exponentially.
On the wish list for the future is their own building with a separate workshop and exhibit spaces, community room and a small theatre adjacent.
“The art gallery is accessible to everybody and not everybody knows that,” said Lizotte who hopes for a larger profile in the community, as they move forward.
For further information or to submit a piece for the community mosaic project call 613-938-4701 or visit www.cornwallregionalartgallery.ca.
