Category Archives: Current Issue

RIVERDALE ARTWALK WELCOMES CROWDS ON SUNNY SATURDAY

FLY was thrilled to walk the aisles of tents overflowing with beautiful artworks today at the Riverdale Artwalk on Queen St East- the annual outdoor art show runs tomorrow (Sunday) so get yourselves down there to support local artists. Lovely to run into old friends and discover some exciting new artists so join FLY as we talk a virtual stroll around the park.  First tent FLY saw was that of Elena Dinissuk whose bright pink top looked lovely against the backdrop of her stunning abstract land/skyscapes. www.elenadinissuk.caFurther down the aisle, FLY found a very cheerful David Harcombe, surrounded by sparklers and urban signs. www.davidharcombe.caThen FLY flew into the next booth belonging to Tueai La who surrounded herself with her beautiful florals. www.tueaila.ca Jen Raetsen creates beautiful “wool paintings” – yes, that’s right. She uses coloured wool to form gorgeous lux images and FLY was so taken with them that a tiny miniature (3rd pic) ended up going home with her. www.jenraetsenart.com Jeff Walker is a real fun artist. FLY has a cute robot from last year’s event and here are even more little creatures and ‘bots to enjoy. www.gowalkergo.com FLY was thrilled to discover Eric Allen Montgomery, a mixed-media artist who creates cool works with “found” stuff! So many things to discover in each artwork and Eric and his lovely partner (they had just returned from their honeymoon) were decked out in Eric’s digital design clothing. www.EricAllenMontgomery.ca FLY was intrigued by Eric’s art dispenser, an old candy machine, so decided to have a go….this mini-masterpiece came out – it’s a wee sliver with so much going on…love it.Glad to see Carolyn Laidley Arn (below) standing on guard…apart from her large paintings, she’s created some miniatures that are perfect for small walls (if you live in a condo, you know what I mean)  <ahref=”http://www.carolynlaidleyarn.com”>www.carolynlaidleyarn.comBeing a proud mum, Carolyn directed FLY across the aisle to her daughter’s booth (below) but she was so busy with visitors, FLY didn’t disturb her.Gail Williams was surrounded by bold colours and giant abstract portraits. Her booth was very joyful. www.gailwilliamsartist.com
Kate Taylor was busy filming her booth with her sister but FLY would like to acknowledge Kate’s commitment to supporting other artists at Riverdale Artwalk every year. Definitely a “friend of Fly”.  www.katetaylorstudio.com
Lori Mirabelli was hard at work with potential buyers when FLY dropped in. Lori’s art has been selling well in Europe, too. Congrats on all your hard work, Ms. M.  www.lorimirabelli.com FLY loves Mark Gleberzon‘s bold Barbie portraits, esp. the pink pompadour wigged dolls. Now if only FLY could shape her eyebrows as well as Barbie’s….sigh! That gold monolith looks amazing in person – all textured and shiny.  www.markgleberzon.com Mark’s gallery mate, Morgan Jones (below) was full o’ beans in his booth…stand still, Morgan. Gotcha!  www.morganjonesart.com
Another newbie artist for FLY was Lynn Cragg who is obviously a real horsey person. She also loves cows and owls and sheep….can’t wait to write a story on her for The Rider newspaper that focuses on country life and the equine world. www.lynncraggfineart.com It was hard to even get into Cat Marchese‘s tent – her photographic studies of vintage bricks were very popular. The lady in pink (below) was busy chatting to new collectors – bravo, Cat!  www.citybonez.com Finally, FLY stopped into one of the busiest booths today, belonging to Neerja Trehan just as she was selling two paintings to two different art lovers. Congrats and bravo you, Neerja! www.neerjatrehan.com And FLY was very touched when Neerja gifted her with this beautiful handcrafted candle in thanks for continued artist support – you are so welcome, Neerja.The art show continues tomorrow, Sunday June 4th, at Jimmy Simpson Park, Queen St East. More info at: www.riverdaleartwalk.ca

