Town of Grimsby

vivid /en direct
Paul Walty

Dates:  January 25 - March 22, 2020



Like many of us citizens of planet Earth, Paul Walty is concerned about the current state of our world – and the future of all of its inhabitants. He illustrates these concerns by co-opting characters and stories from a variety of ancient peoples, particularly ones that involve natural disasters or human conflict and reinterprets them in ways that reference current conditions. Walty’s interest in this subject matter goes back to the earliest days of his artistic career, but has become ever more relevant, particularly now as we enter the 2020’s threatened by the convergence of human generated and natural disasters into devastating climate change that is evident around the globe.

The focal point of this exhibition is the major installation, Queue/ Salle d’attente. Based on the story of Noah’s Arc, an ancient story of climate disaster the details of which will be familiar to most viewers, this massive multi-panel drawing shows the animals entering the ark two by two, ready to embark on a voyage that will preserve them and their progeny from the coming obliteration. All the animals have human bodies, male and female; their heads are their only non-human attributes. The figures are reminiscent of animal-headed ancient Egyptian deities, but this melding of humans with the rest of the natural world also reminds us that we are all in this together, we are no more immune to extinction than any other species, and when extinction is the result of our own actions, we are perhaps even more vulnerable.

Paul Walty is a visual artist and arts instructor based in Toronto. He started his career as an archeologist, working on digs in Canada, Europe and the Near East. The changing geo-political situation in the early 1970’s brought him back to Canada and to visual art; he graduated from OAC in 1980. As an artist, Walty’s practice is firmly grounded in drawing and graphic design, which he does primarily with graphite and markers, although he uses acrylic paint to achieve the desired effects in his large scale works. His background in archeology and the study of ancient peoples and cultures influences the visual form and narrative content of many works. He purposefully interprets his ancient subjects to comment on contemporary issues and current events. Stylistically, his works also reference graphic novels and comics. They are typically presented on an oversized scale, and his absurd sense of humour is clearly evident. 

CANCELLED - "All You Need is Love" Annual Fundraising Auction

This event has been cancelled due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) closure of all Town facilities.  GPAG is committed to the health and safety of all the artists, staff, volunteers and visitors who contribute to the overwhelming success of this event every year. The current health care alert and the directives to avoid large gatherings have made cancelling this event our only responsible option.

If you purchased tickets for this event you will receive an e-mail or phone call regarding refunds.  If you have not been contacted by March 23, please contact the Gallery at 905-945-3246 or gpag@grimsby.ca

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Our next auction will celebrate 60 years of the Beatles!

• Fantastic themed music
• Silent and Live auctions
• Gourmet treats
• Door prizes
• and MORE!

It’s been a hard day’s night,
so come together for an evening
of music and art celebrating
60 years of the Beatles! 
With a little help from our friends,
we can raise vital funds to keep
art rockin’ in Grimsby!
All you need is love
and a bidding number! 

This event sold out early last year, so don’t wait! Tickets go on sale in early December for the public, while GPAG members can get earlybird tickets in November! 

Last Year's Auction - Back to the Garden

The 2019 Auction held on March 30th was like stepping back in time; we all went Back to the Garden! Many of the evening’s participants dressed in Woodstock fashions. They grooved to the music of the 60’s, spun by Glen “DJ Soapy” Poppe. It was a gas with plenty of laughs!

As usual, our auctioneer Nello Romagnoli was a great asset to the auction and the atmosphere. The event raised over $9000 for Education programs and care of the collection.  A special thank you to our sponsors and volunteers, you made it a far out event! 

CANCELLED - Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair

~ Check out our Facebook for details about a Virtual Wayzgoose Event

Due to current concerns associated with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), GPAG is cancelling Wayzgoose 2020.  GPAG is committed to the health and safety of all the artists, staff, volunteers and visitors who contribute to the overwhelming success of this event every year and, while we are deeply disappointed that the 42^nd annual Wayzgoose will not take place, safety must always come first. The current health care alert and the directives to avoid large gatherings have made cancelling Wayzgoose our only responsible option. 

2020 EXHIBITORS - If you were a Wayzgoose exhibitor, an e-mail has been sent out to you with information about refunds of your table fees.  If you have not receive it, please contact the Gallery at 905-945-3246 or gpag@grimsby.ca

Saturday, April 25, 2020

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FREE Admission

Always held on the last Saturday in April, the GPAG's Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair is an annual gathering of private press printers, bookbinders, print makers, paper marblers and other artisans celebrating the art of the hand-made book

Sunday Fun-days

Previously known as Second Sundays: same great program, new name. Bring the family one Sunday a month for FREE arts and crafts activities. Watch for a list of dates for fall Sunday Fun-day events.

Free Admission made possible by Grimsby Hyundai

Culture Days

September 27-29, 2019

Ontario Culture Days takes place every year on the last weekend in September, featuring FREE cultural activities for all Ontarians. Stay tuned for details of Grimsby Events, held at the Grimsby Public Art Gallery and Library.

Doors Open

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Explore some of Grimsby's best kept secrets. Residents and visitors are invited to discover hidden treasures, including the Grimsby Public Art Gallery.