AWE Opening Night - June 2026

DATE: Thursday, June 18th, 2026
TIME: 5pm – 9pm
LOCATION: 401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor, ON

COST: FREE Admission

Accessibility: Accessibility and accommodation requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of the event. Please contact [email protected] for questions.

Be sure to join us for AWE Opening Night on June 18 from 5pm-9pm to celebrate the opening of a new exhibition! AWE is open late for an evening filled with art activities, community discussions, guided tours, and great vibes.

 

 

Photography and videography will be present throughout the event. By entering this event site you agree to be filmed or photographed which may be used for marketing or promotional purposes.

NEW EXHIBITION! Sameer Farooq: The Fairest Order of the World

The Fairest Order in the World is a solo exhibition of new and recent work by Cape-Breton born, Toronto-based interdisciplinary artist Sameer Farooq, organized by Dalhousie Art Gallery and guest curated by Mona Filip. In this new project, Farooq expands his previous investigations into the fraught and violent histories of anthropological and encyclopedic museums, their colonial origins, structures and impulses.

Art Activity: Mini Soccer Worlds with Jenny Santos

5pm-8:30pm, 2nd floor, Education Studio 

Inspired by the world cup of soccer, participants will create a miniature soccer ball and soccer field using air-dry clay and mixed media materials. This hands-on activity invites participants to explore colour, pattern, and texture while celebrating the excitement of the game.

Community Conversation: Pretendianism and Fraud

6:30pm-7pm, 3rd floor galleries 

Pretendianism, the false claim of Indigenous identity, causes real harm to Indigenous communities by misrepresenting lived experiences, misallocating resources, and undermining cultural sovereignty. This conversation will look at how pretendianism shows up in different spaces, the impacts it has on communities, and why it persists. Together, we’ll reflect on the importance of listening to and uplifting Indigenous voices, and explore ways to support accountability, respect, and ethical engagement moving forward. We encourage thoughtful participation and respectful, curious questions throughout this conversation.

With speakers Elder Dr. Mona Stonefish, Jaime Kechego, and Donna Grayer.

Moderated by Julie Rae Tucker

Learn More

Dance and Storytelling with Melissa Greenbird and Adrian Harjo

7pm-7:45pm, 2nd floor galleries 

Melissa Greenbird is a hoop dancer from Walpole Island who recently attended the World Hoop Dance Championships in Arizona, USA.

Adrian Harjo is a multi-award winning “Jack of all Trades” when it comes to performing arts. He started singing Powwow style at age seven, Fancy Dancing at 10, and then began Hoop Dancing at 12 years of age. His performances have taken him around the world numerous times to share his culture with global audiences. Currently, Adrian now owns his own production company, Oven Baked Beatz LLC where he produces music for TV, radio and live theatre.

Artist Talk: Sameer Farooq

7:45pm – 8:15pm, 2nd floor galleries 

Cape Breton born, Toronto based artist Sameer Farooq presents a solo exhibition that offers a deeply poetic space to reflect on the fraught and violent histories of art and anthropological museums, their colonial origins, structures, and impulses.
Learn More

Music, food, and drinks

7pm – 9pm, 3rd floor galleries 

Let’s celebrate! Head up to the third floor to join us for music by DJ Brent Scudder, food and drinks by Windsor Eats, and good vibes.

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