BLITZ GALLERY IN TORONTO LAUNCHES LATEST SHOW

FLY recently dropped in to Toronto’s Blitz Art Gallery located at 101 Richmond St East (south side, just W of Jarvis) for the launch of their latest group show “Being and Belonging”.  Artist and friend Morgan Sheardown, famous for his “Raining Cows”, has a couple of canvases in this new group show (thanks for allowing FLY borrow this photo, Morgan).The space itself has lots of great wall space for hanging artwork and the lighting is perfect. Most of the artists are unknown to FLY however several were happy to share their stories, such as Heather Gentleman (below) whose work on show featured portraits of Indigenous women warriors of Britain during the Roman invasions. These women are Celts, Druids, Picts, Gauls and Britons. The working name of Heather’s series is Parallax. The meaning of the word is the effect whereby the position or direction of an object appears to differ when viewed from different positions. Congrats, Heather, FLY loved this tease of your upcoming full series show. FLY was also pleased to meet the award-winning Canadian artist, Susan N. Stewart (below) who’s known for hip and exciting contemporary art that transforms spaces. She’s also the founder of Flick the Switch Artists’ Collective in Toronto.
Marina Doukas was busy posing for photos (below)…her work is vibrant and full of energy.Portraits, cloudscapes, landscapes and cool photographic works are all part of the show… FLY would like to thank Angela Kim and gallery owner Hui An for their hospitality and for supporting Canadian artists.

Website: www.blitzartgallery.com (currently undergoing upgrade)

OCTOGENARIAN ARTIST DONNA WISE KEEPS UP FAST-PACED CREATIVITE OUTPUT!

FLY is in awe of Toronto-based artist DONNA WISE who came to contemporary abstract painting late in life but whose output exceeds that of so many younger artists.   www.artbydonnawise.comDuring Covid lock-down, Donna retreated to her studio and created gorgeous, lush acrylic-on-canvas masterworks as well as experimented using paper as a medium. And the results were a series of extraordinary artworks – Road to the Moon (60″x60″) – full size & close-up-images and From the Sea (48″x48″)-full size & close-up detail plus Shadow Play (40″x40″) – full size & close-up detail …and her paintings on paper were equally as exciting…here’s Triumphant (below)and this red one is called Celebration.FLY is thrilled to share the news that Donna has been selected to showcase her work (below – “Chantilly Lace” and “Numbers of Music & Poetry”) at next month’s ArtBox Project showcase in New York City, so Donna is hoping to attract collectors in the Big Apple (her work is already in private & corporate collections in Miami and San Francisco).

FLY wishes Donna much success with her stunning paintings in New York and here in Toronto. You can check out 2 of her canvases in person at the Westmount Art Gallery in Etobicoke, and watch for news of upcoming exhibitions during the summer months on her Fcbk & Instagram (linked via her website).

 

 

COLLECTIVE 131 PRESENTS “PERFECT 10” GROUP SHOW THRU MONTH OF MARCH

Another great opening for FLY to buzz around….the artists known as Collective 131 launched their group show for the month of March titled “Perfect 10” in their fab gallery underneath Holt Renfrew at 50 Bloor West in downtown Toronto. With double window frontage into the mall, the paintings on display attracted many walk-ins as well as friends, family and collectors to wish all the artists well with this special show of “smalls” that hangs alongside the large canvases of the Collective’s members.
Lisa Litowitz was happy to pose for friends in front of her colourful abstract landscapes (she’s pictured below right)…and I was immediately drawn to my friend Mark J. Gleberzon‘s fun “Barbie booth” where some of his gorgeous Barbie portraits hangMorgan Jones has a similar forest-themed booth showcasing his unique creations…There are so many talented emerging artists participating in the “Perfect 10” show… ...including a young artist whose work FLY was immediately drawn to – Dinesh Subramanian. His impressionist style street scenes of Toronto were beautiful – see below And FLY also loved the soft palette used by Meaghen Burdick in this view of a country road (below)There were paintings for every size of wall and wallet – check these out… FLY bumped into Collective member Morgan Jones flanked below by two friends who obviously know a good work of art when they spy it! FLY is a big fan of J&J Photos – that big horned cow skull would look lovely over FLY’s mantle…hmmm.So much to see, something for every taste. Easy to find the gallery in the lower mall underneath Holt Renfrew on Bloor…and you can follow them on Instagram:  @collective_131_toronto
The show continues throughout the month of March. Tell them Fly On the Gallery Wall sent you.

