Two exhibitions have opened at the Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery in Sarnia, Ontario. Mark Stebbins's solo show 'The Lingering Instant' features 27 meticulously hand-crafted paintings, each requiring at least 100 hours of labor using syringe-extruded paint, dip pens, and tiny brushes on burlap and wood panels. The companion exhibition 'Together Apart | Under One Roof' presents works by Winnipeg studio neighbours Aganetha Dyck, Diana Thorneycroft, and Reva Stone, exploring feminist art practice, collaboration, and human-nature connections. Both exhibitions opened April 17 and run until August 30, with Stebbins also hosting a free artist talk on June 6 and a paid workshop on June 7.
These exhibitions matter because they offer a deliberate counterpoint to digital culture's speed, emphasizing slow, labor-intensive art-making and community engagement. Stebbins's work invites viewers to pause and reflect, while the collaborative show highlights enduring artistic friendships and cross-species relationships. The programming—including a free talk and affordable workshop—demonstrates how regional galleries foster local connections and make contemporary art accessible beyond major urban centers.