“Choice and Chance”: Abstract painting and mixed media exhibition opening soon

Opening reception set for April 27 at Alton Mill Arts Centre

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Choice and chance combine in a creative new exhibition opening soon at the Alton Mill Arts Centre. 

From 1 to 3 p.m. on April 27, there will be an opening reception for “Choice and Chance”, an art exhibition by Nancy MacNabb and Patrice Baker. MacNabb and Baker are both members of Headwaters Arts, which is hosting the show in its gallery at the centre. 

Baker is a collector who finds inspiration in everything for her art. She's known for hand-making bronze and copper constructions that hold or compliment objects she finds.

“Any material is fair game, and my final work is a wall piece or shelf box that invites the viewer to step forward and look deeply into the complexities hidden within,” said Baker, who works out of a studio in Fergus. 

MacNabb is a retired physician who lives in Guelph. She's known for abstract paintings made with acrylic paint that are filled with colour and movement; portraying cohesion in complexity. In her work, MacNabb aims to present small stories through vibrant colours and dynamic markings.

“Thinking and feeling meet in my art, and my artistic journey has been one of experimental learning, moving from intellectual to intuition, and discovering middle ground,” said MacNabb.

Sue Powell, Headwaters Arts' marketing lead, explained the new exhibition features over 80 works. She said they explore the concept of bringing order to chaos amidst the wildness of life. 

“Both artists wrestle with the obstacle of control in being creative, yet they ride the waves and ultimately enjoy the joy of the journey,” said Powell. “That joy is the goal of these two artists and their abstract artworks come into existence by both choice and chance.”

Choice and Chance will be shown from April 24 to May 26 at the Alton Mill Arts Centre, which is located at 1402 Queen St. West in Alton.