ART TORONTO TAKES PLACE THIS WEEKEND @ METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE

FLY attended the opening night of the annual ART TORONTO, featuring Canadian and int’l galleries and artists, and found lots of exciting contemporary artworks exhibited, as well as discovering some new galleries and arts initiatives. The show runs until end of day Sunday Oct.30 – click on their website for details and tickets: https://arttoronto.ca/home/The first booth FLY visited was the Art Gallery of Hamilton (above & below) with their striking display and lots of information and merchandise. The ladies were welcoming and eager to share their knowledge of the gallery’s current, past and future shows. www.artgalleryofhamilton.comImmediately to the left, you’ll find an aisle displaying books and materials available from the arts bookstores and I found these two lovely people representing The Power Plant which is currently celebrating 35yrs – check out the line-up of FREE exhibition tours and other events happening through to December: www.thepowerplant.org

Love the cool kids of Floating Point Gallery! They have been very active on social media promoting their participation in this year’s Art Toronto. It’s good to see galleries being active on the ‘net, supporting their artists and activities. Bravo, team Floating Point. https://floatingpointgallery.com/
And speaking of cool…FLY walked into lead sponsor Infiniti‘s booth to view a unique hanging installation by world-renowned conceptual artist Michael Murphy. The Next Contemporary gallery offered several paintings and sculptures but these two (below) particularly caught FLY’s eyes. The gallery is located on Dupont Street so go visit after the weekend’s show. www.thenextcontemporary.com 
Meet Monica Reyes, Director of the Monica Reyes Gallery in Vancouver. The elegance of the lady is reflected in the art she exhibits…the booth displayed a wide range of contemporary works including the backlit colourful panels that would illuminate any wall or room. www.monicareyesgallery.comThe booth that really blew FLY away was www.RochemontProjects.com exhibition of Ghana-based artists with these stunning HUGE canvases depicting “Material Memories” (see description below), curated by Ashley McKenzie-Barnes. You cannot walk past this large booth without stopping…the images are haunting, engaging and intriguing. FLY wasn’t too sure about the squished gold Jaguar in the middle of the lounge but being a devoted Jag lover, she had to stop and stare….Who doesn’t love a cute Barbie? How about this sexy cowgirl Barbie (below) by Maggie Hall? Check out her pop-art at: www.lovemaggiehall.comFLY enjoyed chatting with reps from 2 arts magazines: Border Crossings and C-Mag, both of which support Canadian contemporary artists and galleries. Check them out yourselves. www.bordercrossingsmag.com  and  www.cmagazine.com So many fabulous works on show – here’s just a sample…including those fabulous painted bowling pin Elvises (or is it Elvai?) Rocky LaRock shares his N.W. Pacific coast cultural imagery with these jaw-dropping carvings…his profile is below.  FLY then ran into Napoleon…....and viewing Napoleon at the same time was an enthusiastic art lover, Glen, who introduced FLY to his colleagues from the Portrait Gallery of Canada (based in Ottawa), a newly formed organization looking to promote portrait photography or paintings of everyday Canadians – every face tells a story and there are millions of faces/stories out there waiting to be gathered and shared. Here’s Glen (below R) with artist Max Dean (L) who was participating in the pick-a-hat, pose-for-a-photo and create-your-own-portrait initiative. What fun!It was lovely to meet Portrait Gallery of Canada’s Exec. Director Robert Steven (C), along with Board Member Christine Sadler (L) and artist Darlene Cole (R).FLY is looking forward to supporting the endeavours of www.portraitcanada.ca

