"I have always thought that these tulips must have had names. They were red, and orange and red, and red and orange and yellow, like the ember in a nursery fire of a winter's evening. I remember them."
Tulip time has arrived, and with it, our third annual Tulip Art Festival!
It's always fascinating to see how multiple artists interpret a specific theme, and our tulip show has turned out to be an especially fine subject for this, as so many Ottawa artists naturally take an interest in the subject.
This year we have interpretations of tulips by no less than seventeen artists! Comparing their visions of this ancient theme is endlessly fascinating. Of course, we think it's as worth a visit as Dow's Lake itself, and we hope you'll consider making it as much a spring tradition as visiting the live tulips!
"The grass is green.
The tulip is red.
A ginger cat walks over
The pink almond petals on the flower bed.
Enough has been said to show
It is life we are talking about."
We had quite a lot to say about tulips and art last year in a pair of newsletters on the subject. If you're new to our newsletter, or you're interested in reviewing the discussion, please have a look at them!
As featured in our previous newsletter, we are currently exhibiting the charming artwork of Zeynep Ergincan, who brings together the old and the new in her traditionally influenced yet creative works in paint and ceramics. Zeynep's bold, vibrant palette, balanced careful compositions, and nostalgic themes combine to create a warm, cheerful, optimistic mood.
This exhibit continues through the end of the month.
Zeynep Ergincan poses next to a monument erected by the Embassy of Turkey near Rideau Falls. The plaque reads:
"The style of tile shown here dates back to the 16th century, and originates in the town of Iznik, a centre for ceramics in Turkey. Tiles such as these are representative of the cultural and artistic treasures of the Ottoman Empire. Tulips originated in Turkey, and were a common theme in Turkish art."
Sunflowers for Ukraine Benefit
We are also continuing our benefit for Ukraine through the end of the month. We have been selling sunflower-themed art generously donated by our artists and have collected $6254 to date for the UNHCR for the benefit of refugees in the conflict in Ukraine. We have contributions by seven artists available within the benefit, as well as sunflower themed greeting cards. All proceeds go to Ukrainian refugee relief.
We're located just off the Rideau Pathway, so wander by on your urban hike, visit the geese, take in the spring scenery, and stop by Rideau Falls and look for the Turkish art monument! Then come by and have a peek at our display windows while you're in the neighbourhood!
We and our artists greatly appreciate your support
of local galleries and local artists!
