On Sept. 6, The Changing Face of York Region opens at the Latcham Gallery. 

The gallery invited area artists to submit works on the topic for a curated fall exhibition. Mount Albert artist Christina Baranieski is interested in the abstract shapes, patterns, textures and movement in nature. Her pastel drawings juxtapose nature and technology, encouraging viewers to question whether they are in a struggle for dominance or can co-exist to fulfill contrasting human needs. 

Diana Bullock of Stouffville approached the theme by considering the influence of the region’s changing cultural makeup.  Ms Bullock, who has studied Sumi-e art for many years, presents several ink paintings done in the Japanese tradition.  Although the subject matter does not reflect images of the region, the style and approach echo the growing cultural diversity in York Region and the influence of the Asian population. 

Stouffville artist Sandra Burke’s woodblock prints form her Heart of the Forest series.  Using a piece of wood taken from a fallen Ash, she carved a narrative of images and produced a series of prints in different colours to tell the story of both the region and the tree. 

Markham’s Judith Livingston focuses on one cluster of trees in a series of monoprints.  In the three Growing Concern prints, a group of trees begins as defined and clear but gradually is reduced as if fading away.  The work clearly illustrates the artist’s concern about the effect of development and progress on the natural environment. 

Frank Smith has lived in York Region for almost 30 years and his paintings offer a unique perspective, since he has included works from the late 1980s along with one large new piece which he created specifically for the exhibition.  The paintings demonstrate how his own views  on the topic have changed over time.

As part of the exhibition, we invite gallery visitors to create their own artwork. You can draw your portrait, your home or some aspect of York Region that you feel reflects its changing face and add your work to the exhibition for others to enjoy.

Join us at the opening on Sept. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. to meet some of the artists and speak to them about their work.  Related programming includes a free family art day on Sept. 27 and artist demonstrations by Diana Bullock and Sandra Burke.

Our regular classes start up again in late September.  For more information or to register visit our website www.latchamgallery.ca or call 905-640-8954.

 Maura Broadhurst is curator at the Latcham Gallery

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