& Programs
Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery
Art is for Anyone!
At JNAAG, we believe art is for anyone, and we’re happy to say that coming to see our art is free! We want everyone, big and small, to come and enjoy the colours, shapes and stories at JNAAG. So, bring your friends and family, and let’s have fun with art together!
GALLERY HOURS
*Sunday hours run from May 18 to August 31 CLOSED CLOSED 11:00 - 4:00 11:00 - 8:30 11:00 - 4:00 11:00 - 4:00 11:00 - 4:00
SPECIAL EVENT HOURS
Group of Seven Day
Monday, July 7
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
ArtPath
August 16 & 17
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Open First Fridays until 9:00 p.m.
Opening April 25, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Members Reception: First Friday, May 2, 2025, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m Artist will be in attendance I Live music, drinks and food.
Rajni Perera is one of Canada’s most promising contemporary multimedia artists. Experimenting with mediums as varied as painting, sculpture and photography, the Toronto-based artist expresses her vision of imagined futures in which mutated subjects exist in dystopian realms. Drawing deeply on the artistic traditions of her birthplace, Sri Lanka, as well as Indian miniature painting, medieval armour, and science fiction, Perera has created a body of work that spans feminist and diasporic themes, while contemplating survival in an environmentally degraded future. Her work responds to existential threats with creativity and invention, offering a vision charged with humour and sharp critique, hope and dread. Underscored by current global affairs and accelerated climate change, Perera’s vision is as timely as it is compelling.
This exhibition is organized and circulated by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
JUN 12 7:00 p.m. GUIDED TOUR
See page 18 for more details. Rajni Perera, Storm, 2020, mixed media on marbled paper; 76.2 × 61 cm; James McKellar. Photo courtesy of the artist and Patel Brown, © Rajni Perera
STORM WATCH
Opening April 25, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Members Reception: First Friday, May 2, 2025, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m
As climate crisis consciousness grows and our typical seasons and storms intensify, depictions of extreme weather continue to hold the interest of artists. Drawn from the gallery’s permanent collection, Storm Watch brings together both historic and contemporary interpretations of nature’s power.
International Symphony Orchestra will perform a specially curated musical program inspired by Storm Watch on First Friday, August 1 at 7:00 p.m.
JUL 20 2:00 p.m. SLOW VIEW TOUR
See page 18 for more details. AUG 14 7:00 p.m. SINGING TOUR See page 19 for more details.
Lawrence Arthur Colley Panton, Green Cascade, 1936; oil on canvas. From the collection of the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery
Until July 6, 2025
Sculpting Life is an exploration of the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery’s Inuit carving collection. The works depict wildlife and the human experience of living in the Arctic—documenting the enduring relationships of northern communities as seen through the skilled hands of Inuit artists.
Predominantly from the Nunavik (Arctic Quebec) region, the carvings were created in the ‘50s offering a unique perspective of the genesis of the Inuit art movement.
Call for submissions: Portal opens April 2,2025
Ages 13-18
This is an opportunity to showcase your creativity in our Teen Photo Contest! This year’s theme, “Stories in Focus,” invites teens to explore captivating stories through the lens of a camera.
The challenge is to create a photograph that tells a compelling story using one of the three categories: Comedy, Drama, or Fantasy. Whether it’s through characters, settings, or themes that blur the line between fantasy and reality, the possibilities are endless.
Submit up to five photographs for a chance to be featured in this juried exhibition. Photos will be on display from August 1October 4, 2025. Visit jnaag.ca for more details.
Teen Photography Workshops with Natali Bravo
Rules of Composition
Sunday, May 18, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Storytelling in Photography
Wednesday, July 2 - Friday, July 4 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Art & Books Club
Ages 16+
Join a unique literary experience where art and literature intersect! This collaborative program between Lambton County Library and JNAAG offers book lovers an immersive exploration of contemporary exhibitions.
Register at lclibrary.ca/ArtAndBooks
2:00 p.m. - Book discussion at Sarnia Library.
3:00 p.m. - Exhibition tour at JNAAG.
