Art Gallery of Northumberland
55 King Street West K9A 2M2 Cobourg, ON, Canada

It's #WindowWednesday, where we share art and objects from our Permanent Collection! The word Bunraku is derived from the Japanese language meaning puppet theatre, where half-life-sized dolls that are manipulated by a puppeteer perform a dramatic narrative that is accompanied by a 3-stringed lute. This woodcut by Japanese artist, Kiyoshi Saito, portrays a side profile of a Bunraku wearing a traditional kimono and a top knot hairstyle with minimal accessories. The colour pale...tte is simplistic yet bold. The dark green background allows the figure to emerge from the paper, and there are traces of red in the lips, kimono and signature seal, in which the viewers eyes are drawn to. A muted grey accentuates the face and the ‘obijime’ cord that keeps an ‘obi’ in the midsection from slipping. Notice how he has used the wood’s grain to add texture to the kimono robe. A signature seal is a common attribute in Japanese works of art. Saito’s distinct signature with a red seal stamp above can be found in the lower left corner of this work. Kiyoshi Saito was born in Aizubange, Fukushima and moved to Tokyo in 1932, where he first worked as a sign painter and then later as an employee of the Asahi Newspaper Company from 1944 to 1954. In his early works, Saito depicted small villages with strong influences of realism and three-dimensional elements. He met and became well acquainted with artist and mentor of the ‘Sosaku Hanga’ movement, Koshiro Onchi, which opened doors to prominent galleries, where most notably American purchasers took an interest in Saito’s work. He became Japan’s most productive woodblock print artist and his prints were highly regarded in worldwide markets. Sosaku Hanga artists were, however, first dismissed in the Japanese art world and their works were considered concessions to American tastes. This notion eventually changed after Saito became one of the first Japanese artists to be awarded for a woodblock print at the São Paulo Biennale in 1951. As Saito’s work gained further acclaim, it was more widely exhibited and purchased for renowned collections. He was also often sought after as an illustrator for newspapers or as a commercial graphic designer. This new recognition and increased demand for his work brought Saito wealth and enabled him and his family to purchase their own home in Kamakura on the outskirts of Tokyo in 1970, and another home in Fukushima in 1987. Kiyoshi Saito (1907-1997) Bunraku, 1959 woodblock print 53/80 Gift of Mr. Walter Carsen, 1981

Happy #AGNFlashbackFriday! Five photos have been selected from our archives, and we want to hear from you! This week we feature not only familiar faces but of course some memorable places. Look at the details close and help us identify the moments that may have been lost Do you recognize someone? Do you remember an event happening? ... Share all about the memories that may come along with these photos!

The Art Gallery of Northumberland (AGN) is the community's largest collecting public art gallery, with over 1000 works featuring local, regional, national, and international significances. Watch as the AGN welcomes another sculpture to the ever-growing collection. This video features the work Passers By, by Canadian Artist William McElcheran, a larger-than-life fiberglass sculpture depicting two figures walking in stride as they brush past one another. If you are familiar wit...h Cobourg, you may recognize the male figure's characteristic businessman silhouette, as this is the second McElcheran sculpture acquired by the Gallery. The first, Introibo Ad Altare Dei watches over downtown Cobourg, located on King Street. Passers By, stands over 6 feet tall, making the transition into the Gallery no simple feat. Look into the Gallery with us as we take this sculpture on a journey to its forever home. For more information about this work, follow the link to Grapevine Magazine's Winter 2020 issue. AGN’s Executive Director, Olinda Casimiro discusses the relevance of statues and sculptures within the community featuring the newest additions to Northumberland County. Thank you to Museumpros Art Services and the town of Cobourg for their assistance in the transportation and installation of the work. William McElcheran (1927-1999) Passers By (n.d) Gift of Meynell Family, in memory of Sheila Shotton, 2020 Grapevine Winter 2020 issue: https://grapevinemagazine.ca/magazine/2020/winter-2020

Do you have an artist on your holiday shopping list? Our Art-to-Go kits include instructions for a variety of art projects and all the materials you will need to create them! Order online or by phone. bit.ly/33k9QnL

There are only 3 days left to see the 42nd Juried Exhibition. Don't miss your chance to vote for the People's Choice Award! We're open Tuesday to Thursday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Bookings can be made on our website bit.ly/2VEOygI or by phone at 905.372.0333. . .... . #theAGN #AtAGN #AGN60 #JuriedExhibition #PeoplesChoice #art #artists #community See more

