Grand Opening Ceremonies & Gala for the NEW Midland Cultural Centre June 9, 2012 · Jun 11, 05:24 pm
So many wonderful events, including an official Ribbon Cutting at 10:30am to a large crowd outside for the Grand Opening of the New Midland Cultural Centre, to be known as the MCC.
Tours of this beautiful building started at 11am .. with live music by different local musicians performing all day inside the MCC lobby – many of which have performed here at CLAUSTRO … and to name a few … Scott Cooper, Karla Crawford, Sarah Calvert, Dylan Lock, Heath Canyon & Kelly Davies … all the while, people were milling about and viewing the 4 different Quest Art Galleries, touring the Huronia Players Theatre and the Rotary Hall, where two CLAUSTRO Sculpted Paintings were being displayed in suspension 30 feet from the floor. What a sight! ART, THEATRE, ARCHITECTURE, and CULTURE … and so many people enjoying this new Centre with so much activity happening indoors and out all day and into the evening!
The Opening Ceremonies included a Black Tie Gala in the Rotary Hall held by the Huronia Foundation for the Arts & The Board of Directors for the MCC. What a wonderful evening! As we arrived, we saw that activities for the Grand Opening was continuing with a live performance by the Dirty Little Swing Things (AMAZING BAND!!!!) so we decided to join in on the fun before heading inside to begin our gala evening. What fun!
Once inside, local Lefaive sisters, were performing classical violin, while everyone enjoyed wine and h’or doeuvres in the Reception Hall prior to the Dinner.
And the evening continued to just get better and better – a beautifully decorated Rotary Hall with tables set with calla lilies, spring green chiffon accents, a centre stage with a magnificent 7 foot Black Steinway Grand Piano, all backdropped with two stunning CLAUSTRO sculpted paintings, suspended 30 feet from the floor, and appearing light as air. Elegant!
The evening was to honour Mr. Reinhart Weber, the man responsible for this New 30,000 square foot building to be Midland’s Cultural Centre for the Arts. Work on the $8 million project began in September 2010 following a donation from Reinhart Weber and the Weber Foundation, which provided a $7.5 million donation, which is described as the largest single charitable donation in the history of Simcoe County.
What an honour to be a part of this marked event (and the Centre is only one block from our CLAUSTRO Studios & Gallery!).
The evening started with a Piano Recital by accomplished local classical pianist, John French. John is the first to have performed on this Grand Piano, another donation and permanent instrument of the Rotary Hall. To a darkened room, other than spot lighting on John French, and the two CLAUSTRO paintings suspended above Mr. French, the audience was captivated by John’s passionate performance by composers, Schubert, Brahms, Beethoven, and Bartok.
After a very fine dinner by Chef, Ivars Rasa, and his wonderful staff, Louis Lefaive & the Kings of Swing, quickly got everyone to their feet dancing! Two saxaphonists, an Upright Bass, Drums, Keyboardist, and 2 vocalists with backup – they were OUTSTANDING! What an absolutely wonderfully memorable and fun evening!
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Grand Opening of MCC June 9, 2012.
Stu Leggett at the Grand Opening Ceremonies of the New MCC in Midland.
Face Painting and Painting on the Street for the Grand Opening of the MCC.
Artist, Donald Pettit, painting a piano at the MCC for the grand opening ceremonies.
People viewing the art in one of the Quest Galleries at the grand opening of the MCC in Midland.
Some dancing for Kelly Davies of Dirty Little Swing Things at MCC Grand Opening.
Dirty Little Swing Things perform live outdoors at the MCC Grand Opening.
Stu Leggett and Stefan Kramp do a little jig for the camera before the MCC gala.
Kelly Davies of Dirty Little Swing Things at the MCC ... Kelly will be performing solo at CLAUSTRO June 16! Don't miss it!
Having fun outside the MCC before the Gala!
Musician, Scott Cooper, dancing his heart out at the MCC Grand Opening.
Pat File, dancing, and looking beautiful before the MCC Gala.
