Collected Works
Collected Works is a series of exhibitions and projects that look to activate the permanent collection of the Thames Art Gallery.
Through Chatham-Kent's rich and varied history, 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.
Collected Works: The Permanent Collection in View (Part 1)
July 21 - August 21, 2021
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.
Through Her Eyes: Collected Works (Part 2)
November 19, 2021 - January 16, 2022
Opening Reception November 19 from 7 PM - 9 PM
Curated by Michaela Lucio
"Through Her Eyes" celebrates the vibrant and astute women who have played a pivotal role in developing the cultural landscape of Chatham-Kent. Featuring the work of numerous artists drawn from the collections of the Thames Art Gallery and the CK Museum, this exhibition also honors the unyielding support of key players and influential organizations like the Chatham-Kent Art Association, The Women's Committee, and Studio Ten. Chatham Kent owes a great deal to the efforts and successes of the remarkable women whose contributions continue to shape our present and our future.
Lay of the Land: Collected Works (Part 3)
April 22 - June 18, 2022
In this, the third part of the Thames Art Gallery’s exploration of the permanent collection, the focus turns toward the landscape. Not only is the landscape still one of the most popular genres in painting, it also stands as the first form of environmental art within the European canon. As we celebrate Earth Day, there remains a growing sense of urgency to better understand our sense of place and our irrefutable connection to Nature.
Fragile: Handle with Care (Part 4)
January 26, 2024 - March 24, 2024
Opening Reception: January 26 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM | during Winter ARTcrawl
Curated by Phil Vanderwall
This exhibition explores issues of fragility and preservation in the artworks of the Thames Art Gallery’s Permanent Collection. From there, however, it also delves into how historical and contemporary artists alike explore the experience of fragility in their practice. Fragile: Handle with Care showcases works ranging from delicate pieces on paper to robust material presentations, all concerned with what is most tenuous, immediate, and ephemeral within manifestations of the artist’s imagination.