Art Gallery Accepting Submissions for Juried Exhibition Celebrating the Neurodivergent Community

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery, in partnership with the Reach Centre Grey Bruce and Georgian Bay School of the Arts, is pleased to announce the launch of a Juried Art Exhibition called Creative Pathways: Celebrating the Neurodivergent Community. This is a public call for art inviting local artists who self-identify as neurodivergent to submit up to five artworks that will be showcased in a juried art exhibition at The TOM from September 21, 2024 to January 4, 2025. The theme of this group show is “community” and artwork should offer individual interpretation of this topic. This project aims to unite artists, break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and highlight the immense talent and creative energy of neurodivergent artists in our region. 

There will be a panel of 6 jurors for this exhibition including:

Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator, Tom Thomson Art Gallery
Jennifer Miller, Executive Director, Reach Centre Grey Bruce
Morag Budgeon, Executive Director, Georgian Bay School of the Arts
Marc Matei, Art Facilitator, Reach Centre Grey Bruce
Shannon Bingeman, Assistant Curator, Tom Thomson Art Gallery 
Heather McLeese, Curator of Public Projects & Education, Tom Thomson Art Gallery

“We are thrilled to partner with both the Reach Centre Grey Bruce and Georgian Bay School of the Arts on this meaningful juried art exhibition promoting diversity and creating a culture of inclusion,” said Heather McLeese, Curator of Public Projects and Education at The TOM. 

On Saturday, August 10, The Georgian Bay School of the Arts invites the public to come and add their mark to a collaborative art piece using mediums that explore different sensory stimulation. The single, large, finished artwork will be featured in the Creative Pathways exhibition.

Creative Pathways deadline for submission is July 15, 2024 at 5 p.m. Please review all submission requirements and guidelines on the Gallery’s website and if you have any questions or need assistance in the submission process, please contact Heather McLeese, Curator of Public Projects & Education at The TOM by phone 519-376-1932 ext. 5006 or email hmcleese@tomthomson.org.

Quotes:
“We are pleased that exhibits at The TOM acknowledge and celebrate the diverse strengths and creative talents of everyone in our community.”

-    Mayor Ian Boddy

“At its heart, this project celebrates our community through creative expression, partnership, and learning. Art crosses all value systems, cultures, ages, places, and abilities; it is for, and a part of, all people. I think that this exhibition will be a wonderful testament to that deep capacity art has for truly connecting us as human beings.”

-    Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator 

“The Creative Pathways exhibition is an amazing opportunity for people that self-identify as neurodiverse to celebrate their unique perspective on the concept of community. It is an extension of the community quilt project done by the Reach Centre Grey Bruce in the fall in collaboration with The TOM where the community was invited to contribute a 5x5 piece to be woven together to make a community quilt that will be part of this exhibition. Over 100 works were submitted, which was an overwhelmingly positive response. We are so excited to be part of this innovative and truly inclusive initiative.”

- Jennifer Miller, Executive Director, Reach Centre Grey Bruce

“Art is a powerful medium for the expression of diversity, and a collaboration between REACH, The TOM and GB Arts is the ultimate triumvirate, showcasing the uniqueness of our creative community!”

- Morag Budgeon, Executive Director, The Georgian Bay School of the Arts

Quick Facts:

•    Apply now, click | HERE |to download the Creative Pathways submission form.
•    The Creative Pathways deadline for submission is July 15, 2024 at 5 p.m.
•    The Gallery is open to the public Tuesday – Friday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
•    Admission is by donation or free with the OPEN Card.

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