The Act & Art of Writing - SPEECH - M.L.Holton, March, 2019

'THE ACT & ART OF WRITING' by M.L.Holton  
Pre-Recorded on Soundcloud
 WAAH 'Speaker's Series', Art Gallery of Hamilton, March, 2019 

New novel, TRILLIUM, e-book or paperback, on AMAZON.CA 
 ('The Frozen Goose', written, produced & directed, by MLHolton)

 Now available too, on Speakola, 
an eclectic collection of speeches throughout the ages.
One of my favourites, under the Arts/Culture banner, 
is a timely speech by UrsulaLeGuin ... 

Join Canadian Artist & Author, Margaret Lindsay Holton, for Lecture on 'The Act & Art of Writing' & BOOK LAUNCH of her new novel, TRILLIUM, at the Art Gallery of Hamilton

Book Cover  - TRILLIUM by M.L.Holton

' The Act & Art of Writing '

- With Special Guest, M.L.Holton

 (Part of the WAAH SPEAKER'S SERIES)

Award-winning Canadian author and artist, Margaret Lindsay Holton, is releasing her third novel - TRILLIUM. 

"Spanning a period of 250 years, three distinctly different young men arrive and strive within the burgeoning wine-making region of Niagara. Now available in e-book or paperback, this explosive generational family saga explores a number of on-going issues: land ownership, the often hidden origins of male toxicity, the development of female empowerment and the very real impact of cold hard cash."

Find out more about her epic new work  - TRILLIUM  - via the Facebook fanpage or follow along on Twitter - (hashtag: #landlustloot)

Join Margaret Lindsay Holton for an engaging lecture on 'The Act & Art of Writing'. Afterwards, enjoy a  FREE Screening of the critically acclaimed 25 minute WW1 Canadian film -  The Frozen Goose - written, directed and  produced by her in 2016.

M.L.Holton  is delighted to be an Invited Speaker in the popular 'Speakers Series' hosted by the Womens' Art Association of Hamilton. A book signing will occur at the end of this unique BOOK LAUNCH Event.

Art Gallery of Hamilton

123 King Street - Downtown Hamilton 

 Thursday - March 21st, 1-3pm

Price:  Non-members - $5 at the door. 

 (Please Note: Limited Seating / First Come, First Served)

Location Shot for The Frozen Goose, (2015) by M.L.Holton

UPDATE: Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 -

It is with deep regret, due to circumstances beyond my control, that I must announce that the TRILLIUM book launch at the Art Gallery of Hamilton has been CANCELLED.**

My intended lecture about 'The Act & Art of Writing' can be found here > https://soundcloud.com/canadada/the-act-art-of-writing-by-mlholton/s-d2kGp

TRILLIUM, my third novel, released in January 2019 in e-book or paperback, can be found on Amazon.CA >https://amzn.to/2q0iEeL 

Alternate e-book formats - (Kobo, Indigo, Apple etc) - are here:  https://books2read.com/TRILLIUM

(The FROZEN GOOSE film & trailer, referenced in the lecture, can be seen here > https://thefrozengoose.vhx.tv/)

Margaret Lindsay Holton

Golden Horseshoe Artist & Author

Art Gallery of Hamilton: 'Made in Canada' Gala 2017 - UPDATE

Always fun to find out - after the fact - that one of my works has been included in a Fund-Raising Gala Auction!

The Art Gallery of Hamilton recently hosted a 'MADE IN CANADA' Gala. Apparently, a pinhole photograph of mine that I donated several years ago was 'in'.

Unhappily, the event on May 27th came and went, with me none the wiser ... Still, here are the seeming highlights >

Silent & live auction. Tickets: $350 per person. Dinner & Dancing.
(Proceeds to support programming at the AGH.)

...  Maybe one day I'll find out who actually bought my donated work, and for how much ... 

Artists' do like to know what happens to their generously donated 'freebies' ... HA!

