Forest Breathing | Lake Breathing

Encaustic artist Susan Wallis has spent years making work inspired by the natural landscapes that surround her in Prince Edward County. Hours spent walking in the forests near her home and gazing at the surrounding lakes in the Prince Edward County region have been transformed into two brand new bodies of work: Forest Breathing and Lake Breathing. Both series seek to embody the peace and calm that comes from spending time in nature, capturing the feeling of being completely present and mindful within one’s environment.

These new pieces will be on display for the first time at a preview show at The Royal Hotel, held in the Barlow Room (6 Ross Street, Picton) from July 5th–28th. The full exhibition will be on view at Melt Studio + Gallery from July 25th–September 1st (Base31, 343 County Road 22, Picton).

Susan Wallis is a graduate from the University of Toronto who has been working in the encaustic medium since 2002. Wallis was born in Toronto and lived and worked there for many years before moving with her husband to the countryside of Prince Edward County. It is there where she can be found in her studio (when not weeding her garden or tending her small flock of chickens). Wallis’ work is showcased and collected throughout Canada and is in private and corporate collections in the United States, China, Australia and Europe.

Also on exhibition this month at Melt Studio + Gallery are two new shows, both on display until July 21st:

Pairings, a group exhibition featuring collaborative work by selected members of Melt’s artist roster, draws inspiration from the gallery’s unique location in the beautiful wine country region of Prince Edward County. Participating artists in this exhibition has been thoughtfully “paired” with one another. Each artist initially provided one existing piece, which was offered up as inspiration to another artist. The artworks featured in the show are all a collaborative result of this inspiration. Public Opening Reception: July 6th, 2024, 1-4 PM. Evening Reception (must RSVP to info@meltstudiogallery.com): July 6th, 2024, 6–8 PM.

Centennial Flight is an exhibition of photography by photographer Rachel Hardy, who has attended dozens of air shows throughout Ontario and has documented aerial displays from around the world. The show includes photographs of aircrafts that were flown by the Canadian Airforce at various stages throughout its 100 years of service. There will be an Artist Talk with Rachel Hardy on July 6th, 2024 at 1 PM. The Opening Reception will also take place at that time, until 4 PM.

Please contact info@meltstudiogallery.com or call (416) 893-8664 with any inquiries.