AWE at Night - September 2024

Save the date! Join us on September 19th for AWE at Night. Art Windsor-Essex is open late for an evening of art activities, community conversations, guided tours, and good vibes.

Studio Activity: Exploratory Sound Art with Andrew Bradt⎮ 5pm – 9pm, 2nd floor Education Studio  

Artist Talk: Dr. Elder Mona Stonefish and Sky Stonefish with Julie Rae Tucker ⎮ 5:30pm – 6pm, 2nd floor galleries 

Join Dr. Elder Mona Stonefish and Sky Stonefish for an artist talk to celebrate Waawiiatanong Forever. Waawiiatanong Forever is a photography and postcard project that celebrates the representation of women and two-spirit folks and their families within our vibrant community.

Anishinaabe Elder Mona Stonefish (Bear Clan) is a Doctor of Traditional Medicine and an international activist for peace, Indigenous, women’s, and disability rights. She is a former Senator of the Anishinaabemowin Teg – language preservation, a Keeper of Wisdom, and a Grandmother Water Walker. Stonefish is also a member of the Native American Museum of Washington D.C., a member of the Art Gallery of Windsor Board of Trustees, a traditional dancer, and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2013). She was honoured with the prestigious Clark Award for her contributions as an advocate focused on the role of human rights, restorative justice and education, and as an advisor to Windsor Law on Indigenous matters (University of Windsor, 2016). She was also recognized with the 2017 Journey Toward Success Visionary Award. Stonefish was also 1 of 6 o-curator-artists to receive the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation, for the exhibition, “Into the Light: Eugenics and Education in Southern Ontario,” Guelph Civic Museum, 02/20/2020. In their extensive travels, she and her granddaughter Sky Stonefish support and teach one another, confront discrimination and fight to tear down barriers together.

OAC Operating Support Recognition Ceremony ⎮ 6pm – 6:30pm, 2nd floor galleries  

Join us as we celebrate the support of the Ontario Arts Council, who has been vital in fostering artistic growth within our community.

Community Conversation: Cycle City?⎮ 6:30pm – 7pm, 2nd floor galleries 

How can we create safer streets for cyclists in our city? The City of Windsor recently announced a new cycling route for this year’s edition of Open Streets, highlighting a growing interest in biking. However, as a predominantly car-centric city, Windsor faces challenges in making cycling a safe and accessible option for everyone. What does this mean for our region, and how can we build a bike-friendly community? Join us for a community conversation on bike safety, infrastructure, and the future of safe cycling in Windsor-Essex. Our panel of experts will explore how we can foster a vibrant biking culture that benefits all residents.

Moderated by Craig Pearson. With Speakers Lori Newton, Crystal Waddell, and Mike Benard.

Special Event: September After Business Networking with the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce⎮ 4:30pm – 9pm

Join us at Art Windsor-Essex to immerse yourself in dynamic exhibitions featuring local artists and artists from across Canada. Delve deep into artwork pulled from the gallery’s collection, see contemporary works by Indigenous and Canadian artists, and experience historical Canadian art. Learn about AWE’s many programs suited to families, adults, and teens. And stay after the chamber event and enjoy the galleries – open late until 9pm for AWE at Night. For more information, please visit their website here.

• 4:30 PM – Doors Open
• 5:30 PM – Opening remarks from Chamber President and CEO, Rakesh Naid and greetings from Art Windsor-Essex