Local artists John Williams and Kennedy Rayn are set to open the fall season at Gallery in the Grove with a joint art exhibition.
“It is an honour to be able to welcome John and Kennady’s work into the gallery space,” exhibition co-chair Kirsten Kilner Holmes said of the exhibition, which opens Saturday, Sept. 14 and runs until Oct. 19. “They are both very busy, working artists. Watching them work together to develop this exhibition is very special.”
An opening reception is set for Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Williams’ acrylic woodland style and realism artwork is based on the Ojibway culture.
“John’s passion for exploration, learning and living off the land he also attributes to his grandmother,” a news release stated, adding, “her beadwork and traditional knowledge is still spoken of in Aamjiwnaang. Her legacy continues through John’s art.”
Williams attended the former Sarnia Collegiate Institute and Technical School in Sarnia and went on to study at the Ontario College of Art in Toronto.
Other commissions include: A mural for the community centre at Aamjiwnaang; paintings at the Rondeau Provincial Park Visitors Centre and the Sarnia Police training centre and most recently a joint mural commission at Queen Elizabeth School with Rayn.
Artwork by Kennady Rayn will be a collection of abstract expressionist style mixed media paintings.
“This is my first gallery exhibition and I am honoured to share it with John,” said Rayn. “All of the paintings that are in this exhibition are very personal to me; they represent a range of emotions I have experienced as a full-time working artist and all of the pressures that come with that.”
Rayn was born and raised in Corunna, and moved to Toronto to pursue her dream of creating art at the Ontario College of Art and Design University. It was there that she began her journey reconnecting with her Indigenous roots.
After her third year, Rayn moved back home and created Seventh Rayn Design Co.
Beer labels for River Run Brewing Company and clothing merchandise for Lake Life Studios are just some of the collaborations and work she has created in addition to 10 mural commissions currently on the go.
The Gallery Gift Shop will also feature John and Kennady’s prints, canvas reproductions, cards and clothing.
Volunteers welcome visitors into the gallery Monday to Thursday 2 p.m.- 5 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 11a.m.- 2 p.m.