Winter | Spring 2024

WINTER | SPRING 2024 EXHIBITIONS & PROGRAMS

CONTACT US 147 Lochiel Street Sarnia, ON, N7T 0B4 519-336-8127 jnaag.ca

GALLERY HOURS

Sunday*, Monday & Tuesday . . . . . . . Closed Wednesday & Friday** . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:00AM – 4:00PM Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:00AM – 8:30PM Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:00AM – 4:00PM *Visit jnaag.ca for the most up to date seasonal hours ** Open select First Fridays until 9:00PM

HOLIDAY HOURS

Family Day, Monday, February 19, 1:00-4:00PM See Holiday Programs on page 22.

NOTICE OF CLOSURE DATES January 1, March 29, April 1, May 20

ADMISSION Art is for everyone.

Admission is free.

Donations are welcome.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Exhibitions

Current & Upcoming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Community Arts Initiative

Teen Photo Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Adult Programs

Art & Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Solvent Free Oil Painting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Tote Bag Painting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Mindful Stitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Creative Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Art & Books Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Youth & Family Programs

TNT: Try New Things . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Family Saturday Drop-in. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Art Pod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

In the Community

Inspirational Moments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 jobPath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 First Friday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 School Programs

School Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Virtual Learning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Holiday Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

For program and event registration, call 519-336-8127 ext. 3200, or visit jnaag.ca.

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EXHIBITIONS CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

Until March 16, 2024 A Family Palette brings together for the first time the work of Frances-Anne Johnston, Franz Johnston and Franklin Arbuckle – three artists from the same family. Acting as a purposeful feminist recovery project, the exhibition focuses more deeply on Frances-Anne.

From this perspective, the exhibit considers the distinct practices of all three artists and how they intersect and diverge.

January 11

Guided Tour 7:00PM

March 1

Red Dot Tours 7:00–8:00PM

March 7

Guided Tour 7:00PM

March 14

Singing Tour 7:00PM

This exhibition is organized and circulated by Ottawa Art Gallery and curated by Rebecca Basciano. This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada, and was also realized with the support of the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.

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For program and event registration, call 519-336-8127 ext. 3200, or visit jnaag.ca.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITIONS

Until January 13, 2024 This much anticipated fourth installment of Re View is set to captivate art enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Celebrating works from the permanent collection, this exhibit features works by five new artists: B.C Binning, Agnew Depew, Jane Hunter, Rita Letendre, and Walter Tolles. Highlighting the essence of the latest Re View installment are all new audio tours, designed to enhance the visitor experience.

One of the exhibition’s standout features is the exclusive first-hand perspective audio tour by local artist Jane Hunter. Hunter shares her personal journey, recounting how the changes in downtown Sarnia inspired her watercolour masterpiece in the Gallery’s permanent collection.

Jane Hunter, In Praise of Urban Renewal - Back of Front Street, 1975; watercolour on paper.

From the collection of the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery.

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EXHIBITIONS UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

February 2 – April 20, 2024 Opening: First Friday, February 2 Live performance by the International Symphony Orchestra | 7:00–8:00PM The fifth installment in the Re View series places focus on a singular historic painting, R. Vivien Howard’s Lily Pond. The enchanted accompanying audio tour leads the viewer to this secret location, a journey you will not forget. To deepen the experience of the painting the International Symphony Orchestra has been invited to compose an original musical score in response. The composition awaits visitor ears and can be enjoyed in the exhibition space where it will accompany the near century old painting.

The gallery extends thanks to the International Symphony Orchestra and the following musicians for their involvement in the project: Anthony Wing (composer), Sander Kostallari & Jason Bendler (violins), Stephen Collins (viola), and Mauricio Betanzo (cello).

February 8

SlowView Tour 7:00PM

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R. Viven Howard, Lily Pond, c. 1928; oil on canvas. From the collection of the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITIONS

Natalie Hunter Through sunset , slow dusk, and gathering dawn February 2 – May 4, 2024 Members Reception: First Friday, May 3 | 7:00 – 9:00PM Artist will be in attendance | Live music, drinks and light snacks Natalie Hunter creates photo-based installations, sculpture, and moving images that explore relationships between embodied experience, spatial perception, the senses, and memory.

Immerse yourself in two of Hunter’s captivating installations in the lecture theatre.

Visitors are invited to explore these works at various times and throughout the changing seasons—to witness the captivating transformations the installations undergo. Learn more about the artist at jnaag.ca.

The artist wishes to acknowledge the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council.

April 11

SlowView Tour 2:00PM

Natalie Hunter, Edge of Sky, 2020-2021; archival pigment prints on transparent film from 35mm negatives, turned aluminum, birch, light.

