by Kelly Butler
Lowertown has some of Ottawa’s most significant venues for the arts, all within a short distance from where we live. Patrons are being welcomed back safely as venues follow all Public Health guidelines. The holidays are an excellent time to show our support for our unique artistic community while taking in a show or exhibit.
The Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, will announce nine shows from previously planned seasons on December 5. An exciting opening night for their production of the contemporary thriller BURN is slated for February 23, 2022, with an improved theatre experience. For more information and to receive electronic communications, check out their website: http://www.ottawalittletheatre.com/october-2021-update-ottawa-little-theatre-board-president-geoff-gruson/. The Box Office will open in November. Accessible
La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins, 333 King Edward Avenue, ends the year with a documentary theatre production of Singulières, which deals with stereotypes as it follows five brilliant single women who are the role models of happiness (In French, with English subtitles). It runs until November 20. Intrusions, opening on February 3, 2022, is the story of one elderly couple’s transition to assisted living that is compounded by a disturbing intruder. The play also touches on deeper issues surrounding the societal treatment of our seniors when they most need our help. For tickets, see https://www.nouvellescene.com/billetterie/ Accessible
The Bytowne Cinema, 325 Rideau Street, has planned another excellent upcoming schedule. Highlights include Unstuck in Time, a documentary about the life and legacy of author Kurt Vonnegut, and The Power of the Dog, a western drama that had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival this past September, where it won a prize for Best Direction. Schedule and ticket information can be found at: https://www.bytowne.ca/whats-playing/. The December schedule will be available online the third week of November. It is well worth purchasing a membership if you appreciate the best movies (and popcorn!) in Ottawa. Accessible
Fun fact: eleven holiday films were shot in the Ottawa area this year, including in the ByWard Market, for companies like Hallmark, Lifetime and the Oprah Winfrey Network according to the Ottawa Film Office. (https://ottawa.film)
At The Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, the exhibit FILTERED, runs until January 2, 2022. It explores various forms of communication, connection, and our interpretation of media. The OAG also has an exhibit displaying key works by the Group of Seven from the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art until January 23, 2022. You can see Playing Dead–the work of 2021 Project X Award recipient and local multidisciplinary artist Joyce Crago–until November 28. Admission is free but you must book tickets online. https://www.oaggao.ca/plan-your-visit Wednesday to Sunday: 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. Accessible
The National Art Gallery, 380 Sussex Drive, presents the 2021 Sobey Art Award shortlist exhibition featuring five artists from across Canada, running until February 20, 2022. While you are there, don’t miss Tau Lewis’ Symphony in the Rotunda, a sculpture made from recycled clothing and fabrics, and one of the newest additions to the Gallery’s Contemporary Projects series. You also still have time to catch the thought-provoking New Generation Photography Award winners from both 2020 and 2021 until December 5. On January 21, 2022, visitors will be treated to the exhibit Canada and Impressionism: New Horizons featuring Canadian Impressionist artists. https:// gallery.ca/whats-on/exhibitions-and-galleries The National Gallery of Canada offers free admission to all visitors every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. (Timed tickets are required and can be obtained through their website). Accessible
Ottawa School of Art, (https://artottawa.ca) 35 George Street, is holding its 37th Annual Fundraising Sale from November 25 to December 12, where you will find original and affordable gift ideas with works of art by students, instructors and local artists. Admission is free. Accessible
L.A. Pai Art Gallery, (https://www.lapaigallery.com/pages/exhibitions-1) 13 Murray Street, displays carefully curated art and finely crafted jewellery by Canadian artists. Ontario Arts Council – Indigenous Arts Award recipient Mary Anne Barkhouse will be featured in an upcoming sculpture exhibit.
Gordon Harrison Canadian Landscape Gallery, (http://gordonharrisongallery.com/) 465 Sussex Drive, is holding a “Meet the Artists” event on Saturday and Sunday December 11 and 12. The exhibit Automne inoubliable with Gordon Harrison and Jenny Pearson-Millar runs until November 30. Les manteaux blancs de l’hiver is on from December 9-12.
Galerie Jean-Claude Bergeron, (https://galeriejeanclaudebergeron.ca/expositions/) 150 St. Patrick Street, features Canadian contemporary artists Michel Savage in the exhibit Coup de dés solaire by Michel Savage, running until December 5, and Kittie Bruneau in CÉLÉBRATION, from December 9-31.
Galerie St-Laurent + Hill, (https://galeriestlaurentplushill.com) 293 Dalhousie Street, a contemporary art gallery with a focus on painting, photography and sculpture, presents Drew Klassen from November 11–30, and Hilda Ooman from December 2–21.
Alpha Art Gallery, (https://alphaartgallery.ca) 531 Sussex Drive, features contemporary Canadian artists, as well as pop art, classical art, landscapes and portraits, abstract and photographic art. Travel, from the city to the great outdoors/Voyager, de la ville aux grands espaces by Nathalie Lapointe, runs until November 21.
Fine Photo Art Gallery, (https://finephotoart.ca) 495 Sussex Drive, features landscape and abstract photographic art by artist Michael Safieddine.
Take some time this holiday season to enjoy the creative abundance at our doorstep!