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Labours of Love. Barry Ace, Catherine Blackburn, Justine Woods. Curated by Rachel Deiterding. MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie, Ontario. February 16, 2024 – May 19, 2024.
Labours of Love presents a selection of work from Barry Ace (M’Chigeeng First Nation – Anishinaabe – Odawa) Catherine Blackburn (English River First Nation – Dënesųłinë́), and Justine Woods (Georgian Bay Metis Community – Aabitaawizininiwag). Their beaded garments and adornments are carefully constructed, bead by bead and stitch by stitch, each a gesture of love that contains rich histories and cultural knowledge that have been shared with the artists across generations. Each artist has developed their own unique approach to beadwork, joining the historical practices of their kin with their personal interests, relationships, and experiences to root their practice in the present, while laying a path for the future that expands the possibilities of what beadwork can communicate.
About the MacLaren Art Centre
The MacLaren Art Centre is the regional public art gallery serving the residents of Barrie, the County of Simcoe and the surrounding area. The Gallery has a permanent collection of contemporary Canadian art held in trust for the public and presents a year-round programme of world-class exhibitions, education activities and special events. As an art museum, the MacLaren is engaged with the collection, conservation, presentation, documentation, promotion and appreciation of contemporary Canadian visual art for the benefit, enrichment and enjoyment of public audiences. The Gallery has a Permanent Collection of artworks held in trust for the public and presents a year-round programme of innovative exhibitions, unique experiential art education activities and special events. Education provides the unifying link that activates their collections and exhibitions, and fosters an understanding and appreciation of the visual arts.
Image: Barry Ace. Nibi Emosaawdang Mkiznan (Water Walker Moccasins) (2023) mixed media. 22.9 x 10.2 x 74.9 cm.
Biiskawaagan for Maungwudaus (2020) handmade paper, calico fabric, capacitors, resistors, light emitting diodes, glass beads 141.5 x 87.5 x 10 cm framed. Available for purchase at Heffel Galleries. Framed. 
Spirit Mjikaawanak (2020) handmade paper, capacitors, resistors, light emitting diodes, glass beads, otter fur 102 x 59 x 10 cm framed. Available for purchase at Heffel Galleries. 
Waawaashkesh Dodem (Deer Clan) Automata Bandolier (2020) beads, electronic components, vintage circuit boards on handmade paper 96 x 31 cm. Collection of the Artist. 
Transformation Bandolier (2015) 72.4 x 29.2 cm, mixed media. Available for purchase at Heffel Galleries. Photo: Guy L'Heureux 
Bandolier for Tenagàdinozìbi (The River that Stops One's Journey) (Gatineau River) (2022) 136 x 29 cm mixed media with movie. Collection of the Artist. 
Nibi Emosaawdang Mkiznan (Water Walker Moccasins) (2023) Found child's cowboy boots, acrylic, electronic components, glass beads, coated wire, plastic, velvet, synthetic hair, tin, metal 73 x 21 x 23 cm. Available for purchase at Heffel Galleries. Photo courtesy of Heffel. 