Peace Equals Mortality

Reception: Thursday, August 7, 7:00 - 9:30pm [Artists will be in attendance]

“Once you bring life into the world, you must protect it. We must protect it by changing the world." - Elie Wiesel

Aging is an important part of all human societies reflecting the biological changes that occur, but also reflecting cultural and societal conventions.  But today many are not able to complete the cycle of life because globally we are unable to negotiate a way of sharing this world equally.  We watch helplessly as the mortality of our children is presented to them far too early.  And where once there was respect for preserving our stories to be discovered by future archeologists, misplaced pride encourages the destruction of individual cultures, religious beliefs, personal philosophies, and individual uniqueness.Through the exhibition Peace Equals Mortality, artists Chris Gallo and Mary Kroetsch encourage the viewer to openly discuss how we will share a mutual respect for all of humanity to exist and thrive in peace tomorrow.

Christopher Gallo is primarily a self-taught artist with a background in art history.  He started out using paper mache, but soon became discouraged because the medium was not permanent. One day the idea came to him about using auto body epoxy, aluminum foil, and wire to make art.  From there it has taken off, and he has not stopped.  He now makes very complex shapes with interesting textures.

Self-taught, Mary Kroetsch attended classes at New Brunswick Arts and Crafts College, George Brown College and the Stratford Festival of the Arts. She obtained Certification in Textile Surface Design from the Haliburton School of the Arts, studied the foundations of Visual Arts with the Toronto School Board’s Art Centre and completed the foundations accreditation for the Artists in the School Program sponsored by the Ontario Arts Council.