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UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

Siobhán Humston In the Garden of Exquisite Unknown April 19 – September 1, 2024 Opening: First Friday, May 3 | 6:00 – 9:00PM Members Reception: First Friday, May 3 | 7:00 – 9:00PM Artist will be in attendance | Live music, drinks and light snacks Siobhán Humston has searched for ways to interlace elements of her existing drawing practice to include sculpture and installation as well as incorporate fibre arts techniques learned from her mother and woodworking skills as taught to her by her father. Through ongoing research and the development of a methodology she calls ‘Day-to-Day Aesthetics,’ Humston creates artworks in series to present her creative explorations in tandem with her philosophical queries.

Humston has developed an acute awareness, sensitivity to and respect for her ever-changing surroundings and her work evolves as a direct response to both where her studio is located and what (re)usable materials she discovers. In the Garden of Exquisite Unknown is inspired by her current surroundings of Lake Huron, Plympton-Wyoming and Lambton-County. Learn more about the artist by visiting jnaag.ca.

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May 9

Guided Tour 7:00PM

Siobhán Humston, I feel I know you, 2023; embroidered braille on sheer curtain.

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

Jon Sasaki Homage April 19 – September 1, 2024 Opening: First Friday, May 3, 2024 | 6:00 – 9:00PM Members Reception: First Friday, May 3, 2024 | 7:00 – 9:00PM Artist will be in attendance | Live music, drinks and light snacks The Toronto Conceptual artist Jon Sasaki began his career in the mid-nineties as a landscape painter. As the years have gone by, his approach to art making has evolved, but one constant remains: his near-devotional attentiveness to the Group of Seven and their legacy in Canadian art. In this project, Sasaki takes his devotion to almost comic excess—swabbing the palettes used by the Group members and Tom Thomson held in the McMichael collection and growing the resulting bacterial cultures in petri dishes for his eventual large-scale photography. The results are microbial landscapes in their own right, records of slow blooms of colour and texture that exalt the natural world at the microscopic level while honouring the ghosts of Canadian art history. Learn more about Sasaki at jnaag.ca.

This exhibition is curated by Sarah Milroy, Chief Curator, McMichael Canadian Art Collection.

Organized By:

Exhibition Sponsors: Richard and Donna Ivey

Jon Sasaki, Microbes Swabbed From A Palette Used by F.H Varley, 2020; archival print.

Image courtesy of the artist and Clint Roenisch Gallery.

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UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven April 19 – September 1, 2024 Opening: First Friday, May 3 | 6:00 – 9:00PM Members Reception: First Friday, May 3 | 7:00 – 9:00PM Live music, drinks and light snacks The opportunity to display Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven’s artwork in a space adjacent to their original palettes, paintboxes and artist tools is too irresistible to passby . In response to the exhibition Homage (see page 9), the JNAAG is pleased to share a selection of Tom Thomson and Group of Seven paintings from the permanent collection .

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A. Y. Jackson, Fog on Eclipse Sound, 1927; oil on wood panel. From the collection of the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery.

COMMUNITY ADULT ARTSPROGRAMS INITIATIVE Lambton County Library and the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery are partnering up once again for the Teen Photo Contest.

Teens from Lambton County are invited to submit up to five photos inspired by the theme “Lambton Through the Lens.”

Submission portal opens April 3, 2024.

Winners will be selected by a jury of professionals.

Photos will be on display in an exhibition at the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery opening August 2, 2024.

Ages 13–18

Composing Composition with Sierra Rei Hart Sunday, May 26 11:00AM-3:00PM Free | Give what you can Registration required

Join local award-winning photographer Sierra Rei Hart for this workshop as she explores photography techniques that will support teens in honing their photo making skills.

In this workshop you will learn tips and tricks of how to “make” an interesting photograph. Be inspired by Sarnia’s downtown as you adventure as a group.

Then, return to the studio to experiment with photo editing. If you have a cell phone camera that will be all you need to bring. Additional devices will be provided for those who need one.

For program and event registration, call 519-336-8127 ext. 3200, or visit jnaag.ca.

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ADULT PROGRAMS 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.

In Conversation with Natalie Hunter Saturday, March 16 @ 11:30AM Free I Registration required

Artist Natalie Hunter will discuss her creative process and give insights into the development of her site-specific work at JNAAG.

Painted Land: In Search of The Group of Seven Thursday, April 25 @ 7:00PM Free I Registration required

This film follows authors and wilderness photographers Joanie and Gary McGuffin, and art historian Michael Burtch as they search for the locations visited by Canada’s celebrated landscape painters.

