The Alex Dufresne Gallery in Callander, Ontario, is presenting 'Anyflatsurface', a solo exhibition by self-taught Northern Ontario visual artist Joyce Effinger, opening on May 9, 2026. The show features paintings on both traditional canvas and unconventional materials such as paddles, saws, rocks, cloth, and found objects, transforming everyday items into vibrant celebrations of color and place.
The exhibition matters because it highlights the work of a regional artist who developed a daily studio practice later in life, drawing inspiration from Northern Ontario's landscapes and heritage. By using objects with prior histories, Effinger invites viewers to reconsider the familiar and find beauty in ordinary things, reinforcing the role of community galleries in supporting local, self-taught artists and fostering accessible art experiences.