Gibson Gallery’s “The Haunted Station” reveals the dark side of art

Artist Julie Belll (left) and Jamie Lees got into the spirit of the occasion last Saturday at the Gibson Gallery.

There is a secret lurking within the walls of the Gibson Gallery.

Once the home of the Michigan Central Railway Station dating back to the 1890’s, now the prestigious local art gallery, it just might be the home of a not-so-well-known former employee.

On Halloween, a dark-themed exhibit brought out some of the best in local artists as well as a believe-it-or-not tale.

Gibson Gallery board member and co-ordinator of The Haunted Station exhibit, Lisa Bassett, recalled how four years ago, working in the station by herself, she heard some heavy footsteps coming from the main part of the gallery.

“I remember I mentioned it to a board member and I asked them if it was haunted and they wanted to know what I heard,” recalled Bassett.

Bassett said she remembers what sounded like footsteps and when the gallery board had an investigator come in, it was revealed that it might have been the sound of a man in his 60’s who had worked there.

The Haunted Station drew an array of pieces from several artists who were given a rare opportunity to dive into something a little on the scary side, fitting for Halloween.

“We did a Halloween show two years ago and it was successful. It’s a niche because people don’t do scary work. It brings them an option to bring out their work,” said Bassett.

Robert MacLellan’s sculpture entitled “Blind Melon” looked like a giant spider and drew a lot of attention from visitors. Another fascinating piece that brought the imagination and perhaps a little fright out was Meghan Peeters oil on canvas, “I’ll Find You” which was of a skeleton gripping the neck of a horse.

Tatyanna is becoming a regular exhibitor and the Amherstburg artist brought a couple of her companion pieces called “Kindred Remains.” According to the creator, it explores the duality of loss. One is how death looks upon life and the other how life looks upon death.

“I find my pieces are more on the dark side. I  put in both reality and dark and it is a reflection of human existence,” said Tatyanna.

Both of her pieces sold during the exhibit, which began Oct. 15.

“I’m going to miss them. This is the first time I have been able to get to my style.”

Saturday’s reception allowed many attendees to dress up in costume including Ace a four-legged friend who had a hot dog weiner outfit. Krystin Parks had her well-behaved feline Dimitre bundled up and outfitted for the occasion.

Krystin Parks brought along her very well-behaved cat Dimitre to “The Haunted Station” closing reception Oct. 31.

Next up at the Gibson Gallery is the Holiday Artisan Shoppe which is from Nov. 19 to Dec. 13.

This is an opportunity to get that one-of-a-kind unique Christmas gift in the gallery which is transformed into a festive boutique.

The Gibson Gallery is located at 140 Richmond St. in Amherstburg and is open Thursday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gibson Gallery’s “The Haunted Station” reveals the dark side of art

By Fred Groves