Abstract Random

The Cube Gallery is holding an art auction to raise money for Haitian earthquake survivors next Tuesday (Feb. 9). Ottawa Centre MP Paul Dewar is collecting donations from local artists for the auction. I'll be donating a print of one of my favourite photos. If you'd like to donate a piece get in touch with Paul Dewar's office (613.219.7250, Dewarp1@parl.gc.ca). All donations must be confirmed by February 5th and only one work per person will be accepted.

Here's all the info for the event. Be there or be square.

Haitian Disaster Art Fundraiser
7 Hamilton Ave. North
6 pm viewing - 8 pm auction
February 9, 2010

In light of the disaster that has befallen the people of Haiti, Cube Gallery and AfrikArt Konnection, in collaboration with Paul Dewar are calling Canadian artists to rally together to assist in the efforts underway to make the lives of Haitian survivors better.

Artwork viewing: begins at 6:00 pm
Fundraising Auction: 8:00 pm

There will be a reception, music, light foods and entertainment at Cube Gallery on Hamilton Ave. The event is hosted by Oni the Haitian Sensation.

I'm back at work this week and the summer slowdown is officially over. It's suddenly nuts again. Ugh.

I really enjoyed our week off though. It was a good mix of getting things done (or partially done, anyway), relaxing, and hanging out with friends and family. We watched a bunch of movies, both at home (Harold Lloyd movies we recorded on TCM the other week) and in the theatre (the new Harry Potter [enh] and District 9 [go see it!]).

We also went to see the papal art exhibit at the National Gallery and found it pretty boring. But then again, we should have known anything pope-related wouldn't exactly be our cup of tea. The most fun I had in the exhibit was giggling over Pope Sixus V's name and some story that went along with a painting about this guy who was going to be the eighth man to marry some lady, whose previous seven husbands all died on their wedding night. An angel appeared to him and advised him to cut up some fish bits to ward off the demons, which apparently worked and they lived happily ever after. Seriously. That's the story. Why after, like, the third guy wouldn't people clue in and, you know, stop marrying her? Maybe she was a super hot demon lady? I don't know.

In other news, Starla met my 3 month-old nephew over the weekend. She'd never seen a baby before so we weren't sure how she would react. Normally she avoids people or she'll slowly slink up to sniff them and then suddenly take a swipe at them and run away. She was much more interested in baby G than she is most visitors, maybe because he was at ground level a lot of the time, so the couple of times she started to slink up to him and sniff him we were pretty quick to shoosh her away before she could swipe. Disaster averted.

First of all: Yay Obama!

Now that that's out of the way... I went to the Manx this morning to help Andy hang my photos. I'm not stressed out anymore, which is nice. Now the whole thing feels very surreal. Andy said they've had a couple of calls from people—people I don't know!—who saw my postcards and were interested in the show. Crazy.

I'm looking forward to the reception on Sunday, it'll be like a little party—there'll even be free food and wine. And you're all invited so come by and say hi anytime between 5 and 7. Ok?

I feel certain enough about it now to tell you my big news: I'm going to have a photo exhibit at the Manx in November. Starting November 6, to be precise. I'm pretty excited about it but also extremely anxious. The thought of having my photos on public display (and under scrutiny) is nerve wracking. I'm not a Serious Photographer, I just like snapping pictures of things that catch my eye with my trusty little Canon Elph and while I think I've taken some cool photos, I'm not convinced that anyone would want to pay money for them.

Still, I'm honoured that Andy felt they were worthy of an exhibit and if the whole thing's a bust I can always blame Kerry since this was really all her doing.

I'm sure this won't be the last time I mention it and there are rumblings about an opening night party so stay tuned for updates.

Ladyfest Ottawa, in collaboration with punkottawa.com, is holding a craft sale this Saturday at Club SAW "featuring the hip, unique work of local artists and crafters." Claire and I are going to check it out after she gets off work, if anyone else would care to join us (Janet? Erin? Craig?).

Details are as follows:
Not Your Grandma’s Craft Sale!
Presented by Ladyfest Ottawa and punkottawa.com
Saturday, June 11, 2005 – 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
Club SAW, 67 Nicholas Street
rain date: June 12th

The annual Art in the Park event is happening this weekend (June 4-5) from 10am-5pm in Central Park (you know, the one right across from the LCBO on Bank Street in the Glebe).

Over 250 artists will be participating in this year's festival so be sure to stop by and check it out.

*A special shout out goes to Claire for reminding me about this.