Thursday, May 29
Kaikeyi by Vaisnavi Patel
Thursday, August 28
How High We Go in the Dark by
Sequoia Nagamatsu
Adult Programs
Art & Ideas
Through engaging discussions with prominent artists and experts, Art & Ideas provides a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the inspiration, techniques, and perspectives behind the art on display.
Artist Talk with Rajni Perera Saturday, May 3, 11:30 a.m.
Free Registration Required
Rajni Perera will discuss her work, exploring themes of hybridity, futurity, and marginalized identities.
Influence, Power & Inuit Art with Professor Pauline Wakeham Thursday, May 22, 7:00 p.m.
Free Registration Required
A discussion about the intersection of the Cold War, High Arctic Relocations and commercialization of Inuit art.
For full details and to register, please visit: jnaag.ca
Headshot by Sam Miller, 2024
Historical Storms in Lambton County with Nicole Aszalos
Thursday, June 26, 7:00 p.m.
Free Registration Required
Nicole Aszalos, Archivist/Supervisor from Lambton County Archives dives into Lambton’s historic storms, including the Great Storm of 1913 and the Sarnia Tornado of 1953, in connection to the Storm Watch exhibition.
The Art Worlds of Rajni Perera with Brent Ryan Bellamy
Thursday, July 17, 7:00 p.m.
Free Registration Required
Join Brent Ryan Bellamy for a lecture on how Rajni Perera’s bold aesthetics merge cultural symbols and sci-fi to tackle global issues.
Adult Programs
Art of Chocolate and Storytelling with Jaclyn Sanders
Thursday, September 18, 7:00 p.m.
$55 (+tax) Member discount available
Join us for an evening of art, storytelling, and chocolate! Jaclyn of Guild Chocolates presents a lecture on Millais’ Ophelia paired with handcrafted chocolates.
For full details and to register, please visit: jnaag.ca
Adult Programs
Workshops
Creative Collage with Dianne Reynolds
Thursday, May 15, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
$25 (+tax) Member discount available
Supplies included.
Collage Crash Course: Explore, Play, Create! with Paper Bananas
Sunday, July 13, 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
$65 (+tax) Member discount available
Supplies and snacks included.
Embroidered Patchwork Landscapes with JMD Embroidery
Part 1 - Sunday, August 10, 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Part 2 - Sunday, August 17, 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
$80 (+tax) Member discount available
Supplies and snacks included.
Field Trips
Explore, Create and Learn at JNAAG!
JNAAG invites you to bring your group for an enriching twohour art experience. This program includes a guided tour of our current exhibition along with an art making activity in our studio.
Exploring Exhibitions: Imagining Futuristic Fashion
Book your group visit today and discover the power of art to inspire and educate!
For fee schedule and booking visit: jnaag.ca/field-trips
For full details and to register, please visit: jnaag.ca
Family Saturday
Saturdays from 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Free
Discover, create, and get curious – every Saturday afternoon we are working on something in the art studio. All families are welcome to drop-in for a short artist facilitated studio activity inspired by the current exhibitions. The same activity will be offered for every Saturday in each month.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
June 7, 14, 21, 28
Flowers of the Future
Imagine what flowers might look like in the future. Use colourful materials to create them in the here and now!
Stormy Watercolour Clouds
Experiment with watercolour paint to create clouds in the sky.
All Ages
July 5, 12, 19, 26
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
September 6, 13, 20, 27
Suminigashi Printmaking
Suminigashi is the Japanese term for floating ink. Join us and try your hand at floating ink on the surface of water to create colourful marbled prints.
Sun Printing
Layer objects and premade photo negatives to create a blue and white photograph using the power of the sun.
Art Journaling
Draw, write and collage your own story using assorted materials.
&
RAAW Ages 14-18
By Donation Registration Required
Bring your own lunch, snacks and water bottle.
Random Acts of Art Workshop (RAAW) is a multi-day intensive workshop designed for teens interested in exploring art making. Led by practicing professional artists, RAAW is the perfect balance of instruction and experimentation. No experience necessary.
Storytelling in Photography with Natali Bravo
Wednesday, July 2 - Friday, July 4
11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Future Figures with Leslie Pullen
Wednesday, July 23 - Friday, July 25
11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Collage 101 with Paper Bananas
Wednesday, July 9 - Friday, July 11 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
For full details and to register, please visit: jnaag.ca
Which tour is right for you?