In Conversation with Jon Sasaki Saturday, May 4 @ 11:30AM Free I Registration required

Artist Jon Sasaki will lead a tour of his exhibition Homage, describing the process of growing microbial colonies from historic objects, examining his interest in Canadian landscape painting, and the way that artistic depictions of nature dovetail with broader questions around Canadian national identity.

In Conversation with Joanie & Gary McGuffin Thursday, May 16 @ 7:00PM Free I Registration required

Joanie and Gary McGuffin join us to speak about their search for iconic locations captured by artists from The Group of Seven and their documentary, Painted Land.

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For program and event registration, call 519-336-8127 ext. 3200, or visit jnaag.ca.

ADULT ADULT PROGRAMS

Adult Programs Solvent Free Oil Painting with Emily Lardner Thursday, January 25 | 6:00-8:00PM $75 (+tax) | Member discount available Supplies included

Tote Bag Painting with KJ Forman Thursday, March 28 | 6:00-8:00PM $40 (+tax) | Member discount available Supplies included

Mindful Stitch with Evelyn Ward DeRoo Thursday, May 2 | 6:00-8:00PM

$40 (+tax) | Member discount available Supplies included

Creative Photography with Sierra Rei Hart Thursday, May 23 | 5:00-8:00PM

$45 (+tax) | Member discount available Bring your own cell phone camera

For program and event registration, call 519-336-8127 ext. 3200, or visit jnaag.ca.

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ADULT PROGRAMS PROGRAMS

Art & Books Club

Ages 16+

Select Thursdays 2:00PM

Book Club discussion at the Sarnia Library

3:00PM

Exhibition tour at JNAAG

Free | Registration required JNAAG has collaborated with Sarnia Library to create a book club for art lovers and avid readers alike. Book selections are made to connect to themes in current exhibitions to enrich conversations at the library and JNAAG.

Unsettled Ground

by Claire Fuller Thursday, February 22

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The Invention of Nature: Alexander Von Humbolt’s New World by Andrea Wulf Thursday, May 30

For program and event registration, call 519-336-8127 ext. 3200, or visit jnaag.ca.

YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS

TNT: Try New Things

Ages 9–13

Select Thursdays & Fridays | 4:00-6:00PM

Free | Suggested donation $10/session | Registration required

Try New Things (TNT)! Develop your creative skills, make new friends, and explore your community. This two-day program, led by local artists, is filled with a variety of creative experiences that will allow youth to discover new passions.

Felted Florals with Patricia Cook February 1 & 2

Learn the basics of wet felting to create a fabulous floral scene.

Thinking in Layers with Emily Lardner February 29 & March 1

Create multi-layered mono-prints.

Intuitive Ink & Watercolour: Look Inside for Inspiration with Lauren Davidson April 4 & 5

Experiment with watercolour and ink to create drawings filled with personal meaning.

For program and event registration, call 519-336-8127 ext. 3200, or visit jnaag.ca.

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YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS

All Ages

Family Saturday Studio Drop-In Saturdays | 1:00–3:00PM Children must be accompanied by an adult

Free | Suggested donation $5/family 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 activity changes monthly.

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YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS

Still Life Oil Pastels January 6, 13, 20, 27 Embark on a journey of colour and texture as we delve into the captivating realm of still life compositions using oil pastels.

Cover of a Magazine February 3, 10, 17, 24 Design and create a collage magazine cover inspired by art nouveau style.

Art Deco Decal Design March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Apply the principles and elements of design in the creation of a handmade sticker.

Critter Collage April 6, 13, 20, 27 Unleash your creativity in our whimsical critter collage activity. Combine dried flowers and mixed media to create a captivating critter.

Suminagashi Paper Marbling May 4, 11, 18, 25 Suminagashi or “floating ink” is the process of marbling plain paper with water and ink to transform it into something vibrant and patterned. Create your own print inspired by the patterns found in nature.

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YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS

Ages 10–14

Art Pod Select Thursdays | 6:30–7:30PM (early arrival welcome at 6:00PM) Care partner required to provide support Participants should be able to follow one-step directions Free | Registration required

Specifically designed for youth with special needs and an interest in fine arts, at Art Pod you have the chance to explore self-expression through art.

Pastel Portraits January 18

Magic Painting March 21

Oil Marbling February 15

Nature Impressions April 18

Create a colourful and captivating portrait using pastels.

Experiment with print making using a mixture of media that result in a marbled effect.

Make a magic painting with invisible ink.

Make nature impressions using air dry clay and a variety of materials.

Participants can visit the gallery website in advance for a social story.

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For program and event registration, call 519-336-8127 ext. 3200, or visit jnaag.ca.