Thank you to everyone that made a donation for our #GivingTuesday campaign in support of arts education! Funds raised will go towards the cost of art supplies, the development of digital resources necessary for delivering the programs, and to our talented art instructors. Making a gift to the AGN can be made any day of the year on our website. bit.ly/3l61kyZ #ThankYou #ArtsEducation #art #artists #education #creative #learning #programs #theAGN #AGN60

It's #Window Wednesday, where we feature art and objects from our Permanent Collection! There is much to discover in this colourful and whimsical work by Toller Cranston. The subject in this artwork appears to be unamused by the chaos abound from her head. Flora, fauna and interesting characters are intertwined amongst bright shades of blue, red and yellow they adorn her like something you would see on an haute couture runway. The intricate details are an attestation to Cra...nston’s artistic talent. His paintings are symbolic, and often comprised of detailed and decorative dream-like images, where one painting could take as long as 300 hours to complete. Cranston’s style derives mainly from European Symbolists and Art Nouveau schools. He has been featured in more than 250 solo exhibitions throughout the world. Born in Hamilton, Cranston grew up in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. In 1960, his family moved to Montréal where he studied at École des Beaux-Arts de Montréal. He was also well-known as Canada’s Men’s Figure Skating Champion for six consecutive years, and he won a bronze medal at the 1976 Olympics. Eventually, Cranston relocated to Toronto to pursue his two careers painting and skating. In a Globe and Mail article from 1972, Cranston said, To help pay my figure skating I sell some of my paintings, and it appeared as though one career supported the other. He was also an actor, starring in a number of award-winning specials and films, which included a short film from 1983 entitled "I am a Hotel", a Joni Mitchell concert film "Shadows and Light", and he also appeared in a music video by Leonard Cohen. Fun fact! On December 6, 1981, Cranston was featured at a benefit show at Cobourg's Memorial Arena where all proceeds from ticket sales went towards the restoration of Victoria Hall fund for Phase III. Toller Cranston (b. 1949 2015) Untitled, 1973 pen and ink on rag paper Gift of Ken and Jean Laundy, 2001

Only 3 more days until our Spotlight Special! Hosted by Northumberland County musicians, Saskia Tomkins and David Newland, this special 30-minute presentation is a #GivingTuesday fundraiser in support of Arts Education. The Spotlight Special will feature AGN’s executive director, Olinda Casimiro in conversation with community leader Lynda Kay, executive director of the Ontario Association of Art Galleries, Zainub Verjee, discussing the public art gallery sector’s response to ...the pandemic and the way forward, accomplished pianist and Westben artistic director, Brian Finley talks about reaching new audiences and the digital growth needed to get there, and Poet Laureate of Cobourg, Jessica Outram, shares her insights on why the arts are needed now more than ever. Available for viewing on the AGN's YouTube channel and Cogeco YourTV on Wednesday, November 25 at 7:00 p.m. #ArtsEducation #SpotlightSpecial #GivingTuesdayCa #SupportTheArts

We remember and honour the heroes who fought for our freedom. This panoramic photograph from WWI was taken by William Rider-Rider, a British photojournalist who was the Official Photographer for the Canadian War Records Office, as he documented the efforts of the Canadian troops overseas. This photograph was taken in November 1917 in Ypres, Belgium, and depicts a Cathedral and Cloth Hall in ruins, while soldiers can be seen walking along the road. The Town of Cobourg will be ...livestreaming today's ceremony from their YouTube channel starting at 10:30 a.m. Watch from home at https://www.youtube.com/user/TownCobourg. . . . #RemembranceDay #LestWeForget #CanadianHeros #townofcobourg See more

Our upcoming Spotlight Special is a #GivingTuesday2020 fundraiser in support of #ArtsEducation at #theAGN! Tune in on Wednesday, November 25 at 7:00 pm on the AGN's YouTube channel or Cogeco YourTV to hear how local artists and the gallery are responding to the pandemic, catch a preview of Spotlight Series 3 coming in 2021, and we invite you to join our Matching Gift Fundraiser for Giving Tuesday on December 1st. Learn more here. bit.ly/396721w... #ArtsEducation #SpotlightSpecial #GivingTuesdayCa #SupportTheArts

We have extended our 42nd Juried Exhibition until Thursday, December 10th! If you haven't already booked your visit, don't hesitate. Come and see some of the talented artists on display from Northumberland County and beyond! A booking reservation is required which can be made on our website here bit.ly/2UdynpF or by phone at 905.372.0333.

