After an extended closure due to COVID-19, the Thames Art Gallery will open its doors to the public once again.
As of September 16, the gallery will welcome the general public during temporarily reduced hours, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
The gallery will also hold a special hour for seniors from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Municipal officials say the gallery is particularly excited to present an exhibition so relevant to its community’s recent experiences.
Canadian artist Patrick Mahon’s new show ‘Messagers’ Forum’ is a very timely engagement with culture at the intersection of art and activism.
“In this beautifully crafted and thought provoking exhibit, Mahon explores the roots of this country’s colonial past and asks: can we be ‘messagers’ capable of reaching over the walls which divide us? And if so, how?” Municipal officials said in a media release.
“Collaboration is a vital part of Mahon’s practice. In the mezzanine gallery view, ‘The Questions Project’. Mahon worked with Ursuline College Chatham students to produce a series of works investigating how Culture is changing. His work with the students took place during the early days of the pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests.”
The artist will visit the Gallery to give an overview of the exhibit on Friday, September 18 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, September 19 at 2 p.m.
“Please register as spaces are limited,” Municipal officials say.
“Registration is available by calling 226-312-2023 ex. 4425 or email CKartgallery@chatham-kent.ca.”
Municipal officials added: “(The Thames Art Gallery) would like to reassure patrons that all recommended safety measures are being taken, including the requirement to wear masks in compliance with Municipal by-laws. Access to the gallery will be walk-in/sign-in, and will be limited to 30 people at any one time.”
While there will be no formal opening for this exhibition due to COVID precautions, small group and social bubble tours are welcome.
To request a tour please contact the gallery at 226-312-2023 ex. 4425.
Admission to the gallery is free.
Donations are welcome.
For more information visit www.chatham-kent.ca/TAG.
