After being closed for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thames Art Gallery in Chatham is opening its doors to the public once again.
The gallery will reopen on September 16 with reduced operating hours from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. In addition, the gallery will hold a special hour for seniors from 11 a.m. until noon.
To celebrate the reopening, the gallery will feature a special exhibition by Canadian artist Patrick Mahon titled Messagers' Forum.
"Messagers' Forum is a very timely engagement with culture at the intersection of art and activism," read a release from the Thames Art Gallery. "In this beautifully crafted and thought-provoking exhibit, Mahon explores the roots of this country's colonial past and asks: can we be 'messagers' capable of reaching over the walls which divide us? And if so, how?"
Mahon also worked with Ursuline College Chatham students to produce a series of works investigating how culture is changing.
The artist will give an overview of the exhibit on September 18 at 7 p.m. and September 19 at 2 p.m. Registration is suggested by calling 226-312-2023 ext. 4425 or emailing CKartgallery@chatham-kent.ca.
Art gallery officials are reminding patrons that all recommend safety measures are being taken, including the requirement to wear a mask. Access to the facility will require signing in and is limited to 30 people at a time.
Admission to the gallery is free, however, donations are welcome.