#GivingTuesdayCa is a day for everyone, everywhere, to GIVE! In 11 days, let’s show the world how generous #Canada is on December 1st! #SupportArtsEducation #SupportTheArts

It's #WindowWednesday! It's all about the windows you see, windows you see out of...and a look into our Permanent Collection. Bridges have had a huge impact on man. A great many towns and cities only really exist because of the bridge(s) at their centre. This was most commonly at the lowest bridging of a major river, where that bridge saved traders and travellers additional journeys of hours or even days to reach a crossing point further upstream. Suddenly, two communities th...at had previously only communicated by boat were only a short walk away from one another. The bridge brought trade, commerce, travellers, industry, and inevitably crime. But unless you’re a civil engineer most bridges aren’t normally considered to be aesthetically attractive. The title of this works suggests an overhead train track/bridge shining on a starry night in Port Hope. The brightness of the stars and a singular cast of light highlights a section of the bridge. Another bridge can be seen in the shadows of the larger, lit just enough by the milky sky. The two bridges and their position on the canvas similarly reveal just enough to know what they are and yet we don’t know where they are going or where they started. Parry Sound native, and resident of Port Hope, Michael Everett Glover wears many hats; painter, musician, storyteller, writer, and a proud Canadian. Glovers' paintings are a tribute to his search for the less traditional picturesque within the Canadian landscapes. Taking inspiration from the wilderness, loss, adventure, and heartache ridden stories that people have shared over the years. His works display Photographic compositions, yet they are adorned with a glowing feature through paint. Michael Everett Glover (b. 1951) Night Lights, Port Hope, 1997 acrylic on canvas Purchased in Memory of Bill Matthews, 2009 #AGNAtHome #AGN60 #theAGN #atAGN #PermanentCollection #ExperienceCobourgFromHome #ncounty

Save the date! GivingTuesday is December 1st. #GivingTuesday is the biggest global day of giving ever! How will you Do Good Stuff? #GivingTuesdayCA #GiveBack #SupporttheArts

It's #WindowWednesday, where we feature art and objects from our Permanent Collection! In this work by Canadian artist John Gould, a man lies peacefully enveloped by a white blanket. The muted shades of black, grey, and white allow for the subject's face to be the prominent focus. Beneath the figure, there are flowing lines of various shapes and sizes that evokes a vital force and a sense of space and time. The paper that surrounds the subject has been intentionally shaped -...- perhaps to signify a place or the Patriot's homeland. The earthy-brown background also works well to project the subject into the foreground. During the 1980s and 1990s, Gould integrated more collage and ink-blotting into his artistic practice, as he felt the desire for impermanence as fundamental to his work. Born in Toronto, Gould studied at Forest Hill Collegiate, the Ontario College of Art, and Academie de Julien in Paris. He was a renowned painter, filmmaker and musician. Gould and his family lived in Toronto where he drew, painted, made films, appeared regularly on CBC, and hosted a TVO show on creative writing. In 1971, the Goulds moved to Waubaushene on Georgian Bay. He taught at both The Ontario College of Art and Georgian College. He suffered a stroke in 1996 and the following year they moved to Barrie. They started each day with a walk and Gould had to teach himself how to draw again. The stroke stripped the artist of the ability to read and write and draw. He still had a strong desire to express himself through art and worked at it daily, but never lost the ability to play music. Gould's work can be found in many public collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and the MacLaren Art Centre. John Gould (1929 - 2010) Patriot Three - Kyoto, 1984 mixed media on handmade paper Gift of Suzanne Mess, 2005 #AGNAtHome #AGN60 #theAGN #atAGN #PermanentCollection #ExperienceCobourgFromHome #ncounty

Here's a sneak peek of Westben artistic director, Brian Finley, talking about reaching new audiences during the pandemic and the digital growth needed to get there for our Spotlight Special -- an online rendition of our in-gallery event featuring local artists in support of #ArtsEducation. Tune in on Wednesday, November 25 at 7:00 pm on the AGN's YouTube channel and Cogeco YourTV. Hosted by musicians Saskia Tomkins and David Newland.... Production support provided by Northumberland Makers and Splash Productions. The Spotlight Special is a #GivingTuesday2020 fundraiser for #ArtsEducation at #theAGN, celebrating 60 years of art!

Celebrate 60 years of art at the AGN! Join us on Tuesday, October 27 for a Groovy Gallery Social in honour of our 60th anniversary. This event will require a booking reservation to ensure limited capacity and proper social distancing. Stay tuned...more details are coming soon!