Before leaving the show, FLY had to buzz around the aisles to find one of her favourite Toronto galleries – the Sandra Ainsley Gallery and she was not disappointed. Sandra herself was there and gave FLY a tour of the stunning art glass sculptures on display. You MUST visit her gallery in person to see the magnificent works from her represented artists. https://sandraainsleygallery.com/  Below are the latest pieces from South Australian Clare Belfrage Sandra showed FLY the innovative glass panels from renowned glassmaker Dale Chihuly – turned off the panels look one way then flipping a switch to illuminate, they look completely different colours. WOW! FLY also got to meet the charming Susan Edgerley who created this delicate glass floating sculpture – looks like clouds – and when you brush the wires or individual pieces, it jingles melodically.Thanks so much for the mini-tour, Sandra!So much more to dazzle and inspire at the show so please visit Art Toronto this weekend. Big THANK YOU to Michael Usling and his team for the media pass. Good luck with the weekend.

Tickets online or at the door – check the website for daily events and activities, as well as for tickets: https://arttoronto.ca/home/

 

 

TORONTO’S MUSE GALLERY HOSTS LATEST SHOW BY DAVID LIDBETTER

Currently showing at Muse Gallery in Toronto until November 2nd, David Lidbetter‘s landscape paintings of the Gatineau, Algonquin Park, the Ottawa Valley and Temagami offer stunning rural images with a distinct abstract flavour. FLY visited the gallery at Yonge & Summerhill to see the artist’s 6th show there and was treated to a visual tour of Ontario’s most beautiful snowy countryside – David is definitely a favourite of FLY’s.

Lidbetter makes sketches or takes photos in situ then re-imagines them or re-structures the views back in his studio where he incorporates the colours, moods, even the vibrations of the atmosphere into each canvas.  “I try to have a unique voice. I love experimenting and trying new things all the time. I try to simplify the landscape as much as possible.”  And his paintings reflect just how good he is at doing that.

Established in 2005 by gallery director Jay Belmore, the 1200 sq. ft. space exclusively showcases Canadian contemporary art by approximately 30 emerging, mid-career and established artists. FLY recommends a personal visit to see David’s work as well as other artists whose works are also on display, such as Eric Robitaille whose equine canvases are quite spectacular! And there are several installations by sculptor Won Lee….FLY was particularly wowed by this painting (below) by Jay Belmore himself…don’t you love the energy and those glorious colours?Yes, there’s lots to see at this perfectly curated, small gallery and it’s easy to reach by car or subway, located at 1230 Yonge Street, just across the road from the Summerhill subway. Visit their website to view their current artists and news of upcoming shows  www.musegallery.ca

 

MEET MULTI-TALENTED AUSTRALIAN ARTIST RHUBEE NEALE

On FLY’s recent trip around the Australian outback, she discovered numerous indigenous artists, musicians, filmmakers, authors…and was introduced to just such an artist – RHUBEE NEALE.  Sister/cousin to the acclaimed actor and filmmaker, Trisha Penangke (Total Control, True Colours, Redfern Now), Rhubee performs her original music, telling her stories of her life, culture and history, and she brings all this to her stunning contemporary abstract art as well. Below is one of FLY’s favourite paintings, probably because it shows the country in all its colour and glory.Based in Yulara, close to Uluru, the big red rock which is the spiritual centre for so many indigenous Australians, Rhubee and FLY were not able to connect in person but thanks to great internet connectivity, conversations continue and Rhubee graciously agreed to answer a few questions about her art….

