Flowing water, fields of flowers, abstract works of eclectic hues, saturated genre paintings and stained-glass arrangements — the artists of Niagara-on-the-Lake may have different muses and mediums, but as part of the NOTL Arts Collective, they come together with the shared experience of being passionate creatives.
On Sunday, the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre welcomed the NOTL Arts Collective for “Common Ground,” an exhibition featuring the work of local artists, which debuted Nov. 1.
The collective includes professional artists, curators and galleries and represents the highest level of membership at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre.
The exhibition features works by 12 visual artists, the majority of whom live in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Forrester-Clark said the collective gives artists an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
“We feel quite lucky to have been introduced to each other and we’ve developed wonderful friendships.”
Members often exchange ideas and offer feedback on one another’s work, she said.
“If we meet, we can bring a painting and say ‘What do you think of this?’” she said. “If something’s wrong with it, we can figure it out.”
Although NOTL’s scenery provides inspiration, when it comes to its community, Julia Kane said, it could offer more support for those working in creative fields.
“I don’t think Niagara-on-the-Lakes focuses on the arts, or the visual arts per se. We’ve got lots of other things going on artistically, but not visual arts.”
The collective is a good starting point for building support for visual artists, Kane said — and she’s grateful to be a part of it.
Darren Cranfore, who works primarily with charcoal and oil paints, said the collective has helped him continue developing his artistic skills.
“It’s hard to find people who you connect with, to bounce ideas off of,” he said.
“It’s a nice way to get some ideas across to each other and bounce things around. So that’s what’s important to me, because I don’t have an outlet other than the collective to share.”
Cranfore said Niagara-on-the-Lake’s surroundings help him relax and foster his creativity.
“I’m just grateful for this place. I just come down here, it’s always beautiful, it’s always gorgeous. Any time of year.”
“Common Ground: NOTL Arts Collective Group Exhibit” runs until Sunday, Nov. 29 in the Hummel Family Room at the Pumphouse.
