A week or so ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down for coffee with Carrie Colton, Curator and Sterling Lynch, Gallery Director at Exposure Gallery, Ottawa’s only gallery focusing exclusively on contemporary fine art photography. I had been curious about the creative force behind Exposure Gallery, and was really pleased when the two agreed to share a little about what has been happening behind the scenes.
Located in the airy, elegant space above renowned Ottawa eatery Thyme & Again, Exposure Gallery opened to the public in July 2009. Sheila Whyte, founder and president of Thyme & Again embraced artist and interior designer Carrie Colton’s vision for a contemporary gallery that would also serve as a sophisticated venue for hosting events, and welcomed the new venture with enthusiasm and support. Since opening, Exposure Gallery has been featuring both emerging and established Canadian photographers, submissions have been rolling in at a very promising pace, and local playwright and actor Sterling Lynch has been added to the team as Gallery Director. All good signs that Ottawa might be ready to take a serious look-see at some fine art photography!
This week, Exposure Gallery will officially open its exhibit of Chrystia Mycyk’s exquisite Rare Book Series, featuring limited-edition portrait photographs of some of Canada’s rarest and most treasured books, including the first impression of L. M. Montgomery’s Ann of Green Gables. Originally photographed in 2003, the first print of Mycyk’s entire series now belongs to the permanent collection of the National Library and Archives of Canada.
Anyway, we three sat for a while and talked about arts & culture, social media and life in Ottawa. It seems we agreed that our fine capital city has finally begun to shed its bad (read: boring) reputation, and for those who are willing to make an effort, there is much going on around town to be happy about. Whether it’s fine food, a strengthening local culture, or the launch of Ottawa’s own 1st Thursdays in Wellington West, the arts are increasingly accessible to anyone – and everyone benefits!
In the end, this girlaboutOtown enjoyed a thoroughly engaging conversation with two very thoughtful arts enthusiasts. Here is a bit more about my ever-so-cultured and completely agreeable coffee-mates:
Carrie Colton:
You came to Ottawa…What do you love best about the city? What I love best about Ottawa is its size I not too big and not too small. I also love that it has a vital and growing cultural scene in terms of galleries, theatres, restaurants and music venues.
What would you change about it? What I’m working at changing in my own small way which is to help create awareness of the wealth of creative talent in this city and to open up a new market of art lovers. The people are here with the intelligence and energy to enjoy the arts in a bigger way in their lives. It is the role of the designers and artists to make our world more approachable and inviting.
How did you find your way to interior design? I have always had a passion for interior design though my education is in graphic design and fine arts. Gradually over the past 5 years, I have taught myself the technical requirements and software to take on larger residential and commercial interior design work. I have also formed a company ‘cky design group’ with two other interior designers, Karyn Watson and Yvonne Potter which has expanded my knowledge base and ability to offer interior design services.
You are a painter, an art collector and a professional curator. How do you define good art? Art that combines concept, composition and craft.
Where do you find your inspiration? History, nature, cities, fashion, music, and other artists everywhere!
What attracts or fascinates you? Strength, humour, and compassion in people
What is your guiltiest pleasure? It’s a secret 
Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? Fiction based on reality.
In Ottawa, what is your favorite restaurant? The Black Cat Bistro on Preston.
Shopping destination? Red Velvet.
Night out? Meeting a friend for dinner and drinks on Wellington, Preston or in the Glebe, and then going to an art exhibition opening.
Sterling Lynch:
You are from Ottawa….What do you love the most about the city? What would you change about it? The sense of opportunity and imminent change. It feels like Ottawa is ready to boil over. I’d like people to get outside their comfort zones more often and to connect with new people, places, and activities. There is a lot happening here all the time but we don’t communicate beyond our inner circles as well as we could.
What was your first job? Washing dishes for a catering company located in Vanier.
Is it at all related to the work you do now as a playwright, actor & gallery director? My best ideas often come to me when I’m washing the dishes!
How do you define good art? It reflects and invokes beauty.
Do you think there is a difference between creativity and innovation? It depends on how one defines the terms.
What kind of photographer would you call yourself? I have a good eye, but I’m not dedicated to the craft.
Do you collect anything? No. I’ve moved a lot in my life: across the city, across Canada, and across the world. Collections aren’t really an option.
In Ottawa, what is your favourite restaurant? Shopping destination? Night out? Mezzanotte, Trust Fund, dancing: watching (ballet) or doing (techno or DnB).
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So, if you’re wondering what you might want to do this first Thursday May 6th, why not wander down to Wellington West for the Art Walk? Galleries – including Exposure – will be open until 9pm, and will be welcoming art lovers and newbies alike. Go at your own speed, or start out at 7pm with Catherine Lane of the National Gallery of Art for a guided tour, beginning from the Fritzi Gallery upstairs at the Great Canadian Theatre Company.
For information about Carrie Colton Design, click here.
Read more from Sterling Lynch at his blog, and learn about his artistic endeavours.
Exposure Gallery is at 1255 Wellington St. W.
Images courtesy of Exposure Gallery.
