The Thames Art Gallery is pleased to host an exciting afternoon on Saturday, September 14, 2024, to celebrate the newly opened exhibit GardenShip and State. A river clean up is planned from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm and an afternoon of festivities at the Thames Art Gallery from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
GardenShip and State, co-curated by Patrick Mahon and Jeff Thomas, brings together 21 artists and writers who engage in decolonial critique, environmental activism, and twenty-first century artistic practices. The exhibition addresses what is arguably the problem of our times: environmental catastrophe. It asks how we can work and create together as a global community to restore the planet – while respecting differences, seeking to repair divisions, and address injustices brought about by colonialism.
This exhibit also features Troubled Critters & Healing Spells, a project by the local Hibernaculum Collective, which explores land and water decolonization, restoration, relationship, and reciprocity through traditional wild clay processes.
From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Thames Art Gallery, there will be a series of events including an artist talk featuring co-curators Patrick Mahon and Jeff Thomas, among other artists, and a live interactive performance by Chatham-Kent artist Natty Tremblay, a member of the Hibernaculum Collective. There will be light refreshments to be enjoyed while socializing with the many featured artists in attendance.
The local river clean up is sponsored by the Lower Thames Valley Conversation Authority and will take place at the Thames Grove, 30 Kingsway Drive from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. This is a free, drop-in, family friendly event, and everyone is welcome. Gloves, garbage bags, garbage pickers and snacks will be provided. Please bring your kayak, canoe, paddle board, sunscreen, bug spray and fresh water. Anyone under the age of 16 on the water is required to wear a life jacket. Life jackets are not provided. If you don’t want to be on the river, you are welcome to clean up along the river edge. Long sleeves, pants, socks, and sturdy shoes are recommended.
We look forward to having you join us for a fun day of exploring, socializing and celebration.
GardenShip and State is on display from August 23 – October 20, 2024.
Find additional information at www.tagartspace.com. You can also follow us @TAGCK and @ARTspaceCK for updates.
Thames Art Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Thursday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. The Thames Art Gallery is located at the Chatham Cultural Centre, 75 William St. N. Chatham.
We look forward to seeing you.
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Media Contact:
Vanessa Cornell
Curator, Thames Art Gallery
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
519-360-1998 x 3265
vanessac@chatham-kent.ca
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