Culture Calling: July/August 2025

Notes from the Local Arts Scene

While we may try to slow down during the summer, arts and cultural events really heat up! Summer theatre is now in full swing and music is everywhere, with something for every taste. Festivals abound, and each one celebrates life in a unique way. There is too much going on to mention everything, but here are a few highlights.

Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery

The Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery at 258 Dundas Street in the heart of Downtown London is celebrating a huge milestone — 25 years of showcasing Canada’s best ceramic artists. Jonathon’s is recognized as the largest gallery in Canada celebrating contemporary and emerging ceramic artists; a one-of-a-kind gallery in the heart of downtown London.

Step inside the doors and you are surrounded by the breadth of ceramic arts. Sculptures, vases, mugs, tea pots, other drinking vessels, whimsical decor pieces and so much more. There are several rooms to the gallery and each offers its own delights and surprises. Whenever you visit either Brian Cooke, the Gallery Curator, or Jonathon himself are there to greet you. The knowledge that Brian and Jonathan share about the art form, the artists and their personalities, and the history of ceramics in Canada is unparalleled. Want to know about techniques or firing? They can educate you. This is what makes owner-operated galleries special: they are happy to tell you about their artists because these artists become their friends and they know them intimately.

The first major exhibit Jonathon presented was “Matter of Clay” in 2001. Jonathon cold called well known Canadian artists at that time and he found tremendous enthusiasm and participation from these artists. He discovered that there were no major avenues for ceramic artists to showcase their art form. What started as an idea for an exhibit turned into the raison d’être for the Gallery.

The first “Matter of Clay” was an overwhelming success. National media attention helped bring artists and patrons to the Gallery. The “Matter of Clay” exhibit is held every five years and the 2025 exhibit will run from August 7 to September 4. This year’s celebration of all things ceramic arts will feature pieces from artists that participated in the first exhibit along with new and exciting artists emerging in the ceramic arts.

While ceramic arts are the focus of the Gallery, Jonathan’s has also been a strong advocate and supporter of the Beal Art Program at London’s Beal Secondary School. Many of these emerging visual artists find their first gallery showing at Jonathon’s and some have stayed with the Gallery throughout their careers. The support for artists to show and sell their works is crucial to independent artists and the Jonathan Bancroft-Snell Gallery is a national treasure right in our city. jonathans.ca

Artisan’s Loft at The Market at Western Fair District
When was the last time you ventured upstairs at the Western Fair farmers’ market? The weekend market is a popular spot for foodies and the second level is home to a fabulous collection of artisans. There’s food, a bookstore, metal work, classic Danish furniture and accessories, and so much more.

At the top of the stairs is Spruce Moose. Joel Donkervoort started his business selling handmade bow ties, scarves, and pillows in 2012. Now he collaborates with 50 different local and Canadian artists and sells jewelry, home decor, custom apparel, prints, and more. Everything in the shop reflects Donkervoort’s belief that art is fun, accessible, and affordable.

Sports fans will be impressed with PietensArt. The images of popular athletes are done with graphite pencil, and the detail and technique are truly spectacular. For those who prefer nature imagery, check out Kelly Murphy’s wonderful bird and wildlife cards and prints. Colourful, vibrant and she captures the personality of the different animals she draws.

Fabric arts are well represented as well. Plumage Studio sells locally made hats, purses and scarves that are totally unique. Handmade by Laura can take any special fabric you have from a favourite dress or item from a loved one and create a personalized bear. Each of these is one-of-a-kind and made to order. The selection of fun aprons for both big and little people are delightful. KNITS by Terry Louise Woods sells her own handmade caplets, hats, scarves and more. Woods hinted that she’s expanding in the fall, adding a yarn shop. And, if you think you want to learn, she gives knitting lessons.

Kim Kaitell’s OĀZA Studio sells natural oils, skincare and perfumes. Take a close look at what is hanging on the walls and you will see Kim’s gorgeous artwork made using plaster, fabric, beeswax and resin glaze. Beautiful pieces for any home. The Artisan’s Loft is a great place to take visitors and if you need to get a gift for someone special, this is definitely where you want to look. There’s a lovely café and places to sit and listen to live music while you relax. Artisan’s Loft is open every Saturday from 8 am to 3 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. themarketwfd.com

Arty-Facts

As we head into the dog days of summer it’s the perfect time to savour all of the amazing weekend festivals such as Sunfest (July 3–6, Victoria Park), a free festival highlighting international and Canadian music and food. Rock the Park is back for its 21st edition at Harris Park from July 8–12. This is a ticketed event with each night of the festival featuring a musical genre such as Country, Rock, Rap, or an era. The beloved Home County Music and Arts Festival returns to Victoria Park for a free one-day event on Saturday, July 26. Each of these events bring outstanding music, food and crafts to London.Outside of the major music festivals, there are lovely opportunities to discover local musical talent. On Thursday nights in Market Lane from 7  to 10 pm the London Music Office hosts a free weekly series of music concerts featuring local talent (June 12-August 28). It’s a feast of independent and emerging artists and musical styles. Definitely worth a visit on those sultry nights. londonmusicoffice.com

The London Jazz Association programs Sunday afternoon jazz concerts in Market Lane 2–4 pm throughout the summer, until August 28. These are free concerts and should the mood strike, there’s room for dancing. jazzassociationlondon.ca

The fourth Art Comp at 100 Kellogg is on until September 19. This is one of the richest prizes in the art world, with $200,000 in prize money going to artists. The People’s Choice Awards let the public vote on who will share $100,000 in prize money. The Panel’s Choice Award of $100,000, going to one artist, is decided by a panel of judges. Participating artists have the option to sell their work either through a silent or live auction at the end of the event. This is a self-guided exhibit and there are programs for sale that detail the artists, their location in the building, plus there are some fun arty games for all ages. From over 1,000 applications, there are 100 pieces to see: visual art, installations and sculptures are on display throughout the entire building. artcomp.awardsplatform.com

Outdoor theatre is a delight in the summer. Theatre Aezir is presenting Canadian playwright David French’s That Summer. Step back into the sunlit haze of 1950s Ontario cottage country and a season of first love, heartbreak and the bittersweet loss of innocence. Margaret narrates her story 40 years later and captures the charm and nostalgia of a time gone by, weaving humour, warmth and wistful reflection. This production is being staged at the Guy Lombardo Pavilion at Springbank Gardens for eight nights, July 16–19 and July 23–26, with all showtimes at 8 pm. There will be concessions for sale and while there is no official charge for tickets, donations will be accepted at the show. The company asks that you register online so that they know how many to expect. theatreaezir.com

And this is only a small sample of what’s going on in our region. Get out there and enjoy!

If you have an event or activity that you think we should know about, send an email to: kathynavackas@gmail.com •