Embracing Art: The Journey from Childhood to “Polykindred Presents”

For as long as I can remember, art has been a constant companion in my life. Growing up, I was immersed in a world where creativity and expression were not just encouraged but celebrated. My mother, a talented artist herself, owned an art studio, taught classes on drawing, and painted often. Surrounded by her work and the creations of other artists from our city, I developed a deep appreciation for various forms of art. From oil and acrylic painting to glass blowing, I was fortunate to witness the beauty and complexity of artistic endeavors up close.

One of the most significant influences in my artistic journey was my childhood best friend’s grandfather, a renowned artist whose works grace my walls to this day. One of his paintings hangs proudly beside my mother’s pieces, serving as a daily reminder of the rich artistic heritage that shaped me.

My love for art extended beyond the traditional mediums. I found joy in comic books, video game artwork, and film—each a unique form of storytelling that captured my imagination. Art, in all its forms, has always been a way for me to connect with the world and express my thoughts and feelings.

Fast forward to a recent trip to Iowa with my partner Sarah. We were there to showcase a piece of our work at an art show. Surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of The Smoke Stack and the positive energy of fellow art enthusiasts, we both came up simultaneously with an idea. The Grater Ottawa area, is teeming with artistic talent and potential, but there seemed to be a lack of dedicated venues for emerging artists to display and sell their work. Coffee shops and restaurants offered some space, but they were far from ideal. There was a need for a more focused platform where artists could truly shine.

Inspired by this realization and fueled by the good vibes (and perhaps a bit of beer), We both came up with the same Idea. What if we created an art show series—events that would not only provide a platform for artists but also celebrate the diversity and creativity of our local art scene? We both loved the idea, and thus, “Polykindred Presents” was born.

Our first show, titled “Monster Mash,” is set for September 6th. It will feature a fantastic collection of movie monster-themed art, perfect for the spooky season as we approach October. We meticulously planned every detail, from contacting venues to setting up and tearing down, ensuring a seamless experience for both artists and attendees.

The show will include 24 pieces created by various artists, each inspired by one of the 100 iconic movie monsters we’ve selected. The opening event will be held in Winchester, but we’re also excited to offer an online version of the show. This virtual tour will allow art lovers from all over to view and purchase prints or original pieces from the comfort of their homes.

We’re thrilled to invite you to join us on this new adventure. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a potential buyer, or an artist looking to showcase your work, “Polykindred Presents” is for you. We’re even hosting a draw for participating artists, who will create pieces based on a randomly selected monster.

Stay tuned for more details on our blog and the Polykindred website. We look forward to seeing you at our first show, and if you can’t make it, we hope you enjoy the virtual experience. Together, let’s celebrate the vibrant art community in the Ottawa area and beyond.

The Possible Monsters are as follows. The artist draw will be held by stream Sept 11th

For more information on dates & deadlines i invite you to look at our artist call.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Your support means the world to us.

_{Photos Credit Sarah Stewart & Kenneth M Bowman from Sarahstewartphotography.com}