As FUSION celebrates 50 years in 2024, we invited members at all career stages to submit work that reflects memory and the connection between art and personal recollections. The exhibition will offer a thought-provoking exploration of the power of memory and its influence on artistic expression.
Featuring:
Annika Hoefs, Barbara Banfield, Bram Locknick, Carolynn Bloomer, Charlie Larouche-Potvin, Cory-Lynn Styles, Cynthia O’Brien, Debra Sloan, Eekta Trienekens, Evan Ting Kwok Leung, Geordie Shepherd, Hannah Faas, Heidi McKenzie, Jane Garcia, Jocelyn Jenkins, Jonah Strub, Karen Franzen, Keenan O’Toole, Layne Verbeek, Leslie Putnam, Lisa Gwen Robbins, Maja Padrov, Marita Manson, Nikola Wojewoda, Peidi Wang, Queenie Xu, Sandra Ledingham, Shayne Berlin, Silvia Tagusagawa, Sydni Weatherson, Vanesa Trillia, Wei Cheng and Zara Gardener.
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Breakthrough PLUS will open at the following locations:
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SERPA GALLERY, OLD TOWN HALL, NEWMARKET, ON
May 31 - June 9, 2024
THE ART GALLERY OF BURLINGTON, BURLINGTON, ON
June 20 - September 2, 2024
THE CLAY AND GLASS GALLERY, WATERLOO, ON
September 14 - January 5, 2025
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THAMES ART GALLERY AND ARTSPACE, CHATHAM-KENT, ON
January 24 - March 23, 2025​
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Juried by Suzanne Carte and Peter Flannery
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Click here to view the online catalogue.
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Suzanne Carte
Art Gallery of Burlington
Senior Curator
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I was so grateful to be a part of FUSION's anniversary exhibition and witness such an impressive array of artistic talent, representing the vibrant and dynamic creative clay and glass community within the province. I was struck by the innovative approaches and diverse perspectives evident in the submissions, reflecting the richness of Ontario's artistic scene.
All entries exhibited exceptional technical proficiency, with many artists demonstrating an adept understanding of form, texture, and colour. Whether through intricate ceramic vessels or luminous glass installations, each piece highlights a high level of skill
and attention to detail.
There was a strong emphasis on storytelling and narrative, with many artists using clay and glass as a means of exploring complex themes and experiences. From intimate reflections on identity and memory to broader social and environmental concerns, the exhibition offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and material culture.
In addition to its artistic merits, the exhibition serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Ontario's arts community. 50 years strong! That is a huge feat! It is heart-warming to see so many artists continuing to produce work of exceptional quality and significance, underscoring the vital role of the arts in fostering connection, healing, and resilience. Overall, the FUSION exhibition showcases the talent, diversity, and innovation of Ontario's clay and glass artists, who offer audiences a compelling glimpse into the vibrant creative landscape of the province.
Suzanne Carte image by Marianne Ibrahim, 2023
Peter Flannery
The Clay and Glass Gallery
Senior Curator and Collections Manager
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It was a pleasure to participate in the jury for FUSION’s 50th-anniversary exhibition and see the incredible talent of ceramic and glass artists across Ontario and abroad. This is such a creative community, and the work shows the unique approaches to these mediums and the impressive range of techniques and narratives explored by the members. As FUSION celebrates this milestone, the work of its artists demonstrates the role of art in creating new connections, telling our stories, and impacting our daily lives.
With such strong technique and use of each medium, all of the submissions reflect the vigor of this community and made for very difficult decisions. In diverse points of view and a wide range of form, colour, and narrative, the selected works highlight the varied approaches to ceramics and glass, and the ways in which we can connect to human experience, memory, and a wide range of social issues. I am so excited by the works and artists represented in this exhibition and commend all who submitted their work. Many congratulations to FUSION on this anniversary and all of the artists!
HISTORY OF BREAKTHROUGH
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FUSION was pleased to host our inaugural emerging artist exhibition in June 2018. We were astounded by the response to our call for entry. Forty-eight artists from across Canada submitted 126 pieces for consideration.
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The result was an exhibition of 28 artists that was vibrant, varied and engaging. The exhibition was a wonderful survey of sculptural and functional work from the next generation of glass and clay artists. Using a multitude of materials and construction methods within their respective disciplines, these artists are breaking new ground.
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FUSION continues to create exhibition opportunities for clay and glass artists at all career stages.