What was your first inspiration to pick up a paintbrush and create pictures of the country and how do you describe your own personal style of painting?  I learned to paint by observation, it was first-hand instruction; then it was watching what I do, then doing what I do, style from family at first then I began to make up my own little stories using my imagination of the world around me. Families paintbrush their old stories; that could be funny, scary, and serious about survival, rules of behaviour, and kinship relationships with people, animals, and everything around us – life skills and protocols.  I cannot remember what age when I started drawing in the sand, as it has always been a part of me. All I can remember is that I felt loved, safe and warm laying in my mother’s (mum and her sisters’) lap as they drew and told stories in the sand. I can still hear their voices and smell the aroma of the gum tree and red desert soil. I enjoy the feeling of sand, mud and ochre on my hands.  I grew up watching aunties and uncles, sisters, cousins and grandparents drawing in the sand and then painting on their bodies for ceremonies, as well as painting on different objects such as necklaces. I mostly painted with sticks and hands/fingers. I fell in love with paint and paintbrush when I went to western school. My style has evolved over the years, firstly my dreaming dot style – I sold my first one in 1999, then in the 2000s, I started painting fictional land spaces that I called my paradise places. The hero of these paintings was based on childhood memories combined with imagination such as my favourite gum trees, ranges, dry and running creeks and riverbeds. And now I am embarking on a Contemporary art journey. Did you study art in college or have a mentor who helped you hone your skills and attain your vision?  I became aware of the abstract from watching my sister, Letty Scott, paint and my cousin, Patricia Morton Thomas, showing me the artworks of others.  I undertook some study at Deakin University where my Lecturer, artist Phillip Doggett-Williams ran sessions on various artists, styles and eras – I really connect with surrealism…Wow!! Opening my mind, I fell in love with this contemporary art.  Watching my sister Letty, an amazing abstract artist, and cousin Patricia Morton Thomas’ painting also inspired me.Contemporary Indigenous artwork embraces different styles of painting in the extraordinary Aboriginal culture. The unique styles are tied to certain significant parts of the artist’s land, kinship or totem – each work tells its own story. Do you focus on that specific style?  Although my current contemporary paintings are not my dreaming stories, they are unique original artworks, embedding aspects of culture, belonging to a country, ancestors, history and life experience growing up in two worlds and seeing the world from bush to city and knowing where I come from and belong. I paint shapes, symbols, figures, landscapes of fictional beautiful imagery places. You’ve enjoyed popularity through exhibitions in galleries across the country as well as online exposure. What was the most significant event that boosted your success in the Australian art world?  The “I am Woman” is the first exhibition organized by Rowena Brown of Glenelg Art Gallery in South Australia where I introduced the public to this now-contemporary art style I am currently undertaking which will be running again in 2023. I promote my art on social media and have been interviewed on the radio.

Were you affected by Covid lockdown/isolation, or did you use that time to focus on your work and creativity?  I think the lockdown was when I truly embraced abstract art. It gave me a way to keep a healthy mind by painting and breathing. I had the headspace and time to deal with everything in creativity, with the madness of the world outside my home, certainty this is the time that I truly had – it was unreal, like a bad movie of the world’s end playing out everywhere.   My canvas and paints gave me an escape from the stresses of world out there and I could bring back some logic and centre myself to process all the thoughts, feelings and information. (Below is one of Rhubee’s paintings completed during Covid isolation)Next year, 2023, you have an exciting show in Adelaide. Can you tell us about that and if you’re creating any new works specifically for the South Australian exhibition?  I am so excited about 2023, working with Rowena Brown of Glenelg Art Gallery who has organized for my art to be exhibited in the next I am Woman exhibition as part of the Fringe Festival 2023. I will highlight the current works as well as create some new artwork. https://www.glenelgartgallery.com.au/

You come from a creative family – your cousin, Trisha, is a brilliant actress and filmmaker – are there any other artists in your family?  There are many family members that are creative. My cousin Trisha, whom culturally I call sister, because our mothers are sisters and all their children then call each other brother or sister, not cousins. There are so many families who write, act, paint, sing, etc. My biggest influences have been Trisha, Letty, Linda, Mum Patsy, Mum Janie, Mum Lucy, my children and grandchildren, Uncle Clifford possum and so many more.

