Fortune Gallery owner and head curator Allison Trembath knows a thing or two about the importance of art and optimism. After closing down for a few months this spring, the gallery has re-opened and is proudly showing local artists in its Annual Winter Show. Artists in the show include Ron Wilson, Rob Lovett, Hélène Cyr, Kristofer Parley, Nathan Davis, Rose Currie, Paul McNair, Ken Horn, Bob McPartlin, and Mike Kammerer.
With many businesses restricting their hours, Fortune has extended theirs, becoming somewhat of a “coffee shop gallery” over the winter.
“Bean Around the World coffee shop is one door over from us,” says Trembath, “and their customers were sitting on the road drinking their coffee, and I said, ‘Well, winter’s coming, so why don’t you come in and use our space?’ So, they have tables set up, appropriately distanced, and people get their coffees and then come over to the gallery and hang out.”
In accordance with health orders, masks are required when not eating or drinking, there’s an 18-person capacity, and hand sanitizer is provided upon entry. The gallery doors open at 9 am, and coffee is available until 3 pm, when the space stops doubling as overflow seating for Bean Around the World. Gallery staff are on the premises from 1 pm until 5 pm. It’s an interesting system, which, Trembath says, is working well.
“We would normally be having Christmas parties and weddings, and it feels sort of empty without people in here, so it feels really great to have people come in and appreciate the space,” she says.
Trembath says that it’s important to be in person with a piece of art; she feels that original art needs to be experienced right in front of the viewer.
“I only show local artists because there’s so many on the island,” she says. “I think it’s a valuable service, especially during these times because I think people need to escape and see beauty.”
There’s so much art to be seen online, but Trembath firmly believes in the power of a personal experience.
“I’ve watched people chemically change when they’ve been in front of a beautiful piece of art,” she says. “Like, their body changes, their energy changes. That might sound a little ‘woowoo,’ but I think it’s really important to be right there in front of the piece of work.”
The Annual Winter Show has been going for 13 years (as long as the gallery has been open). Trembath hopes that people who come to view the pieces and experience the space receive “peace and beauty and inspiration.”
“So many people are coming in right now and thanking me because they get inspiration,” she says. “That’s a gift. It’s so great to be able to give that to people.”
The local artists featured in this year’s exhibit are described by Trembath first and foremost as “nice and kind and generous.” In a world that often leaves us feeling shaky, it’s great to know that kindness and generosity are still valued and championed. And regardless of all that’s transpired this year, Trembath is keeping her head up:
“I’m an eternal optimist, so I believe that we will get through this on a positive note, ‘this’ being COVID and climate change and racial inequality—the list is long, but I feel that we will get through it,” she says.
There is certainly a feeling of hope and warmth present in the gallery, now appropriately filled with tables and chairs along with beautiful art. Trembath says that she is very stubborn and will continue to be open as long as it’s possible.
“Look after yourself, take care of whatever makes you happy, go gently, don’t expect too much from yourself,” she says. “If you are creating and you’re not in a place where you feel like you want to create, it will come back, as we all will.”
Annual Winter Show
Until Thursday, December 24
Fortune Gallery
fortunegallery.ca