Carol Currie dancing to the Dirty Little Swing Things outside the MCC, prior to the Grand Opening Gala.
The Lefaive sisters performing classical violin at the MCC Gala during reception.
MCC Grand Opening Gala Reception, June 9, 2012.
MCC Gala, backdropped by CLAUSTRO painting, Fred Hacker, talks about MCC Patron, Mr. Weber.
Backdropped by two CLAUSTRO paintings, Classical Pianist, John French, performs 4 beautiful pieces for the Gala.
Dancing up a storm at the MCC Gala to an amazing local swing band.
What fun - great music, dancing, food and art at the MCC Gala Opening!
— Carol Currie
CLAUSTRO Art Installation at the Midland Cultural Centre for the Philanthropy Awards Dinner · Jun 4, 03:12 pm
After over 4 days of careful planning and packing bags of rigging gear, and after well over 8 hours of execution, Stu beautifully installed two 4 feet x 6 feet sculpted paintings 30 feet above the floor at the new Event Centre of the Midland Cultural Centre. This display of art is the first official public viewing of art installation at the NEW Midland Cultural Centre. The dinner was for the Huronia Communities Foundation for their annual Philanthropy Awards with over 150 people in attendance. Our donation was this fine one-of-a-kind art installation to dress the hall … and what a fine display it was! First, we must thank our clients who so generously loaned us their sculpted paintings for this event!
Not many people could take such care to literally hang these fine works of art suspended 30 feet from the floor, without any worry of collapse … but Super Stu. With Stu’s expertise rigging background (having achieved 9 Guiness World Records in Rappelling – several being from the CN Tower) … this was an accomplishable task for him. Absolutely TREMENDOUS job Stu!! Wow! Absolutely amazing to see these 100 pound sculptures suspended and to appear as light as air!
Thanks to Wade Taylor for his assistance to Stu, and the many workers at the MCC for their help … and to Elinor Kirby and the Huronia Communities Foundation Committee, to Kim Masin & Peggy Breckenridge of the Midland Cultural Centre, and a special thank you to Mr. Weber, for approving Stu’s vision in the suspension of the art.
The evening was beautiful – the Midland Cultural Centre, the Banquet Hall, the Art, and the Dinner was all fantastic!
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Installation at MCC.
Closeup at Stu's rigging of the sculpted painting at MCC.
CLAUSTRO Sculpted Painting installation two days before opening at MCC.
Banquet Hall with CLAUSTRO Art installation at MCC.
Suspended 30 feet above the tables.
Just prior to people arriving.
Stu Leggett with owners of the sculpted painting hanging behind. Celebration at MCC.
Philanthropy Awards commence at MCC.
The art is a beautiful backdrop for the Awards dinner.
Having fun with our dinner guests!
Beautiful evening at the first event held at our new MCC in Midland.
With over 150 people in attendance, the evening was wonderful.
MC of the Philanthropy awards, Jacques Brunet, did a fantastic job!
Look carefully at the back of the painting on the right - you can see through the piece.
A view from the balcony.
Another perspective from the balcony.
— Carol Currie
Comment [4]
Second flight over the Western Islands of Georgian Bay · May 31, 07:44 pm
Okay Stu has hundreds of hours on small aircrafts including float planes, but this was my FIRST, and both of us being very fond of flying, we had a BLAST! We flew in a Cessna 180 on floats and tried to maintain a minimum of 500 feet – although of course, we were wanting to skim treetop level … AND LAND at our destinatione … but apparently that’s not something we could do … so alas, I settled for 500 feet .. I had a little zoom on my camera so could almost see ants roaming about – so I was as satisfied as an adventurer could be.
Yes, Stu needs to get his pilot’s lisence … I say Stu, simply so I can remain in the passenger seat, taking those opportune photos, and sipping on some champagne while being piloted around the nation! (OR choppered)! Okay okay, in all seriousness, we have both been very interested in attaining our pilot’s lisence from a wee young age … so maybe both of us will pilot our plane someday ………..