WAAH 120th Annual Juried Art Show @ AGH

Thrilled to be included in the 120th Annual Juried Art Show by the Women's Art Association of Hamilton, showing at the Art Gallery of Hamilton during May and June, 2016. This energetic women's association has been active since the late 1800's, providing a head space & physical place for women to engage with, and expound upon, the arts.

A solid hundred years later, it continues to exercise it's primary mandate of 'exposure' to the art field. Many talented Southern Ontario female artists received their initial 'recognition' here. Senior members coax & coach them into greater public exposure. A diverse, wide-ranging and inclusive aesthetic envelops all with a hearty 'welcome'. Seasoned judges preside over the Annual Juried Shows encouraging greater exploration, experimentation and finer execution.

 Come see what the women are up to now!! 

The aims of the Women's Art Association of Hamilton are to:

• Create a general interest in art
  
• Establishing art scholarships
• Hold lectures and seminars
• Hold exhibitions of paintings, designs and sculpture
• Developing art and handicrafts of Canada.

The Women's Art Association of Hamilton's  

120th Juried Art Exhibition 

Opening RECEPTION - JOIN US!

- Sunday, May 1st, 2-5pm. 

 (Closes June 25th, 2016.)

***My final painting from last year - a 'naive-surreal-folk-abstract' beaut -

 'Doe at Dawn' has been accepted. Come SEE it!***

ART GALLERY OF HAMILTON

Womens Art Assoc.of Hamilton

123 King Street West | Hamilton ON | L8P 4S8 T: 905-527-6610 | F: 905-577-6940

Regular Gallery Hours: Day Hours Tuesday  11:00 am - 6:00 pm Wednesday  11:00 am - 6:00 pm Thursday  11:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday*  11:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday  12:00 noon - 5:00 pm Sunday  12:00 noon - 5:00 pm Monday  Closed (open select holidays) Select Holidays: The AGH is open on select holidays, including Family Day (ON, AB, SK), March Break, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, August Civic Holiday, Labour Day, and Thanksgiving Day. Holiday Hours are from 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm. *Friday Free Night: The Gallery and the Shop at AGH is open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on the first Friday of each month. Free admission to GALLERY LEVEL ONE exhibitions will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. +learn more

AGH Members receive FREE admission.

Non-Members Fee  Adults    $10  Students/Seniors    $8  Children (6 – 17)    $4  Under 5 years    FREE  Family (2 adults and up to 4 children)    $25

(Prices include tax.)

UPDATE: Great Opening Reception, good to catch up with Bryce Kanbara, one of the jurors. 
He kindly said mine, 'Doe at Dawn',  was one of his favs in the show.

Bryce Kanbara, owner of You Me Gallery, one of three jurors of 120th show, with yours truly.

UPDATE: The Hamilton Spectator reviews the show

A few thoughts on #PaintingHamilton now showing @ The Art Gallery of Hamilton

BIG canvas' from Charles Meanwell

In truth, I was expecting A LOT more 'piss & vinegar' then what was shown at the Opening last Sunday.

As I was wondering around, LOOKING, I kept trying to find the word that best summed up the benign 'neutrality' of the show. The word that bubbled up from the nether regions was 'Exact'. 

It, the exhibition, is - EXACT. 

Cumulatively, the melange and cross-pollination of visuals created a kind of Tarty Rigidness. 

There was little there that made me air-suck with delight or WHOOP! in appreciation.  

Still, the PRECISION of the whole exhibit did please, in a visceral kind of way ... Though, overall, it did not feel very much like the Hamilton most know. 

Perhaps that was the point in whole, or in part. 