JNAAG offers a variety of free public tours for each exhibition. Read about your options and register at jnaag.ca.
Guided Tours
May 8, 7:00 p.m. (Sculpting Life)
June 12, 7:00 p.m. (Futures)
September 11, 7:00 p.m. (Stories in Focus)
Free Registration required
Join us for a 45-60 minute guided tour that blends fascinating facts with playful exploration, offering new insights and perspectives on the artwork. Our knowledgeable guide will lead you through the exhibition for a deeper, more engaging experience.
Slow View Tour
July 20, 2:00 p.m. (Storm Watch)
Free Registration required
Take some time to slow down, think, and explore art in a mindful way. Each 30-minute session is led by a trained guide to help you connect more deeply with the exhibition.
For full details and to register visit: jnaag.ca
Singing Tour
August 14, 7:00 p.m. (Storm Watch)
Free Registration required
Sing-along or just enjoy the music as you learn about the exhibition and what inspired the song and art pairings. A singing tour can last 30-45 minutes.
First Friday Red Dot Tours
June 6, July 4, and September 5 between 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Free Drop-In
This on-the-spot Red Dot tour is a perfect complement to select First Fridays. Drop in and find a gallery docent with an on-thespot badge for a quick look at one or two art works. A Red Dot tour lasts roughly 15 minutes.
For full details and to register visit: jnaag.ca
Group of Seven Day
Monday, July 7
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Explore the amazing world of Canadian art at our Group of Seven Day! Our event features exciting pre-registered tours and special programs sessions, alongside all-day drop-in activities. Join us an celebrate Canada’s rich artistic heritage!
Drop-In Activities
All Day
• Activity pages
• Make your own buttons
• Reading zone featuring a curated selection of Group of Seven publications from our collection.
Register at jnaag.ca.
11:30 a.m. -
Programs Tours
Brush with History: Plein Air Painting
12:30 p.m. Capture the beauty of Sarnia’s waterfront landscapes using the same “en plein air” (painting outdoors) techniques favored by these iconic Canadian painters. Materials provided.
2:30 p.m.3:30 p.m.
Sketching in the Gallery
Take inspiration from historic and contemporary landscapes from Storm Watch, which features works by members of the Group of Seven. Materials provided.
Register at jnaag.ca.
Starting at:
11:30 a.m
12:00 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m.
Starting at:
11:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
A.J. Casson: Spotlight Tour
Learn about A.J. Casson’s artistic evolution to his lasting contributions to the Group of Seven, highlighting his depictions of Ontario’s rural landscapes in this half hour tour.
Storm Watch: Singing Tour
Vault Visits: A Rags to Riches Story
This unique tour pairs artwork from the Storm Watch exhibition with carefully selected songs that reflect the mood and themes of each piece. Discover the early connection the Group of Seven had to Sarnia while getting up close and personal with pieces in the gallery vault with this 15 minute tour.
August 16 & 17, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Save the date and join the fun at JNAAG during Art Path, Sarnia’s exciting new art event! Wander through downtown and Centennial Park to discover creative “pods” with hands-on activities, performances, artisan markets, and interactive installations.
Join JNAAG outside the Gallery at street level to create art then step inside our Gallery to explore current exhibitions Rajni Perera’s Futures, Storm Watch and Stories in Focus.
Don’t miss this chance to see, make, and enjoy art throughout the day.
August 1 - October 4, 2025
Members Reception: First Friday, August 1, 2025 | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m
Larry Towell Boundaries Opening October
3, 2025
Artist will be in attendance. Live music, drinks and food.
Bottom: Larry Towell, Closure. Hebron, Occupied West Bank, (detail), 2003; gelatin silver print.
Top: Adad Hannah, Blackwater Ophelia, (detail) 2012, chromogenic photographic print on Fuji archival paper.
CONNECT WITH US
Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery
JNAAG Register at jnaag.ca
Cover Image: Rajni Perera, Traveller, 2019, mixed media on marbled paper; 152.4 × 101.6 cm; Photo courtesy of the artist and Patel Brown, © Rajni Perera