Talented local artists are showing their passion for the craft and their community as they push forward with new opportunities to show their work and create new avenues for others to join them. Accessibility to visual arts is on the rise in Cornwall. And it’s never looked so good. For example, you may have noticed rotating exhibits of local artwork at City Hall. This is thanks to the Art of the City Program that was launched in April 2016. To date, 20 artists have showcased their work.
“Providing spaces for people to share their art form provides the maker with a place to be heard and an opportunity to finance their craft,” says artist Jacqueline Milner.
Facilities around the city like Glen Stor Dun Lodge, businesses like Cardinal Law, and eateries like Schnitzels European Flavours and Stomping Grounds Bistro and Café have also invited the opportunity to bring visual interest to their walls.
“We think that food and art and culture go hand in hand,” says Phil Gilmour of Stomping Grounds. “We want to be part of the drive to put Cornwall’s best foot forward. Having Pierre Giroux’ paintings here allows us do that.”
Fresh new art spaces are on the rise, too. Cailuan opened its doors at 225 Pitt Street earlier this year. It sends out regular calls for exhibitors, hanging pieces from a wide variety of artists. And OBO Studios, a longstanding player on the art scene will soon open their doors at 204 Second Street East with room for a dedicated art gallery and a large studio for their growing roster of visual artists.
Also of note: there’s a marked uptick in the opportunities to make art alongside established artists in the city. The Grind hosts sketch nights; Cailuan welcomes artists of all levels to work on individual projects on Wednesday nights, in addition to regular sketching and art history classes; OBO continues to offer a range of high-quality workshops and classes.
Artists have long acted as the heart and soul of a place, documenting their surroundings and capturing the spirit of the times. Today, Cornwall feels a little more dressed up as artists find new public spaces to show their work. The community can only benefit from the conversations that art can start.
“We See Thee Rise”, 2017, 30 x 40″, acrylic on canvas. Tracy Lynn Chisolm, OBO Studios.
