August 15 – October 9 //

Reception: Fri. September 19, 6-8pm //

Stomping Grounds is a guest curated, cross-region and cross-selection exhibition of juried works. The exhibition’s focus is to bring together a broad and diverse collection and new scope of efficacious works to the Leamington Arts Centre. This year’s curators/jurors were Colleen Schindler and Grahame Lynch.

Guest Curator’s Curatorial Statement

As guest curators, we approached Stomping Grounds with a deep appreciation for the creative spirit of this region. Our aim was to bring together a broad and diverse collection of work that reflects the vitality of our shared art community across southwestern Ontario.

We looked for work that demonstrated strength in formal elements such as line, colour, material, and technique, as well as those that expressed compelling ideas, stories, or emotional resonance. What emerged is a vibrant mix of practices that reveal unexpected connections, shared concerns, and unique perspectives.

Creative expression is foundational to cultural life. This exhibition celebrates the importance of making and sharing work, and the role that galleries like the LAC play in providing a space for artists to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

Thank you to all who submitted work, and to all who make time to experience it. We hope you find inspiration and connection in the show.

— Colleen Schindler & Grahame Lynch

 

Guest Curator’s Bio:

Colleen Schindler and Grahame Lynch are multidisciplinary artists and educators whose practices explore themes of identity, memory, and shared experiences. Both are Associate Professors at Toronto Metropolitan University and hold Master of Fine Arts degrees. Their work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions internationally in Japan and the United States, and across Canada including the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, the Thames Art Gallery, Gallery Stratford, and the Leamington Arts Centre. With Colleen’s expertise in drawing, printmaking, photography, and textiles, and Grahame’s focus on image-making and installations that challenge perceptions of vision and space, they bring a thoughtful and dynamic approach to their artistic practices. As guest curators, they aim to engage audiences by fostering dialogue and encouraging broader connections.