Do you have any advice or a message for emerging artists who wish to share their stories and visions with the rest of the country AND the world?  My advice is to go for it, don’t worry about what others say, hear what they say then go paint what you want.  It might not be what the world will accept now, but eventually, you will still shine. Always paint from your heart and don’t judge yourself harshly.  If you just let the paint brush go where it wants to, you will step back to look at an amazing finished artwork and see aspects and stories unfolding that will jump out to be seen.  Have fun and love the creative process.  My dream and number one on my bucket list is to travel, sing and exhibit overseas. Don’t limit yourself to one form, embrace your online precedence and products.   Be brave and strong and follow your dream too.

Currently, Rhubee has a number of paintings on display in Sails in the Desert, an exclusive hotel property which is part of the Ayres Rock Resort and next door to where FLY stayed during her 2 day visit in August.  You can follow Rhubee on social media but better still, visit her at the Sails in the Desert hotel gallery or next year at the Glenelg Gallery in the beach-side suburb of Adelaide, SA (check their website noted earlier for dates and details).FLY hopes to meet Rhubee in person on her next flying visit – maybe to the Glenelg Gallery in 2023!

INTRODUCING TORONTO’S NEW XOXO CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY

FLY flew into the brand new contemporary art gallery up on Yonge Street, north of Eglinton in Toronto. It was lovely to meet the gallery directors Shawnna Brown and Michael Sachter, both artists themselves who share the exhibition space – this weekend is the grand opening of the gallery located upstairs from a wonderful coffee and tea supplier.



FLY fell in love with one of Shawnna’s painting so it now carries a special red dot…SOLD!Michael proudly showed FLY his original digitally manipulated images of which he creates limited print runs for clients – they come in 3 sizes suitable for home and office.

Gallery Hours

Oct. 17, 2022 onward

Monday/Tuesday: Closed*

Wednesday/Thursday/Friday : 11-6

 Saturday/Sunday: 11-5

* Or By Appointment

FLY hopes everyone will visit XOXO to support these two artists who are pleased to welcome visitors and talk about their work, their inspirations, their passion for contemporary art. Visit their website www.xoxocontemporaryart.com or their Fcbk & IG pages.

FLY VISITS INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS & GALLERIES

Travelling around Australia over the past 2 months, FLY visited numerous galleries featuring indigenous artists’ work and is thrilled to share photos with you here. So many aboriginal artists did not want photos of themselves or their work taken so these photos are from accredited galleries who represent some of the best artists in the country. FLY will be posting several blogs to cover the vast expanse of space and tribal imagery, let’s start with the story of Short Street Gallery in Broome, located in the north west of the state of Western Australia.  www.shortstgallery.com.auLocated in Broome’s Chinatown, upon entering this heritage building, you are immediately struck by the 125+ years history of pearling in this town, as well as the incredible art contained within. Established in 1998, the gallery is Australia’s leading contemporary Art Gallery specializing in Aboriginal art, sourcing works from remote Indigenous communities and art centres from the Kimberley, Tiwi Island, the APY & Ng Lands, Central Desert, Pilbara and throughout regional Australia The main hall displayed large artworks, all of which had red dots next to them. Bravo for all the sales!

 

Short Street also has a secondary gallery space where hundreds of works are stored (and on show) – they frequently rotate the art into the main gallery. Wow, such stunning works and FLY wanted to buy everything!
If you love contemporary abstract and are looking to support indigenous artists from different countries, Short Street Gallery can offer you hundreds of unique paintings with stories from country and the dreamtime. They ship around the world…or come for a visit! You can follow them on social media – links can be found on their website:  www.shortstgallery.com.au

CANADIAN EQUINE ARTIST MICHELLE HOGAN SHARES STUNNING HORSE PORTRAITS WITH ART FANS AS WELL AS HORSE LOVERS

FLY has been seeing lots of social media activity from a brilliant Ontario-based artist, Michelle Hogan, whose focus is the harness racing community – her horse portraits are incredibly detailed and full of emotion…so FLY reached out for a quick chat with the artist herself….

