Art Critique Workshop Set for November 9 at Bancroft Gallery

A unique workshop titled “the Art of the Artist’s Critique” will take place at the Art Gallery of Bancroft on November 9, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. Led by artist Henry Melissa Gordon, this event aims to foster skill development in giving and receiving critiques among artists. The workshop is priced at $45 per person and is limited to just six participants.

Participants will engage in a collaborative environment, allowing them to view their artistic work from diverse perspectives. This experience is designed to help artists overcome creative blocks and explore new directions in their practice. As emphasized in the event’s promotional materials, the workshop will serve as a confidence-building exercise, enhancing participants’ abilities to articulate their artistic vision while providing and receiving constructive feedback.

For those interested in attending, registration can be completed through the gallery’s official website or by contacting them via email at [email protected].

Workshop Details and Expectations

Attendees are encouraged to bring two to three pieces of their artwork that reflect their current artistic practice. A cellphone to record critique feedback will also be useful during the session. Gordon highlighted the workshop’s intent, explaining, “The critique is such an important tool for artists to learn and grow at any stage of their practice.”

This sentiment is echoed by Molly Moldovan, a fellow artist and member of the gallery. Moldovan noted the significance of this workshop for artists at any level. “Knowing how to give and receive an artist’s critique is a valuable way to see your work from different perspectives,” she stated. “It’s an amazing opportunity to gather with a small group of like-minded folks for valuable skill-building.”

The workshop is expected to be a supportive environment where artists can practice articulating their work and listening to feedback, ultimately contributing to community building within the art scene.

About Henry Melissa Gordon

Henry Melissa Gordon is not only a visual artist but also an educator with a rich background. Having emigrated to Canada from South Africa as a child, she later spent years studying and working in the UK. She graduated from the University of Waterloo with an MFA in Studio Art 25 years ago. After a decade of working as a life coach and workshop presenter near Bancroft, Gordon returned to her art practice full-time in 2018.

Her upcoming exhibition, “Dream Journals,” is set to open in October 2024. Gordon’s deep interest in altered realities, coupled with her love for the wilderness, shapes her artistic approach. She sees the value in fostering an atmosphere where artists can openly share their work and receive valuable insights from their peers.

In closing, Gordon expressed gratitude towards the Art Gallery of Bancroft, acknowledging its role in the North Hastings visual arts community. “The gallery is mostly volunteer-run and has been a central part of the vibrant North Hastings visual arts community for many years,” she noted.

For those keen on participating in this artistic journey, securing a spot at the workshop is highly recommended, as spaces are limited. Should the workshop reach full capacity, additional dates may be offered to accommodate demand.