First we would like to thank our wonderful pilot from Georgian Bay Airways out of Parry Sound Harbour. Yes, we were quite surprised that she appeared to be fresh out of highschool … but she assured us she was far from highschool, and just had great genes – and well, I would have to agree! Haha! She was so sweet, and everyone treated us very well there!
Now, back to the flight —- we requested ahead of time that they take the passenger door off (yes that’s right – no door!) so I could take photos without any of the distractions of the window – come on – distractions aren’t that bad are they? REALLY? But did that make me nervous? NO way .. this true adventurer at heart says, give me all you got! And fortuneately, we had a brilliantly gorgeous warm, sunny day, so aside from wind, it would be warm in the cockpit.
There was little chop in the water, so take off was oh so smooth, then lift off felt like heaven as we started to climb over the Thirty Thousand Islands that surround Parry Sound before arrving to the vast open waters of Georgian Bay! Having never explored the Thirty Thousand Islands by water, I was AMAZED and AWED by all the vacant green land that laid under our wings … and to be seen farther than the eye could see … SIGH … what a place we live in! It proves we have so MUCH to explore from Midland to Killarney, Georgian Bay has more treasures than we will ever see in one lifetime, and if we are fortuneate enough to have the opportunity to explore and paint it for 40 more years, MAYBE we would get to scratch the surface.
For today however, our mission was to fly over the grandiose, remote group of Islands, called the Westerns … some 15 km from any land … and from the air, I can now clearly see just how far it was … and can’t imagine crossing that vast, barren and often dangerous open water of Georgian Bay by boat, let alone, by kayak, which ‘many’ adventurers do …. Now, that’s not to say we won’t – in fact, I say, bring it on!
What beauty though! Moving from Green Pastures of densely forested Islands, to the open blue waters … then … off in the distance … a teeny group of lonely dots … the Westerns … out there in seemingly the middle of nowhere.
We approach and you begin to see that the Islands are heavily enriched with life – forests; straggling trees; junipers; and that prominent Orange lichen – all contrasting so prominently with the varying colours of the limestone rock – from crisp white, to brown to grey – then the rich blue and green waters encompassing the islands … simply magical! Having explored only some of the Islands by boat and foot, it was so amazing to take this aerial exploration at 500 feet above.
It really made me query – how did this outcrop of rock suddenly appear from what was probably a depth to the Bay’s floor to be well over 200 feet!? What would this underwater landscape look like without water? Oh to be a fish, but with a human brain – that could be interesting for a day. This is all so exciting, I even forget we have no door! I am one little seatbelt clip away from finding out what those fish see! Why isn’t Stu a little nervous for me, while he is all safely tucked away in the back seat?
I wouldn’t mind though – jumping I mean – for Stu and I to be dropped into this remote world called the Westerns – to stay for a week and explore and be the only ones there, in this private little pocket of Georgian Bay. AAAAHHHHH that would be bliss … to sit quietly and watch what would have to be the most stunning sunsets and sunrises … to hear nothing but wind, water, (and gulls – afterall, they are an integral part of this ecosystem being that their nitrogen rich poop is the very cause of the orange lichen, formall known as Xanthoria) … afterall, I doubt any bears would be making this trip.
Stu and I thoroughly enjoyed our little adventure … thanks again to our wonderful Pilot! She did a great job circling so I could get some great shots. Below are just a small sample of over 300 photos that we took. This adventure not only to be a nice getaway but to obtain yet more research (after our first flight at 7000 feet) for our largest sculpted commission to date to depict the Westerns in a single panel panoramic 4 foot x 9 foot sculpted painting. You can follow the progress of this piece at our weblink.
Thank you for reading, and enjoy the last photo’s caption.
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Our float plane arriving for our flight.
Our pilot fueling up - yes we want lots of fuel!
Carol Currie and our Pilot getting ready to climb on.
Take off! Woohoo!
The Thirty Thousand Islands and off in the distance, is the open water of Georgian Bay.
Yeah, the view from here proves there's alot MORE than thirty thousand Islands!!! AWESOME!!!! Are we lucky to live here or what?
And there are the Western Islands - over 15 km from nearest land. Amazing when you see just how far by air.
And as we circle the Westerns, no sight of land in the distance. So wonderfully remote.
I love the RICH blues - nothing added - this is true colour!
And the rich contrast of blues, to oranges to greens in the water is stunning from air and on land. This place truly is a gem of Georgian Bay!
This photo too captures the rich colours, and how the land expands (ie, shoals!) into the water.
This shot again shows both the expanse of the horizon - no land to be seen, and the expanse of the rock into the water ... tricky navigating.
This shot nearly shows all the Westerns ... way off at the top and right, you can see the group of islands where the lighthouse is.
Simply Sweet! What a gorgeous day!
Panoramic View looking West ... these are the Western group of the Western Islands.
And this is indeed ALL the Western Islands, looking to the Southeast and yes, look closely, and off in the distance, is the lighthouse.
Closer yet, and you can still see the lighthouse. 
This is an island Stu and I only started to explore ... I could easily take a FULL day on this Island alone, and enjoy seeing it from air.
Another Island we have yet to explore by land .. but I hear it's a beauty too!
I wasn't lying when I said I could almost see ants!
Colours outstanding ... see the shadow of the plane on the green (front right Island). That's us!
300 photos later, and it's time to head back - Pilot with Carol!
With Stuie in the back, all having a great time!
Beautiful, serene Island on the way back to Parry Sound ... yep, we could live there!
And the aerial view of the marshes were tremendous! This would make an amazing sculpted series.
Another beautiful marsh! Love the greys of the dead trees amongst all the luscious green.
But alas, the flight must come to an end ... or must it? Stu needs to get his pilot lisence so we can go out all day! Parry Sound harbour.
Breaker, Breaker .. haha. Love the 'exit' door sign ... I think that's obvious being that my door is off! haha. Life is grand!
— Carol Currie
Comment [2]
Photo Exhibit by D.A. HILL PHOTO and live performance with Sarah Calvert and evening classical concert with Victoria Thompson & John French · May 29, 07:48 pm
What a diverse a wonderfully attended weekend blast that was!
So many attendees to all our events starting with the Artist Reception Friday evening for local, black and white street photographer, David Hill, aka, D.A. HILL PHOTO. David’s work depicted the raw and uncropped view of the city, taken both from NYC and Toronto. Upon delivery of David’s work, his last words to us was ‘I don’t mind if you choose to install the works in a random way – rather than a mainstream gallery viewing. So after brainstorming, Stu and I chose to hang the works to create a cityscape .. placing David’s photos to depict towering skyscrapers, a suburbia cluster, and some vacant lots. Thanks David for the creative inspiration.
Saturday afternoon, the multi-talented Sarah Calvert provided a musical performance of her jazzy blues originals. Sometimes sultry, sometimes cheeky, and sometimes humourous, her performance captured the audience. Sarah performed on piano, guitar AND harmonica! She, along with percussionist, Evan Ritchie, will be returning to CLAUSTRO for a ticketed evening concert Saturday July 28. Contact us for tickets as they sell out quickly!
Then Saturday evening to another SOLD OUT Concert, the mood shifted to one of the Classical kind … with an evening classical concert performed by well-known Soprano Victoria Thompson and Pianist John French. Victoria’s powerful and precise vocals brought tears to my eyes! Both Victoria and John provided the audience with some enlightening stories about the history of the pieces they performed – often quite humourous! The audience was absolutely captivated. What an beautifully intimate setting to listen to such a powerful performance, backdropped by David Hill’s photography, set by ambiant and stage lighting, and delightful h’or doeuvres and buffet all hand created and served by our gallery attendant, Genna. The performance closed with an awe-inspiring Piano Solo by John French, which brought everyone to their feet for a STANDING OVATION celebrating both John and Victoria’s performance! Thank you to Victoria, John and the wonderful audience who made this evening unforgettable.
