Opening Reception of “Of Light and Life” – A Solo Exhibition by Michael Dumas

Address:

176 Bobcaygeon Road, Minden
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Category:

Cultural Centre

Event Details:

Join us for the opening reception of Of Light and Life, a new exhibit by world renowned artist Michael Dumas, on Saturday, July 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.  Refreshments will be served.  All are welcome.  Admission is by donation. 

 “While the natural world has exerted its influence on my artwork since childhood the essential foundation for my work is direct observation of the world around me. 

My exhibit, featuring several new pieces, provides a glimpse into the processes involved, from observational sketches and comprehensive preliminary drawings that may or may not lead anywhere beyond the motivating interest that inspired them. Overlaying this procedure is the matter of materials, the choice of medium, the support it will be applied to, and a sense of just what combinations are most sympathetic to the envisioned image. So goes an endless thread running through the work, joining observation, subject matter, emotional response, and the physicality of mediums.” M.D. 

The Artist:

Michael Dumas was born and raised in the small town of Whitney, Ontario, near Algonquin Park. Exposure and familiarity with the wilderness and its creatures are reflected in his art.  Michael worked for a time as a ranger in Algonquin and has continued his connection to the Park by accompanying research teams on projects such as the winter bear den census. Michael’s subject matter also includes rural themes and people; the common denominator within all his art being an intimate connection based on personal experience. 

Michael’s work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally. His art has been featured on Canadian postage stamps and commemorative coins produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. The Artists for Conservation selected Michael as the 2023 recipient of the Simon Combes Conservation Award. In 2024 Michael was also awarded the AFC Seerey-Lester Award of Excellence for his painting ‘After the Storm’, depicting a Canada Lynx in an environment affected by climate change.

The Agnes Jamieson Gallery is a public gallery with year-round visual exhibitions of local and regional art. The Gallery is part of the Minden Hills Cultural Centre which also includes the Heritage Village & Nature Place Interpretive Centre. The Gallery is fully accessible and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Admission is by donation.