From the liner notes for the exhibit: 
Hamilton has a very rich artists’ scene, and a great number of brilliant painters. On the occasion of the AGH centennial, this exhibition features ten artists from the Greater Hamilton area, many of whom are not well-known, showcasing the diverse subject matter, techniques and materials that are of the moment in contemporary painting practices. Direct from the artist’s studios and local private collections, the exhibition includes over thirty works in landscape, portraiture and abstraction. From lush oil paintings to a sculptural installation, the range of media, form and scale is intriguing. However the psychological weight of the subject matter prevails, as it is activated by the materials. Whether an intimate portrayal of a model, or an intuitive and gestural expression of the environment, the pieces are captivating, powerful, and impressive for their ability to engage the viewer on a subconscious level.

The exhibition title is 'Painting Hamilton'. The works displayed certainly seemed to contrast to the dominate and prevailing  'Ambitious Hamilton' sentiment.  Almost, at times, the items appear as art-school intrusions into an industrial place. And they seem, though often maturely executed, overly 'young' in subject matter. Little is political. Most are 'safe' art subjects. 
 
Is THAT the Hamilton most artists' living and working in this re-surging re-energized locale know and articulate? - Didn't seem so to me.  

Still, the exhibit is an useful insight into what the current curatorial staff consider 'of note' "in contemporary painting practices". That perception alone reflects what they might like Hamilton Painters to become - "on a subconscious level."

Question is: will this CARRY long term? Will this exhibition assist to DEFINE a uniquely maturing Hamilton Perspective on a national and global stage? Personally, I doubt it. There is just not quite enough of the 'rough & tumble' of Hamilton, past or present. 

Don't take my word for it,  check it out or yourself. 

Featured talented artists are Jennifer Carvalho, Catherine Gibbon, David Hucal, Daniel Hutchinson, Charles Meanwell, Matthew Schofield, Christina Sealey, Beth Stuart, Lorne Toews and Manny Trinh.  (... And no, I hadn't heard of most of them either ... )

With  the passing of the Executive Torch by the incomparable and elegant Louise Dompierre as CEO and President of the Art Gallery of Hamilton, we can soon expect a NEW ERA from - and for - the AGH.  It will be curious to see what 'brand' incoming Shelley Falconer will concoct for the Next Generation of attendees for this venerable institution, now 100 years young.  

Jennifer Carvalho  with one of her paintings in 'Painting Hamilton'

Afterthought:  Here is how Amy Kenny of The Hamilton Spectator weighed in ... 
... Much more emphasis on the curator, then the artists. And so it goes ... 

Worth keeping in mind is that Hamilton City Council ratified a 30 million dollar fundraising 
initiative for the Gallery, effective of late 2013. That means a WHOLE NEW look & feel, by 2019 ...  

Update: Stephanie Vegh, of the Hamilton Arts Council, also weighs in on the Exhibit ... 
...  afraid I have no comment on that, except to share ... 

Art Gallery of Hamilton's SUPER AUCTION, Oct 23rd

The Art Gallery of Hamilton is having a SUPER Fundraising AUCTION on October 23rd, hosted by Sotheby's of Canada, at the gallery. Some really FANTASTIC items are available for purchase. Don't miss out. Featuring Bush, Braque, McEwen, Pudlat, Ensor, Riopelle, Astman, Whiten, Urquhart, Bateman Morrisseau and yah me - Holton - among many others. (See: Lot 125 - my ever-popular pinhole image, 'Granny's Lounger' (2005) - with a list value of $1200 (Cdn). Kindly note: this is NOT a digitized 'ink jet' print, but rather, a paper-print pulled from a paper-negative, shot with a home-made pinhole camera, made by yours truly. Yes - It is Rare AND Original.) 

As a warm-up prelude to the BIG one, three on-line auctions are also happening via the AGH.
More info here:   http://www.artgalleryofhamilton.com/superauction.php 

To purchase tickets, pre-register and obtain absentee bid forms for the SUPER AUCTION, please call 905.527.6610, ext. 248 or email arlene@artgalleryofhamilton.com.

PREVIEW: 

Super Auction Live Exhibition ON VIEW 

at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, 

September 22 through to October 23rd.  

