AIRD celebrates 30 years of visual arts excellence

In 2015, thirty years from its founding in 1985, the John B. Aird Gallery is delighted to recall its accomplishments, celebrate those who have contributed to its success and look forward to its ever-growing outreach to artists and art lovers.

Exhibition Dates: March 10 – April 3, 2015

Opening Reception: Thursday, March 12 6-8 pm

Thanks to the determination and collaboration of long established art societies, the Aird Gallery opened with a clear mandate – to create awareness and enjoyment of art works by contemporary professional artists. As a welcoming and attractive space it has had a provincial, national and international perspective, providing over 300 shows and opening receptions to over 200,000 visitors.

Making its mark with a wide range of distinguished exhibitions, it has included the art societies, the first Canadian exhibition of contemporary paintings from the Peopleʼs Republic of China, and in the last fifteen years, Drawing, Print and Photo shows.

The 30th Anniversary show and catalogue demonstrate the strong support of the art societies (Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour, Ontario Society of Artists, Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and Sculptors Society of Canada). With sincere appreciation we also recognize the talent, leadership and commitment of artists, members of Boards of Directors, Executive Directors and volunteers, who have made a huge contribution to the success of the gallery. As a non-profit charitable organization it has continued to maintain high curatorial standards and gain extensive community support with educational activities and our annual silent auction fund-raiser.

With funding from the Ontario Arts Council Compass Grant, the gallery is now shaping a plan for a stable, sustainable future. Just as it began, we trust the Aird Galleryʼs strength and spirit of co-operation will carry it into the next generation.