The Thames Art Gallery hosted an exciting night on Friday, June 21, 2024, featuring unique events to celebrate two brand-new exhibits.
In the Main Gallery, a solo exhibit titled “Odyssey” by Kelly Richardson, an internationally acclaimed artist known for her immersive video installations offered imaginative glimpses of a future that prompted careful consideration of the present.
In the Mezzanine Gallery, the “Here I Am: Student Exhibition” celebrated the curiosity, passion, techniques, and talent of emerging young creatives in grades 9 to 12 across Chatham-Kent.
Our event kicked off with the Chatham Cultural Centre opening its doors at 5:30 pm. From 6:00 pm to 6:50 pm, Studio One hosted a free artist talk with Kelly Richardson, who shared insights about her art practice virtually from British Columbia. This was followed by an interactive session where guests could vote for their favorite student artwork for the ‘Here I Am People’s Choice Awards ‘.
At 7:00 pm, the event moved to the Thames Art Gallery, where guests explored the two exhibits, voted for their favourite student artwork for the “Here I Am People’s Choice Awards,” and enjoyed light refreshments and a cash bar.
At 8:00 p.m., an award ceremony celebrated the achievements of the high school students in the gallery. The winners of the People’s Choice Awards, Awards of Excellence, and the Thames Art Gallery Graduating Scholarship, generously donated by Cathy Van Raay-Myers, were announced.
Kelly Richardson’s “Odyssey” and the “Here I Am: Student Exhibition” are displayed from June 14 to August 11, 2024.
Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter