Exhibition Statement: Re-emergence at the Library

White Buds, 2024, Photograph by Sarah Hawley

Exhibition Title: An Exhibition of Re-emergence at the Library

Artist: Sarah Hawley

Date: April 11th, 2026 - July 10th, 2026

Location: The New Tecumseth Public Library - Memorial Branch

               17 Victoria Street East, Alliston, Ontario, L9R 1V6

The South Simcoe Arts Council's (SSAC) Arts in Our Community Program presents an exhibition of work by Sarah Hawley from April 11th - July 10th, 2026 at the New Tecumseth Public Library - Memorial Branch in Alliston, Ontario. This body of work will be on display on the main wall above the ramp just inside the library. The exhibition consists of a collection of photographs that embody the idea of return or revisit as well as renewal, rebirth, and re-emergence. Sarah’s artwork has always been focused on pattern and repetition and this photographic body of work continues her investigation of these elements.

This is the second time Sarah's work will be on view at the library in Alliston, with the first being in the summer/fall of 2024. To revisit this venue and return with a new selection of photographs to display in a familiar space, it has enabled her to select the work using previous knowledge of this place. This allowed for more informed decisions when assembling the exhibition. The photographs on view are a combination of images in black and white, sepia, and a few in a limited colour palette with soft cool tones of blues and greens, reminiscent of the arrival of Spring. This exhibition will be on display for the spring and early summer of this year. After experiencing such a harsh, drawn out winter in Simcoe County, the re-emergence of spring has been long anticipated and well worth celebrating. 

Acknowledging the arrival of Spring is one of the main ideas behind the theme of this exhibition. It has also influenced a number of curatorial decisions including the artwork layout, and image selection to name a few. Although the images in the exhibition appear on the surface to be completely different from each other, including the style or genre, colour, composition, and subject matter, they all address the foundation of Sarah’s practice which is rooted in exploring pattern, repetition, and ornamentation. When shown together, the photographs  strongly support the exhibition title, and celebrate the re-emergence of spring. It also marks the return of the artist’s work to the library with this second exhibition.

The library is a great space to reach a range of people within the general public (not just art lovers). The main hub of a community is often community spaces such as a public library, which is the case with the New Tecumseth Public Library. It is located on the main street in the middle of town. If you find yourself in Alliston over the next few months please visit the library to explore what it has to offer, take in this exhibition and leave a comment in the exhibition comment book, located under the artwork on display. 

This exhibition was made possible through a program offered by the South Simcoe Arts Council (SSAC) known as Arts in Our Community (AiOC). AiOC is a program that partners with local businesses and showcases artwork by local artists. The program is free for SSAC members to participate and the SSAC takes care of any artwork sales and inquiries. They also post artwork images from the exhibition on their website to increase exposure. To learn more, please visit: https://southsimcoeartscouncil.com/exhibits/aioc-details

I would like to thank and acknowledge the South Simcoe Arts Council and those directly involved with the Arts in our Community program. I appreciate all the hard work of those involved, who make this program possible. A special thank you to the New Tecumseth Public Library for participating in the AiOC program by allowing the SSAC to use their wall space to showcase the work of local artists. I was amazed by the positive and friendly response of the staff on site and it was a pleasure to work with you. 

For more information about SSAC, please visit their website at: https://southsimcoeartscouncil.com/

For more information about the artwork featured in this exhibition please see this link: https://southsimcoeartscouncil.com/exhibits/sarah-hawley-apr-10-2026