Art celebrated at the Gibson Gallery - both inside and out

Artist Della Kasarda had her artist reception last Sunday at the Gibson Gallery. Her exhibit, “Timid Timothy Illustrations,” runs at the gallery through Oct. 19.

A new children’s book that is coming out authored by an area author is having its illustrations exhibited at the Gibson Gallery.

“Timid Timothy Illustrations” by artist Della Kasarda is on display until Oct. 19, with the artist reception last Sunday afternoon at the gallery. 

The reception was held at the same time as a “pop up” with local artists, artisans and crafters the gallery held outside the building.

Kasarda, who lost her hearing at age two, illustrated the book that was authored by Stephen Romanow. Romanow’s exhibit “From the Depths of My Soul” ran at the Gibson Gallery from Sept. 11-28, and now the illustrations for his book “Timid Timothy” by Kasarda is the current exhibit.

Reading and drawing have been lifelong passions for Kasarda. She would attend Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. and obtained a degree as she had a fine arts major and English minor. 

Further education occurred at Sheridan College of Applied Arts and Technology, specializing in interpretive illustration.

Her employment history includes being the senior creative illustrator for Ginn and Company Educational Publishing. 

After difficulty in her personal life, Kasarda would move to Ruthven to live with her parents and her illustration creation continued. She reconnected with Romanow, whom she knew before he moved out west, and they began working together eight years ago when he returned to the area.

Romanow said he wrote the book about 40 years ago, and began working on the project the last few years. 

“She began doing illustrations for it,” said Romanow.

Kasarda received a grant from the Ontario Arts Council and Romanow said work continued, with both parties making changes based either on what was written or what was illustrated. “Timid Timothy” is now 18 pages with 36 illustrations.

“We’re hoping to get it published soon,” he said.

Kasarda worked in three mediums for the book, something Romanow said she hadn’t done before. Kasarda added, through Romanow’s interpretation, that she loves drawing and illustrations and she is happy to see her work in what is her first solo exhibit.

There was also a “pop up” arts and crafts show at the Gibson Gallery last Sunday with vendors outside around the building.

Lisa Bassett, a gallery board member, added the “pop up” is a way to support local artists, artisans and crafters, with proceeds benefiting the gallery’s operation. 

Vendors also get to network and learn more about each other and their art, she said.

“A lot of vendors have already signed up for the Holiday Gift Shoppe as well,” said Bassett. 

The Holiday Gift Shoppe starts in mid-November.

The Gibson Gallery is located at 140 Richmond St. They are open Thursday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

For more information, please call 519-736-2826 or visit their website at  www.gibsonartgallery.com. 

Art celebrated at the Gibson Gallery - both inside and out

By Ron Giofu