Sunday afternoon, Photographer David Hill provided a very informative and inspirational discussion about the history of street photography. He brought along well over 10 photo books that depicted the works of many of the key photographers that influenced street photography. We were all stunned, enlightened and humoured by this great workshop provided by David. One of his key points for us to go home with, was to consider making a photo rather than simply taking a photo .. he asked us to consider our subject, its surroundings, its mood, the point of view, the cropping … so during the discussion, Stu decided to do just that and ‘make’ a few photos of his discussion from different perspectives. What fun! After the discussion and to close the exhibit, quite fittingly, we had a fun photo shoot of David being querky – shot by both his wife (and professional photographer, Chris Mack, who will be exhibiting here in June), and by Stu. What a way to end the weekend! FUN!
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D.A.Hill Photo Opening Reception at CLAUSTRO.
Artist David Hill (back left) at his Opening Reception at CLAUSTRO.
D.A. Hill Photo Art Reception May 25 at CLAUSTRO.
D.A. Hill Photo Exhibition May 25-27 at CLAUSTRO.
D.A. Hill Photo Exhibition, prior to Saturday Afternoon Music with Sarah Calvert.
Sarah Calvert Live Performance at CLAUSTRO May 26, 2012.
Awseome jazzy blues singer, Sarah Calvert performing her original music at CLAUSTRO.
Audience getting a chance to speak with Sarah Calvert during intermission.
Multi-talented Sarah Calvert playing both piano and harmonica during her performance at CLAUSTRO.
Audience gathering for the Classical Concert Saturday evening May 26th.
Audience arriving for the Classical Concert at CLAUSTRO.
Stu Leggett introducing Victoria Thompson & John French to begin the evening concert.
Soprano Victoria Thompson and Pianist John French starting their evening Classical Concert.
John French providing a beautiful introduction to the music they will be performing for the evening.
Soprano Victoria Thompson's voice brings tears of joy to the audience during their first piece.
During intermission of our classical concert, audience members have the opportunity to talk with Victoria and John, while viewing David Hill's photography.
Soprano Victoria Thompson talks a little about the background of their next piece.
Soprano Victoria Thomspon and Pianist John French at CLAUSTRO.
Soprano Victoria Thompson sharing a very funny story about the background of their next piece during their second set.
To close the evening performance, Pianist John French begins what would be an amazing solo!!
Pianist John French's solo brought everyone to their feet to a standing ovation and to celebrate the whole evening!
After the evening's performance, everyone lingered to socialize and take the time to talk with Victoria and John. Thank you to ALL for a refined and intimate evening!
Sunday May 27th, Photographer, David Hill provided a wonderful discussion about the history of photography!
During David's discussion, he discussed how to make a photo rather than simply taking a photo ... so Stu took some photos from different perspectives to do just that.
Stu making a photo of David Hill during his disucssion.
Stu making another interesting photo of David Hill to impress the words of David.
Some very humorous moments during David Hill's discussion.
Photographer David Hill providing very informative insight behind his photography on Sunday.
After Sunday's discussion, we all had some fun during a final photo shoot of the exhibit!
David's wife, Chris Mack (also a photographer exhibiting here in June), taking a photo of David being quirky!
The photo shoot was a great way to mark the end of the exhibit! Alot of fun! Thanks David and Chris!
— Carol Currie
Art Class by Carol Currie at CLAUSTRO May 28, 2012 · May 29, 06:34 pm
Thank you to all the participants in yesterday’s art workshop. We had both novices and experienced class members who enjoyed the fluid acrylic medium. Some of the class members chose to use their own photographs as references, while others used my photos and chose either a tree or an inukshuk as their subject matter. I was impressed with all their accomplishments! Thanks again gals! What a great way to spend the HOTTEST day of the year so far!
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Students hard at work during Monday's Art Class with Carol Currie at CLAUSTRO.
A closeup of one of the student's work. Great job!
This student was able to complete two paintings in the one day workshop.
The student's works near the end of the one day workshop held by Carol Currie.
— Carol Currie