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Hamilton Spectator
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
A Curve, Not a Line: 50 Years of Passion, Progress, and Perspective at the Art Gallery of Burlington
'Time is anything but a line. It's a helix, a spiral — generations building a collection through generations of makers, scholars, and curators who have been in this space,' says the Art Gallery of Burlington's Artistic Director and Curator Suzanne Carte. Carte uses this idea of non-linearity to describe the organic evolution of the Art Gallery of Burlington's (AGB) permanent collection. With its latest exhibition, 'A Curve, Not a Line,' the gallery invites audiences to step into a reimagined version of its 50-year legacy. 'A collection is built not only by makers but by scholars and curators who have contributed to this space,' Carte explains. 'To think it was built from point A to point B negates all the work that happens in between, the relearning we can do from the objects, the artists, and the many individuals who have donated their time and energy to telling stories.' Over the past five decades, the AGB has become a national leader in contemporary ceramics, now home to over 4,000 pieces. But Carte, who joined the gallery in 2019, sought to uncover the personal, communal, and emotional narratives behind each object. She approached the collection as a listener, collaborator, and storyteller. 'It takes a full team to do this,' she says. 'Our collections manager teaches me so much. And physically handling these works during the installation gave me a bodily experience of the collection, a privilege, especially when considering objects that were meant to be touched, used, brought to your lips, sat on, or stood on. Holding them with my white glass gloves; this space is a privilege I'm acutely aware of. For me, the learning happens through tactility and experience, rather than reading.' Carte spent time in the vault, understanding the collection's depth and its weight — literally and metaphorically. 'The title 'A Curve, Not a Line' speaks to the idea that collections don't develop in straight paths,' she says. 'They loop back. They spiral. They shift depending on who's telling the story.' Rejecting a chronological or medium-specific structure, Carte drew inspiration from a moving exhibition she once saw at the Brooklyn Museum, curated by a director retiring after decades of service. 'He picked all his favourite works; they were his legacy, and he put them all together in one room. As an audience member, I thought, 'What is even happening here? This is bonkers. No curator would ever throw all this together.' But once I understood the intention, it was so touching and joyous.' She wanted to channel that spirit: to focus not just on aesthetics, but on the totality of the collection. 'We have works that are brilliant demonstrations of ancestral techniques, pieces made with different clay bodies, sculptural forms, whimsical, and functional alike. It was important to look at the whole picture,' Carte says. 'And to invite a team to help choose what they found meaning in.' That sense of collectivity echoes the spirit of community gatherings like Culture Jam, which Carte recalls fondly. 'It's that feeling you understand, the heart. And this is the heart, right? The art. The ability to bring people together and find deeper meaning in these pieces. Not just looking at them, but seeing into them.' Carte organized the exhibition thematically around gestures and experiences: words and movements that come from the body and emotions. Across several gallery rooms, more than 200 works are displayed in clusters. Ceramics are suspended from ceilings, embedded into floors, and placed at unexpected heights, inviting viewers to crouch, stretch, and move. 'I wanted to create an embodied experience,' she says. 'To make people aware of their physical relationship to the objects.' She also dismantled traditional curatorial hierarchies by inviting staff from across departments, not just curatorial roles, to help select works and write exhibition texts. 'It brought so much life and a different lens to the collection,' Carte says. 'We want everyone to feel like they belong in this space.' This collaborative approach mirrors the collection's evolution: shaped over time by artists, collectors, donors, curators, and community members. 'The idea of permanence suggests something fixed, but we want people to understand this collection is constantly evolving,' Carte says. 'It responds to the times, to the people, to the questions we're asking.' That responsiveness is vital in a Canadian art context reckoning with exclusion and erasure. A Curve, Not a Line makes space for voices long marginalized in museum narratives. 'We're thinking about what voices are missing, what makers have been underrepresented, and how we can ensure this is a collection for the future,' Carte says. 'One that reflects the fullness of our communities.' That future-oriented vision includes showcasing emerging, racialized, queer, and otherwise underrepresented artists. Carte is also committed to addressing Indigenous representation in the collection, currently at just 1%. 'Curating isn't just about selecting and displaying objects,' she says. 'It's about listening. We need to reconcile with the fact that our collection includes only 1% Indigenous representation. And we're talking about an art form as old as the Earth itself. It needs a greater connection to the land's stewards and water protectors.' Building that representation, she says, is a key priority, through Indigenous Shared Circles and new acquisitions that honour artists previously overlooked. Carte's reflective and inclusive approach has resonated widely. Artists are grateful to see their earlier works revisited. Visitors have commented on the warmth and accessibility of the show. And Carte herself remains moved. 'One of the most beautiful parts of this process was discovering how much care had gone into building this collection over the years,' she says. 'Every piece has a story. Every story connects to someone.' While the exhibition honours five decades of art and community, it also looks ahead. Carte hopes A Curve, Not a Line inspires visitors to consider the stories public collections can tell and the roles they can play in shaping them. 'This isn't just about looking back,' she says. 'It's about imagining what comes next.' As the AGB continues to evolve, Carte is committed to keeping the collection alive: growing, shifting, and shaped by many voices. 'We want to build something that reflects who we are,' she says. 'Not just who we've been.' A Curve, Not a Line is on view at the Art Gallery of Burlington through the fall. Visitors are encouraged to take their time, move with the curves, and listen closely, because in this space, every spiral has a story to tell. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