Check it out!

SPRING Art Sale - Art Gallery of Hamilton, May 5-8th, 2011

Enjoy a dazzling selection of ORIGINAL art from emerging & established artists displayed in the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Pavilion and outside in the Irving Zucker Sculpture Garden. Wonderful Spaces.

FREE ADMISSION.

Thursday, May 5: 12 noon - 9 pm
Friday, May 6: 12 noon - 9 pm
Saturday, May 7: 12 noon - 5 pm
Sunday, May 8: 12 noon - 5 pm

Yes, I am in this one too. 

Six of my famed photo-collages.

Various sizes, various prices. 
Check out sample here.

Opening Reception: Wowzaa! Quite a show!
Double-click on image to enlarge ...

Art Gallery of Hamilton

More info: map & directions here. 

Two 'Must Attend' Events in the Hammer, February 2011

 From mlh's 'Bruce Trail' photo collage series

 

Friday night, Feb25th, 7pm

The Bay Area Restoration Council 

4th Annual 'Wine Tasting & Silent Auction'. 

 @ The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club

Enjoy an appetizing array of nibbles
and bid on their extensive auction items. 

Tickets $40.  

ALL Proceeds support Bay Area Restoration Council

and its work to restore & protect Hamilton Harbour 

(Note: Tickets CAN be purchased at the door )

More info here - www.hamiltonharbour.ca

And, Opening on
Sunday, February 27th, 2-5pm
 The Women's Art Association
of Hamilton - (WAAH)
115th Annual Juried Show 

Art Gallery of Hamilton, Fischer Gallery

123 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario.
FREE ADMISSION
(Runs until May 15th, 2011)

Established in 1894 and formerly a branch of the Women's Art Association of Canada, the WAAH is one of the oldest cultural groups in the city of Hamilton, Ontario. The WAAH provides a venue for women artists and art-supporters to share their appreciation of visual arts and to further support the arts within Hamilton. This includes fundraising for scholarships, prizes, hosting lectures, and exhibits. More info here - www.womensartassociationofhamilton.com

 

'The Clearing' - oil on board, 2010 - by mlh

On display at AGH, until May 15th, 2011

'CANADADA: A Painter's Nature' . . . . . . . . . LAUNCH - Feb 17th, I pm - Fischer Gallery - Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

'CANADADA: A Painter's Nature' will be available for view & purchase after my Talk/Slide presentation at the Art Gallery of Hamilton on February 17th, 2011. There are ONLY 25 Numbered Copies in this COLLECTOR'S FIRST EDITION - 70 pages of 160 full colour illustrations of just my oil paintings. Hard cover, trim size: 9x11 inches.

Price: $130 

First Come - First Served.

(STax, S&H Extra)

"MLH is a wholly original 'canajun' artist who relentlessly toils for 
her beloved 'Canadada'. Painter of signature 'naive-surreal-folk-abstracts', her 
very personalized vision is often touchingly bitter-sweet. ... 
Maud Lewis Meets Doris McCarthy. These works make you think ...
A novel interpreter of long-standing Canadian themes & memes, 
this mid-career artist, born & raised in Southern Ontario, 
is a good one to add to any evolving global collection 
of contemporary fine art. Affordable now." 

A.J. Whyte, Art Critic & Collector

To RESERVE yours TODAY, please contact  'here'. 

Remember, there are ONLY 25 copies  

in this COLLECTOR'S FIRST EDITION.
Numbered & Signed by MLH: 1-25. That's it!

(NB: As of  June 2016, there are 7 copies left ... ) 
 ISBN/CISS: 978-0-9691362-7-9 


RECENT BOOK PRODUCTIONS - HERE

Art Gallery of Hamilton Talk & Slide Tour with mlh - February 17th, 2011

I have been invited to 'speak' about 'my life as an artist' after the Women's Art Association of Hamilton's meeting at the Art Gallery of Hamilton on Thursday, February 17th, 2011. 1 pm, for one hour. Free.