INADULT THE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Inspirational Moments A specialized art program for people with dementia and their care partner. JNAAG develops exclusive exhibition tours and hands on art activities in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton. No experience required. To learn more or register contact the Alzheimer’s Society: (519) 332-4444.

jobPath jobPath is an Employment Discovery Workshop for work-ready people who have a disability. jobPath not only helps people with a disability find a job but specializes in coaching people on how to keep their job and remain successful at work. To learn more or register email jobPath: info@employment-transitions.com.

First Fridays The gallery will be open until 9:00PM on select First Fridays. Visit jnaag.ca to learn more about upcoming First Friday dates and events.

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TOURS

Which tour is right for you?

JNAAG offers a variety of free public tours for each exhibition. Read about your options below and register at jnaag.ca.

Guided Tour January 11, March 7, May 9 @ 7:00PM

First Friday Red Dot Tours Select First Fridays between 7:00-8:00PM

Enjoy everything from facts to playful exploration. A guided tour can last 45-60 minutes.

Drop in for a quick look at one or two art works. A red dot tour lasts roughly 15 minutes.

Slow View Tour February 8 @ 7:00PM April 11 @ 2:00PM

Singing Tour March 14 @ 7:00PM

Free | Registration required

Free | Registration required Bring your deepest thoughts and breathe as you take an extended look at a piece of art. Each session lasts 30 minutes.

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Free | Drop-In

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 45 minutes.

For program and event registration, call 519-336-8127 ext. 3200, or visit jnaag.ca.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

School Tours Attention teachers! Did you know that JNAAG offers a two-hour art experience which includes a gallery tour and an art making activity? We love working with teachers to create experiences tailored to meet your learning goals.

For fee schedule and booking contact Yesenia Samuel: 519-336-8127 ext. 3231 Yesenia.Samuel@county-lambton.on.ca

Virtual Learning

Explore Darla Fisher-Odjig’s virtual exhibition Beneath the Mask: Symbols as a Healing Phenomenon. Students can participate in an asynchronous presentation that is intended to nurture their art-looking skills while engaging in creative activities that allow for expression and exploration of identity.

Visit jnaag.ca to inquire.

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HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

EXHIBITIONS - CURRENT

Family Literacy Day

Saturday, January 27, 2024 12:00-3:00PM Children must be accompanied by an adult

Free | Suggested donation $5/family Drop-in

All Ages

JNAAG has teamed up with Sarnia Library to offer special activities to celebrate Family Literacy Day. We will be extending our regularly scheduled Family Saturday Drop-in by one hour as well as offering gallery mini tours, a scavenger hunt, and interactive stations. See page 17 for art activity details.

Family Day: Miniature Shadow Box Still Life

Monday, February 19 1:00-3:00PM Children must be accompanied by an adult

Free | Suggested donation $5/family Drop-in

Join us for a creative Family Day activity as we make miniature still life shadow boxes that are inspired by the paintings of Frances-Anne Johnston. Try your hand at folding a miniature book or magazine, create tiny floral arrangements and learn to make small furnishings that you can add to bring your room to life.

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For program and event registration, call 519-336-8127 ext. 3200, or visit jnaag.ca.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership You can make a difference. We depend on our members and donors for everything we do: from bringing thought-provoking exhibitions to Lambton County, to the delivery of educational programs that inspire young and old, to the preservation and growth of the permanent collection.

Individual Senior (60+) Couples Family Student

1 Year

2 Year

$20 $15 $25 $30 $15

$35 $25 $45 $55 $25

Membership Benefits: • Invitation to Members Only events • 10% discount on gallery purchases including classes, programs, publications, and facility rentals • Reciprocal admission to participating museums and art galleries in Ontario via www.oaag.org You can also add to your experience by joining one of our additional membership levels: $100 – A. J. Casson $250 – Emily Carr

$500 – Tom Thomson $1,000 – Contributors Circle

Additional Benefits can include: • NARM Membership* • Ability to bring guests to exclusive Members Only events • A 15%-25% discount on gallery purchases including classes, programs, publications, and facility rentals • Exhibition Catalogue(s) • And much more! *North American Reciprocal Membership Program (NARM): The NARM program provides you with reciprocal membership privileges to over 600 museums and art galleries across North America. For the full list of participating organizations please visit narmassociation.org.

Learn more at: jnaag.ca/support/membership

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147 Lochiel Street Sarnia, Ontario N7T 0B4 519-336-8127 jnaag.ca

Facebook /gallery.lambton  Instagram @jnaag 

 twitter.com/theJNAAG

 eNews Register at jnaag.ca

Cover: Natalie Hunter, Edge of Sky, 2020-2021; archival pigment prints on transparent film from 35mm negatives, turned aluminum, birch, light