K-Traditional Art Thrives Quietly in Burlington's Creative Community
Most people have heard of K-pop, the vibrant and global phenomenon of Korean popular music — but what about K-traditional art? Here in Burlington, a married artist couple from Korea is quietly preserving and sharing centuries-old Korean ceramic traditions in the heart of our community. For the past twenty years, Jung Do Lee and Jin Hee Jun have called Burlington home, creating intricate, thoughtful ceramic art rooted in Korean heritage with a modern touch. Jung Do Lee is a master of buncheong, a traditional Korean pottery technique that dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty of the 13th century. The method involves applying white slip to dark clay, then stamping and carving delicate designs into the surface. Lee has spent more than four decades refining his craft a,nd breathing new life into this ancient form. 'I've been making buncheong art since 1978. Rather than trying to engender beauty artificially, I inspire sympathy through the simple and rustic beauty of my pottery blended with modern technique.' Lee's work is visually stimulating: bowls, jars, and platters coated in white slip and adorned with stylized birds, fish, and florals. The patterns are purposeful but never overpower the form of the vessel. 'I decorate my work with great seriousness,' he says. 'In a tremendously small part of my work, I tend to carefully bring about a minor change to lend vitality to the piece. I hope viewers can feel the beauty, the unique function, and the potter's effort learned from heritage.' His art has travelled far beyond his studio, with some pieces on view at the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Burlington. His work has been featured in exhibitions and collections in Canada, various European countries, the U.S., Japan, and Korea. Yet his purpose remains grounded in the local. 'We've loved living in Burlington — our second hometown. Our Korean background residents are still minorities here, and we'd like to share our cultural heritage with Burlingtonians. I hope that beyond K-pop, people can discover and appreciate K-Traditional arts as well.' While Lee's work leans into minimalist strength and historical elegance, his wife, Jin Hee Jun, uses clay as a deeply personal medium for emotional exploration. A ceramic artist and former professor, Jun's work features hand-built murals, sculptural pillars, and expressive reliefs that reflect her internal world and lived experiences. 'Working with clay always calms me,' she says. 'It helps me focus and communicate. I've worked to express my emotions and daily circumstances in clay, like writing a journal.' Her pieces, whether large-scale installations or intimate figurative forms, often resemble creatures or faces, avatars of memory and emotion. One of her most striking works, The Forest, is a four-panel relief inspired by the view from her former studio in Korea. 'I like the colour and texture of the clay to be obvious,' Jun notes. 'I use ceramic pigment like watercolour in several layers, so as not to ruin the relief detail, then I spray a clear glaze very thinly.' As long-standing members of the Burlington Potters' Guild , housed at the Art Gallery of Burlington, both Lee and Jun are vital contributors to the local arts scene. Their work is also featured in the two annual Arts Burlington sales — a holiday and spring tradition where the public can explore and purchase pieces directly from local artists. The Potters' Guild, which welcomes all levels of experience, has become a nurturing space for these two Korean artists to not only create but also to connect and inspire others through their heritage. The presence of K-traditional art in Burlington is a quiet but powerful reminder of the city's growing cultural mosaic. In their own ways, both Lee and Jun infuse the ancient with the present, inviting us to slow down, observe, and connect with art, with history, and with each other. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Hamilton Spectator
Here's what happening in Hamilton this weekend
Environment Canada forecasts a mix of rain showers and sun in Hamilton this weekend. Saturday will see a high of 17 C and sunny conditions, before moving into Sunday's high of 17 C and a mix of sunny, cloudy and rainy conditions. On Friday, the agency forecasts a high of 13 C and a chance of showers. Despite the prediction, several events will happen rain or shine. Here is what you can get up to this weekend: Craftadian features handmade goods from more than 65 Canadian makers, including art, jewelry, handbags, candles, prints and knitwear. The event is on Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature music from DJ Julie Fazooli. Go to Ron Joyce Centre at 4350 South Service Rd., Burlington. Admission is $5 online at or at the door. The Art Gallery of Burlington will host a spring sale featuring carving and wood arts, paintings, pottery, sculptures and photography from more than 100 artists. The sale runs on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Bill King will host the first free walking tour of its eighth season on Sunday, May 25. This time around, the theme is 19th century 'Golden Age of Stone' in Hamilton. The tour will start at King Street West and John Street at 10 a.m. Watch the Hamilton Cardinals face the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers and enjoy a night of music at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium on Friday, May 23 at 7:35 p.m. The stadium is located in Mohawk Sports Complex at 1100 Mohawk Rd. E., Hamilton. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Buy $12 tickets at . The mall is hosting free zumba classes every Friday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Go to 999 Upper Wentworth St. in Hamilton in the mall's upper level centre court to attend. To register for the event, go to . Two local roller derby teams will compete on Saturday, May 24 against Toronto teams. The first game is the HCRD Pier Pressure against Toronto Roller Derby Toxins at 5 p.m. For the second, HCRD Dundurn Hassle will go up against the Toronto Roller Derby at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own chairs to the game at Coronation Arena at 81 Macklin St. N., Hamilton. Tickets are $15. To buy, go to . Pro wrestling comes to the Germania Club of Hamilton at 863 King St. E. on Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 on . On Saturday, May 24, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats will kick off against the Toronto Argonauts at 7 p.m. in Hamilton Stadium. For tickets, go to . On Saturday, May 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. families can take a tour of city vehicles, including a Burlington transit bus, street sweeper, snowplow, fire truck and Zamboni. There will be a snowplow and backhoe simulator at the event. Forestry staff will also give away a limited number of trees on a first-come, first-served basis. The pop-up is part of the city's 10-year downtown revitalization strategy in an effort to gather insights about community aspirations, unmet needs and future opportunities. The event will happen rain or shine at Mainway Recreation Centre at 4015 Mainway, Burlington. On Friday, May 23 at 2:30 p.m., Royal Botanical Gardens staff will help migrating fish to their spawning grounds in Cootes Paradise. The Fishway is at the outlet of the marsh, a short walk from Princess Point accessed along the Desjardins Trail. The operation lasts about 30 minutes. For more details, go to . Sunday, May 25 from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. is the second annual New Music Expo Stage where five bands will compete for a spot on the Gage Park's George R. Robinson Bandshell during the late June, early July festival. Local music and entertainment industry figures will choose the winning band, who will also receive a gift package and a broadcast-ready EP recording session at Hamilton's Boxo Studio. The fundraiser event will happen at Stonewalls Restobar at 339 York Blvd., Hamilton. Advance tickets are $15 or $20 at the door. To buy, go to . Cheyenne Bholla is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator. cbholla@
Hamilton Spectator
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Arts Burlington Spring Sale showcases diverse local artists, craftspeople
Arts Burlington Spring Sale brings together diverse local artists and craftspeople for a two-day showcase. The sale is set for May 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, at the Art Gallery of Burlington ( 1333 Lakeshore Rd. ) The event is free to attend. Arts Burlington represents the six artist guilds that have studios in the local art gallery. Guild members selling their creations at the spring sale include potters, photographers, fine artists, sculptors and more. A total of 112 artists and craftspeople are participating in this month's sale. Arts Burlington co-ordinates two shows a year for its diverse members, one in the spring and another in the fall. This is Arts Burlington's 53rd year promoting local artists with the annual sales. It all began in May 1972 when the first sale, then called 'Kaleidoscope,' was held. For more information on the spring sale, and on Arts Burlington, including its guilds, visit the Arts Burlington website .
Hamilton Spectator
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Art Gallery of Burlington celebrates 50th anniversary with community block party
The Art Gallery of Burlington celebrates a 50th anniversary this month, as it starts planning its future. A community block party on Saturday, May 10 and a gala fundraising dinner on May 8 mark five decades since the May 13, 1975 incorporation of Burlington Cultural Centre, a significant step toward the creation of today's art gallery. Meanwhile, a long-planned facility master plan and future needs feasibility study , reviewing possible renovation or expansion of the existing art gallery, at 1333 Lakeshore Rd., and the possibility of a new facility, is almost ready for the gallery's board of directors. 'The reports are in draft format, yet to be presented to the board and city council,' said Emma Sankey, executive director of The Art Gallery of Burlington. 'Once we've been through those critical next steps there will definitely be details to share, just not yet.' Last year, Sankey said the gallery needs to modernize its facilities to serve current and future audiences. 'Limited space and aging infrastructure are significant drivers,' Sankey said. 'The building is aging, with $2-million in capital expenses likely in the next few years.' Celebration is on the minds of gallery staff and supporters this month. Sankey said the May 8 gala is already sold out. A total of 176 guests are expected to raise at least $25,000. 'Funds support the delivery of exhibitions and educational programs at the gallery,' Sankey said. The whole community has a chance to join the party when the art gallery hosts a public block party from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 10. The event features the theme 'We Dig Culture' with a variety of family art activities in the gallery, and across Lakeshore Road in Spencer Smith Park. The block party will also launch the gallery's spring exhibitions. Garden-starter seeds, music, and food from several Burlington restaurants will also be featured. Registration in advance is recommended but not required. For more information on the block party and other events, visit the Art Gallery of Burlington website . Sankey said Tuesday, May 13 will be declared Art Gallery of Burlington Day by the city, and it will feature a celebration including patron and funder recognition and a special cake cutting at the gallery. While the Art Gallery of Burlington physically opened to the public in June 1978, 47 years ago, this year celebrates 50 years of the organization that created the gallery rather than the facility itself.
