Tom Thomson Art Gallery Hosts Michael Belmore for Artist Talk & Workshop Weekend

Community members are invited to join The TOM on Saturday, July 20, from 1 to 2 p.m. for a free artist talk led by internationally recognized artist Michael Belmore in conjunction with his solo exhibition gawaatebiishin. During the talk, learn more about Belmore's work and processes, which explore the environment, land, and water and what it means to be Anishinaabe. No registration is required.

The next day, on Sunday, July 21, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., the TOM will host Michael Belmore for an introductory workshop on copper tooling in the TOM studio, manipulating copper sheets to create intricate designs and patterns inspired by nature.  Individuals, families, or groups of all ages are invited to take part in this public workshop exploring the incredible properties and artistic capabilities of copper.  Belmore will provide a step-by-step guide to copper tooling, helping participants understand the techniques, tools, and materials needed to create their own copper ripple artwork. 
Belmore will discuss his approach to art marking and give participants a better understanding of the significance of copper in his work.  Copper, drawing, and tools await you.  This workshop has a fee of $30 plus HST per participant.  Please contact the Gallery at 519-376-1932 to reserve your spot.  There is limited space for this workshop (20 participants maximum), so don't miss your chance!
“We are honoured to host Michael Belmore at the TOM. He is an extraordinary artist and teacher, and we are thrilled to present these events that highlight his exhibition and connect to his practice through a hands-on copper tooling workshop for the public. These are two events not to be missed, so mark your calendars and sign up today!” said Heather McLeese, Curator of Public Projects & Education.  Shannon Bingeman, Curator of Exhibitions & Collections at The TOM, notes that “the native copper that can be found along lakeshores is cherished by the Anishinaabe because it represents the connection between the spirits and the earth. Being able to hear Michael Belmore discuss this connection and further reflect on his practice is an incredible opportunity for the community.”

For more information, please contact Heather McLeese, Curator of Public Projects & Education at the TOM, at 519-376-1932 ext. 5006 or hmcleese@tomthomson.org 

About the artist:
Michael Belmore, a member of Lac Saul First Nation in northern Ontario, employs a variety of materials that speak clearly and powerfully about the environment, land, water, and what it is to be Anishinaabe.  A graduate of the Ontario College of Art & Design, he completed his Master of Fine Art at the University of Ottawa in 2019. Practicing for over 30 years, Belmore is an internationally recognized artist and is represented in the permanent collections of various institutions, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the National Museum of the American Indian – Smithsonian Institute and the Canadian Chancery in Paris. His exhibitions include Every. Now. Then: Reframing Nationhood at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, ON; Shapeshifting: Transformations in Native American Art at the Peabody Essex in Salem, MA; and Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 3, Museum of Arts & Design, New York, NY.

Quick Facts:

• Michael Belmore’s Artist Talk will take place on Saturday, July 20, at 1 p.m., followed by a copper tooling workshop on Sunday, July 21, at 9:30 a.m. The artist talk is free, all are welcome. The workshop is $30 plus HST per participant, a maximum of 20 participants.
• Belmore’s solo exhibition gawaatebiishin is on view at the TOM from June 22 – September 21, 2024. 
• The Tom Thomson Art Gallery is open to the public Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Admission is by donation or free with the OPEN Card

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