Whether you’re dreaming of visiting Guelph for the first time, or rediscovering how to explore Guelph locally, we’ve got some great tips to check out from the comfort of your couch.
It’s week one of six of our online discovery guide, and we are here to lend a hand at connecting in with our arts scene.
The show must go on…line!
You’ve probably seen artists and musicians from all over the world taking their concerts to Instagram or artist ‘meet ups’ and challenges. The Toronto-based Social Distancing Festival features livestreams and concerts from around the globe, culture is thriving in this digital time! Guelph’s bustling artist community has also been taking advantage of the digital opportunities to share their work and inspire others to create themselves!
Live shows:
Silence is hosting #DigitallyCuratedConcerts through Facebook, until their space is permitted to reopen, in which live concerts will once again happen. Tune in at 6pm
Where to tune in: https://www.facebook.com/SilenceGuelphOntario/ Schedule:
April 10 @ 6pm – Olivia Shortt
April 11 @ 6pm – Suitcase Sam
April 25 @ 6pm – Pierre Bensusan
May 1 @ 6pm – Sterling and the Birdwatchers
May 2 @ 6pm – Drumhand
June 4 @ 6pm – Emily Rockarts & Chynna Lewis
June 6 @ 6pm – Friendly Rich and the Lollipop People & Tarxanax
Gain Music is hosting an online music festival, StayHome Festival, that showcases nightly performances until May 12.
Where to tune in: https://www.facebook.com/events/232077071498171
Craving some laughs? The Making Box is hosting live shows and classes online.
Where to tune in: Virtual theatre Zoom room https://www.themakingbox.ca/blog/announcing-online-improv-classes-and-live-comedy
Schedule:
Friday April 10 @8pm
Friday April 17 @8pm
Friday April 24 @8pm
If you’re looking to discover more of Guelph’s art scene, follow groups like the Guelph Arts Council on social media. They’re sharing all sorts of cool cultural initiatives for creatives during this time
Exploring art at home:
#MuseumatHome presented by the Art Gallery of Guelph. The AGO has created an online portal so you can enjoy some free digital content. Explore the current exhibitions, Sculpture Park, and permanent art collections online.
Current Exhibitions
See digital views of the current exhibitions:
Nathalie Bujold: Médiatique | Curated by Scott McGovern | View the exhibition
Sandra Brewster: Token | Contemporary Ongoing | Curated by Sally Frater | View the exhibition
Carmela Laganse: Spread | Curated by Sally Frater | View the exhibition
Maria Hupfield: Rupture | Curated by Sally Frater | View the exhibition
leslie mccue: bagiskaagewin | Curated by Elwood Jimmy | View the exhibition
Qautamaat | Every day / everyday | Curated by Taqralik Partridge | View the exhibition
Sculpture Park
Take a virtual tour of the Sculpture Park! Start the tour
Colour the Collection
Reimagine artworks from the AGG’s permanent collections in your own colours! Let your colour story begin, download free colouring pages:
The Drive (1916-1917) by Tom Thomson | Download page
Raccoon (1872) by John Hicks Whale | Download page
Untitled (c. 1840) by Edwin Henry Landseer | Download page
Red Flower (1972) by John MacGregor | Download page
The Red Elements Make it Work (1975) by Rolph Scarlett | Download page Untitled (1956) by Rolph Scarlett | Download page
Untitled (1957) by Rolph Scarlett | Download page
Public art collection
The City of Guelph recognizes that public art plays an important role in building vibrant communities and contributing to cultural identity.
The City’s artworks are located in various municipally-owned indoor and outdoor public spaces throughout Guelph. These works are intended to enrich our landscape, stimulate thought and serve as landmarks for gathering spaces.
The City’s public art inventory is a collection of works that the City has acquired in various ways over time: some have commemorated special events, some have been gifts, and others have been commissioned by the City.
The growing collection is diverse in medium and form. The earliest piece, The Blacksmith, dates back to 1885.
View the collection: https://guelph.ca/living/arts-and-culture/public-art/
While this one requires you to leave the house, it’s an encouragement to get some fresh air (while practicing social distancing) and check out some Walk-By Galleries.
Bringing art home
Many of the arts and crafts vendors from the Guelph Farmers’ Market are offering delivery or shipping on their handmade wares. We encourage you to find you favourite vendor and connect in with them directly to support: https://maps.managemymarket.com/4043
Guelph Museums has created a fun craft to go along with the “Guelph Circa 1999” exhibit theme is Pogs! Playing with Pogs was a huge craze in the 1990s. Follow along with Emma for how to make your own set to play at home! Step-by-step instructions and gameplay instructions can be found at https://guelphmuseums.ca/guelph-circa-1999-pogs-craft/
Rae Wright Artistry is offering virtual paint nights, including a free paint night on April 17 that is kid-friendly!
Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/227470371966517/
Guelph’s art scene continues to thrive in a new capacity. If you like what you see, consider reaching out to these artists to see how you can support them. Everything from digital sales to online reviews help artists continue to create!