We are making a Promise! We are happy to announce that we have taken on the POST Promise in order to bring ease to all visitors of the Gallery. The Post promise is the commitment to implement 5 key steps of workplace safety in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. With this promise, the Art Gallery of Northumberland will continue to keep health and safety our top priority as we all take steps back into public spaces.... The Art Gallery of Northumberland has also implemented the new safety measures for travelers that the World Travel & Tourism Council has recognized and approved through the #SafeTravels Stamp. Visit www.Postpromise.com for more details on the POSTPROMISE and https://wttc.org/COVID-/Safe-Travels-Global-Protocols-Stamp for more information about the #SafeTravels Stamp. #POSTpromise #SafeTravels

Meet our new Collections Intern Erin! Erin is from Oshawa, Ontario and graduated from Trent University in 2018 with a Bachelor with Honours degree in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies and History. She is currently a student at Fleming College in their Museum Management and Curatorship program and is interested in working with Collections. Her favourite thing about working in galleries is that it gives her the chance to meet new people and share stories and interpretations of pi...eces of art. In her spare time, Erin enjoys cross stitching, roller skating and spending as much time as possible with her two nieces. Welcome to the AGN, Erin! Fleming MMC Students

It's #WindowWednesday, where we feature art and objects from our Permanent Collection! A flurry of blue, yellow, green, and aqua seems to break apart a cloud of orange and red in this 1976 painting by Gershon Iskowitz. Suspended forms create an energetic harmony, the result of the artist working intuitively, adding colours in layers, mindful of the ways they would react to each other in the final work. Iskowitz did not begin his career as an abstract painterhis earliest sur...viving works are drawings and watercolours that document the horrors he experienced as a prisoner of German concentration camps in the Second World War. It was only later, after several years settled in Toronto, that he moved from representations of his early life through vivid, expressionist interpretations of the landscape, to the dazzling, light-filled abstract canvases that would bring him his greatest artistic success. He represented Canada at the 1972 Venice Biennale and remains one of the country’s foremost artists. From his Jewish childhood in Kielce, Poland, through the war, the loss of his family, immigration to Canada, and life as part of Toronto’s vibrant artistic community, Iskowitz’s story is one of survival and resilience. Gershon Iskowitz (1921-1988) October #1, 1976 oil on canvas Purchased, 1982 #AGNAtHome #AGN60 #theAGN #atAGN #PermanentCollection #cobourg #ncounty #ExperienceCobourgFromHome

Thank you to everyone that attended our Walk-About yesterday with local artist deborah uman-sures! Our current exhibition features works centered very much on drawing, with a classical, illustrative quality and plenty of blank space. A booking reservation is required for visitation which can be made on our website here bit.ly/2ZHxo4r or by phone at 905.372.0333. 'A Fine Line' is on view from September 15 to October 18.

Our upcoming exhibition, 'A Fine Line', will feature the works of local artist deborah uman-sures, winner of the AGN’s Juried Exhibition in 2018. Join us for a Walk-About with the artist on Tuesday, 15 September from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. A booking reservation is required which can be made on our website or by phone at 905.372.0333. deborah was encouraged by her parents to explore art from a young age. She completed a degree in fine arts at the University of Manitoba, where she f...ocused on drawing, painting, printmaking, and later, illustration. She has had a diverse career working in graphic design, art direction, and teaching. She often paints large-scale abstract works that tell many stories on the canvas. As evidenced by the exhibition title 'A Fine Line', her work is centered very much on drawing, with a classical, illustrative quality and plenty of blank space. Her liberal use of blank space, which according to Uman-Sures is a shape; it’s never a leftover. To her, the space around a character is as good as another object, a vital part of the work. Whether it’s the pleasing natural qualities of raw linen upon which she so often works, or the gleaming white of primed canvas, for her, open and empty is beautiful. deborah uman-sures It's almost Dawn, 2020

Meet our newest team member Lindsay, who joins the AGN as our Tourism Information Officer! Originally from Cambridge Ontario, Lindsay moved to the area about a year and a half ago after graduating from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor's degree in Art History. She has a passion for all things artistic and historical, which has led her in the direction of cultural restoration; specifically, paper conservation, as her chosen career path. Lindsay hopes to continue her st...udies at Fleming College, but until then, she is enjoying her new role as Tourism Information Officer for the Gallery. In her spare time, Lindsay enjoys furniture restoration, browsing antique shops, spending time with her dog, and experimenting with decorative DIY's. This position has been generously supported by the Canada Summer Jobs program. Welcome to the AGN, Lindsay! #theAGN #CSJ2020 #canadasummerjobs #tourism

A pop of colour for our upcoming exhibition, A Fine Line, by local artist deborah uman-sures. Join us on September 15 from 1-3 pm for a Walk-About the exhibition. Thank you to Andy from @keeponrolling.ca! . .... . #theAGN #AGN60 #atAGN See more