It is my intent to do a quick 'overview' of my 35 years of production with periodic digressions ...

Beginning with my typeface design, 'Lindsay', sold to Letraset England in 1980, I'll then move into the two decades of Canadian fine furniture design & construction, followed by an overview of my painterly evolution from the age of fourteen, and my later involvement with pinhole photography and most recently, photo-collage work and fractal design. Interspersed throughout will be side-bars to my published efforts, including the two books of poetry, 'Bush Chord' and 'On Top of Mount Nemo', and the novels, 'Economic Sex' and 'The Gilded Beaver by Anonymous'. (Possibly digression might include the experimental documentary, 'In the Eye of the Hunter'.) I also hope to 'launch' my latest book, 'CANADADA: A Painter's Nature' at that time.

It should be fun. As I am 'self-taught', I go at it all a bit differently then most. I will try to keep you entertained!

Location: Jean & Ross Fischer Gallery on the Main floor. Free. Hope to see you there!

Art Gallery of Hamilton
123 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

BURST! Spring Art Sale @ The Art Gallery of Hamilton, April 29 - May 2, 2010

 April 29 to May 2, 2010

Join us as the AGH’s Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Pavilion is transformed into a four-day showcase for art lovers and art collectors hosting the best from specially invited local and regional artists. Works that are perfect for your home, office or garden.

Thursday, April 29 ~ Noon to 9 pm
Friday, April 30 ~ Noon to 9 pm
Saturday, May 1 ~ Noon to 5 pm
Sunday, May 2 ~ Noon to 5 pm

The AGH Art Sale offers original artworks to suit every budget and décor; enhance your own collection or choose that special gift.

 Come see (and buy!) pinhole photographs by moi - !

 The Art Gallery of Hamilton (123 King Street West, Hamilton - Ph:  905-527-6610) is located in the downtown core of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on the western end of beautiful Lake Ontario.  

Come visit ...

OPENING NIGHT - 'Private Reception': April 28th 6-9pm: 

Just got back from a GREAT evening ... lots of new and old faces, great PINOT and many yummy 'horsey do-overs'; met a few members of the Board - Rick Court & Alan Baird - very personable fellas, plus Louise Dompierre, HAG's Principal Director/Curator - ever 'cheery' & welcoming ... Artists and patrons 'swirled' for several hours admiring, and buying art. This 4 day  'spring sale' continues until Sunday, so get your Selves over there: - check out what's new, up-and-coming and just flat-out GREAT. Lots of variety, lots of different mediums, lots of talent - if I say so my Self!  ( ... more shameless self-promotion ... :)

(This last (digital) shot was taken when I got home to the lake around 9:30p - a full moon glistening - a fitting 'nightcap' to a good night ... )

@ The Art Gallery of Hamilton

The Women's Art Association of Hamilton

115th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday,
September 26th, 2009

Cocktail-style supper @7pm
& Silent Auction 'til Midnight

The Joey & Toby Tannenbaum Atrium
@ The Art Gallery of Hamilton

For more info about the WAAH, click here.
Art Gallery of Hamilton, click here.

PLUS, two musical performances & door prizes.
Senior Curator, Tobi Bruce &
AGH Director, Louise Dompierre officiating.
TICKETS: $50 per person
Contact: waah.events@gmail.com

For preview of Silent Auction catalogue, click here.

'Granny's Lounger', 4/4, 2005 -
Pinhole Photograph by MLH

'La Magia del Carnevale' at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

'Reflections' , donated oil painting by mlh (SOLD)

Come celebrate a gala evening to benefit programming
at the Art Gallery of Hamilton ...

La Magia del Carnevale!
Dinner, dancing, masks & costumes,
LIVE auction & lotsa FUN!

May 30th, 2009, 6 pm to 1 am. Tickets: $300 each.

For more information link here.