Let’s Get this Show on the Road!

Reviewed by Beth Stewart

A leisurely drive to Ingersoll and then to Woodstock revealed a cornucopia of artwork this past week.

The Ingersoll Creative Arts Center (ICAC) has a fabulous display of works by the Oxford Quilters’ Guild. They are the result of the Guild’s annual first Saturday in February sewing marathon. Apparently, neither sleet nor snow stops quilters, and the results are stunning. A pattern is chosen before the day, usually by the Vice-President, and then put together by participating guild members on the day. Vice-President’s Day Quilts Throughout the Years runs to November 1.

(Installation shot of Vice-President’s Day Quilts Throughout the Years at ICAC featuring Julie Martin’s Blue Flowers, 100 inches by 63 inches, 2021. Photo by Beth Stewart.)

Also, at ICAC, there is a selection of collaged work by Linda Yeoman. Its pop-art style is perfectly suited to the subject, which is – pop. Fanta, Orange Crush, 7-Up, Coke, it’s all there.

(Coke 2, by Linda Yeoman, collage, 8 by 8 inches. At ICAC. Photo by Beth Stewart.)

There was a lot to see at Woodstock Art Gallery, even though during my visit, a new show was in the midst of being installed.

The Pinks by Lyn Carter occupies a small room off the main floor gallery. This is my third visit to this show, and I feel I could just sit in that room all day. Comprised of six digital screens, it is quirky and sassy, yet satisfyingly soothing. The “Pinks” are humanoid creatures that unabashedly go about their bodily functions. They move, they mimic, they morph, and they are hands-down the cutest things ever.

(A still shot from Lyn Carter’s digital work The Pinks. At WAG. Photo by Beth Stewart.)

Upstairs, the three window vitrines feature work by London’s Aiden Urquhart. Taking a Walk includes colourful mixed media pieces and several of the artist’s circular “Gourd Man” faces, in constructed settings of related objects and footprints.