Through the rich and varied history of Chatham-Kent, art-making has thrived: the permanent collection of the Thames Art Gallery serves as a visual record of that history, encouraging a deeper understanding of our communities and ways of life. As the first in a series of exhibitions drawn from the permanent collection, Collected Works Part I sets the stage for further exploration of the collection’s history, in particular its role in representing CK’s diverse communities. Part I of this ongoing series visits the work of notable local artists from our past, including AM Fleming and Hortense Gordon, along with important contemporary artists like Michael Chambers; along the way, it uncovers stories about lesser-known works and highlights key moments in our history.