Michelle, you’ve worked with harness-racing horses as a trainer, owner and breeder – what inspired you to start such a unique career?   Growing up, I was your typical horse-crazy kid, without a horse. During the summer before I entered high school, it was time to find my first job, and I went straight to Flamboro Downs, which was only a short drive from home.  All I knew was that I wanted to work with horses. I had my first job as a groom within days and never looked back!

Your portraits of harness racing horses and drivers are so detailed & intricate – how long have you been observing these horses from an artist’s perspective?  As long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in art.  Art and horses have always been the two constants in my life.  Because of this, I have always observed them with an artist’s eye.  I was photographing and drawing all the horses I cared for from the moment I stepped into my first role as a groom. You work in pen and ink instead of watercolours or acrylics – do you find you get better definition in your work? Most true cinephiles say B&W movies offer greater “texture” to the stories – perhaps the same could be said for your work, yes?  Absolutely! One of the things I love about ink is how much detail I can include in my drawings.  I use fine-tipped pens, some of the smallest on the market.Did you study art at school or college or are you self-taught?  When I was 10 years old, my parents enrolled me in a local adult art group/class.  As the only child in the group, I learned so much from both the teacher and the other members.  I learned to paint with watercolours and fine tune my drawing skills.  I was taught how to see as an artist.  Aside from this, I took art through high school.  Again, my teachers were fantastic and supportive of my interests.  It was there that I learned techniques in pen and ink.

Commissioned works are an important revenue stream for any artist – do you go out to clients’ stables or racetracks for photographing or interviewing the owners, drivers, the horses before starting each portrait? What is your process?  Most often I work from photographs provided by the client, with photographer’s permission.  However, for my work with Hanover Raceway, I attend the events we are partnered on and take my own photographs to work from. This way I can control the lighting and composition of the photographs to reflect what I prefer to work from in a reference image.For those of us who can’t afford originals, do you also offer prints of your work?  Yes, prints are available through my website.  I also offer cards, mugs, and a variety of other printed merchandise.

You work at and with the Hanover Raceway – is this where you started your career as a trainer/breeder? And they obviously enjoy having you and your work on site. Are there other tracks that you love to visit?  My involvement in harness racing began at Flamboro Downs in Dundas, Ontario.  The horses in my care would often race at other Ontario tracks, including Hanover Raceway, and Hanover quickly became a favourite. I also love to visit Clinton Raceway (Clinton, Ontario) and Grand River Raceway (Elora, Ontario).  The fan experience at these tracks is top notch, and you can get close to the action. What’s coming up for you over the remainder of the year? Any art shows or exhibitions where we can find you?  My work is currently included in the Owen Sound Art Banner exhibit, and my banner can be found hanging outside the Owen Sound Tourist Information building along the harbour.  And on September 10th there will be a showing of my work at Hanover Raceway during the races.Michelle continues…Having been directly involved in the harness racing industry for most of my life, the horses and the people are like family to me.  It is important to me to give back in any way that I can.  I strive to draw new interest and fans to the sport of harness racing through my art.  I support aftercare for our horses through the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society and industry charities such as Harness The Hope.
2022 is my third season as the Official Artist of Hanover Raceway.  Winners of the Dream of Glory Trot and the Balanced Image Trot receive custom portraits of their horse.  I also partner with Hanover on other projects throughout the season, such as Bob McClure Day, Trevor Henry Day, and the Ontario Women’s Driving Championship.  Merchandise such as cards and mugs can be purchased at the Hanover Raceway program booth and Race Office. My studio serves many purposes.  It is where I work, but it is also a source of inspiration and education.  Visitors to my studio can see, feel, and experience a little piece of harness racing.  I keep a collection of authentic racing equipment, memorabilia, and artwork on display.Thank you, Michelle, FLY is now a fan of harness racing as well as your beautiful artwork.  And if you would like to learn more about this unique artist, please visit Michelle’s website and follow her on social media:  https://harnessartist.com/
Facebook.com/HarnessArtist and Instagram & Twitter@harnessartist