Art Windsor-Essex nominated for Seven GOG Awards!
Art Windsor-Essex is honored with seven nominations at the Annual GOG Awards, acknowledging the significant contributions of public art galleries and museums in Ontario. These awards celebrate the remarkable achievements and overall excellence of institutions and professionals in the province’s public art gallery sector.
Exhibition of the Year Budget over $50,000 Thematic Award for BioCurious
BioCurious featured eighteen artists and explored living materials in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. The exhibition redefined culture to encompass biological elements, bridging art and science to examine humanity’s evolving relationship with nature.
Exhibition of the Year Budget over $20,000 Thematic Award for Crip Ecologies: Vulnerable Bodies in a Toxic Landscape.
Crip Ecologies featured contemporary art by chronically ill, disabled, and immunocompromised artists from the US, Canada, and the UK. Their works explored our intricate connections with medical systems, emphasizing the aesthetics of pain and care. Co-presented with Tangled Art + Disability and curated by Amanda Cachia.
Exhibition of the Year Budget under $10,000 Award for Artists of Colour: Abstracted Realities
The Artists of Colour: Abstracted Realities confronted the historical marginalization of black artists, acknowledging their significant contributions and challenging selective filtering that obscured their visibility.
Public Programs Award for Z’otz*Collective: Community Collaboration
Z’otz*Collective: Community Collaboration highlighted Agricultural workers from Pure Flavor Farms in Leamington, ON, who worked in collaboration with the Z’otz* Collective from Toronto, ON, on a community art project. The participants created works that celebrated their individual culture and explored their collective identity through artistic expression and collaboration.
Education Program Award for Quilt Codes of the Underground Railroad with The Artists of Colour
Quilt Codes of the Underground Railroad welcomed participants to a hands-on workshop where attendees followed along as the artists shared various quilt blocks and colorful patterns. The collective explained the historical significance of these patterns, detailing how they functioned as coded messages for Freedom Seekers navigating the Underground Railroad to attain freedom.
Colleague of the Year Award for Tom Primeau, Operations and Visitor Services, Senior Officer
Tom Primeau, nominated for the 2023 Colleague of the Year Award, is AWE’s Senior Officer of Operations, Membership, and Visitor Services. Tom’s four-decade commitment, versatility, and outstanding performance, coupled with his generosity in sharing knowledge, makes him an invaluable member of our team and a deserving candidate for this honor.
Volunteer of the Year Award for Anne Smith, Gallery Guide
AWE nominated Gallery Guide, Anne Smith for the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award. Anne’s kindness and generosity of spirit makes her one of the gallery’s most spirited guides. Her dedication to sharing her knowledge and passion for the arts with visitors continues to leave a mark on our community.
This year’s award ceremony takes place on December 2 at 6:30 pm at Toronto Metropolitan University. See full announcement details at GOG’s website.
