Search Results

The Gallery In response to demand from local artists for exhibition space and to promote and celebrate our talented local artists, the London Arts Council and the City of London Culture Services have collaborated with RBC Place London to pilot The Gallery program at RBC Place London as part of our London Arts Live (LAL) program offerings. The purpose of The Gallery is to promote the work of artists and creators residing in London and surrounding First Nations to display original artworks for exhibition, with sales opportunities, on highly prominent and specially designated wall space within this municipally owned building. Artist Kay Ojo For the seventh exhibition, The Gallery featured artworks created by Olukayode (Kay) Ojo , a Nigerian-born Canadian artist whose work blends contemporary and traditional African influences into a bold, abstract expressionist style. A graduate of the University of Benin, where he studied under renowned contemporary art masters, Kay earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with First Class Honours. His art is defined by spontaneity, loose brushstrokes, and emotive storytelling. His paintings have been exhibited in prestigious venues, including the 2022 Art à la Carte  exhibition at the Legislative Building in Toronto. His works are also held in the collections of Museum London and The Art Emporium in Port Stanley. He has painted portraits of notable figures, including former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. An Interview with Kay Ojo Jazz Resonance: Notes from the Thames by Kay Ojo (August - December, 2025) Q: Tell us the story behind the work that makes up this exhibition. How did it start? What was it inspired by? A:  The theme for this exhibition titled Jazz Resonance: Notes from the Thames is based on celebrating the City of London that was designated as the first UNESCO City of Music in 2023. Thankfully, I was invited as a guest artist to paint live at the event. I thought a jazz theme would fit as a body of work for this exhibition, to celebrate the vibrant music base in the city.   Q: What inspires you as an artist? A:  I am inspired by nature, society, music, abstract ideas, current affairs, history, and a longing to add to the beauty around me. This is actually a lot to draw inspirations from, and as evident in my art, I paint a wide range of themes. This is because I consider inspirations as borderless. As an artist, I am a channel of creativity in the hands of the Universe. That is more of a spiritual connection to my art, and I love to appreciate my art after signing it, trying to understand how I came about some of the art I create. I attempt to create the general atmosphere and the essence of things instead of realistic and beautiful pictures. I hope that my art would solve the ‘problems of the future’ by creating art that give happiness and peace. I believe that if the mind is constantly surrounded by beauty, by adding art as part of our homes, public facilities and landscapes, the world would be more peaceful as we would have less aggression, conflicts and wars.   Q: Walk us through the creative process behind this work. How do you go about making these paintings? A:  Honestly, I don’t have a work template for the actual creation process that is replicable. What is constant about my process is the use of the highest quality materials I can lay my hands on. I don’t compromise on top quality materials. The reason being that nobody knows when a masterpiece would be created, so I don’t want to end up with a great piece on paper towel. Then, I usually work on multiple canvases at a time. I usually start by subduing the surface by blinding it , and get a connection with the image I see on the canvas, then I go ahead with the creation. I occasionally just want to document a beautiful flower I see, or a beautiful sunset I witnessed, but generally, I only paint as my soul leads. I usually don’t attempt to create art that is beautiful. I just want to create art that is true. I love to suggest to the mind, and allow the audience to complete the story in their minds.   Q: Why does creativity matter to you? A:  I found myself in art not only because I love art and love to create it, but I believe art is a divine calling for me. It is a way of conveying emotive messages, peace and love to the audience.      Q: What is it like being a creative here in London? Are there gaps that currently exist when it comes to supporting the Arts? What kind of support is needed? A:  London is a great city for an artist to live, create art, and collaborate with other artists as well as art groups and organizations. I have collaborated with the London Art Council in their London Arts Live programs. I have also displayed and sold my art through The Museum London gift shop. I have been a member of London Community Artists and the Lambeth Art Association in the past. I am still part of the London Artists’ Studio Tour. My work is currently in the ongoing ArtComp organized by 100 Kellogg Lane. I have also been in the art exhibitions at TAP Centre for Creativity organized by the Simple Reflections for Artists. London is active with art, and I am thankful to live here.   Q: What do you envision now for your future in the Arts here in London? A:  As a fulltime artist, I plan to continue with my art. I plan to create my art in other forms and use new and unconventional materials.   Q: What made you most excited about putting yourself out there to work with the London Arts Council and RBC Place London for this exhibition? A:  I appreciate the exciting opportunity to work with organizations like the London Arts Council and RBC Place London that have supported the creative industry in the city of London. It is a great chance to connect with the public and a platform to get my art across to larger audience.   Q: We hope to see lots more of your artwork around the city. Where else can we find your artwork? A:  Thank you for this great opportunity to collaborate with The London Art Council and RBC Place London to present my art to the art community and the City of London. My works can be seen at: ·         ReForest London ·         Mezzanine at Convent Garden Market ·         Museum London gift shop ·         Private collections ·         Pop up shows ·         London Artist’s Studio Tour events   Contact: Instagram: @kays.art_studio Phone: 519-476-9695 Email: kays.art.studio@outlook.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olukayode-ojo-a008b61b2/ View Jazz Resonance: Notes from the Thames at RBC Place London on the following dates: October Oct 23 (11:00am - 2:00pm) Oct 24 (8:00am - 5:00pm) Oct 25  (8:00am - 3:00pm) November Nov 3  (4:00pm - 8:00pm) Nov 11 (2:00pm - 5:00pm) Nov 15 (4:00pm - 8:00pm) Nov 21 (5:00pm - 9:00pm) Nov 22 (2:00pm - 8:00pm) Nov 24 (3:00pm - 6:00pm) Nov 25 (2:00pm - 8:00pm) Nov 26 (11:00am - 4:00pm) Nov 28 (2:00pm - 8:00pm) Nov 29 (1:00pm - 6:00pm) December  Dec 12 (4:00pm - 10:00pm) ** enter via the main doors on York St.** The objectives of the Gallery program are: to create a beautiful, unique, and cultured atmosphere; provide compelling experiences for local, national, and international visitors; educate the public by presenting a series of diverse artworks created by local professional artists; and provide professional opportunities for local artists, including increased promotion, sales, and career enhancement. For more information about this project or inquiries regarding purchasing artworks, please contact the London Arts Council at info@londonarts.ca

After 21 years with the London Arts Council, Rebekah Morrison-Wize, LAC’s Officer, Arts Investments, has decided that it is time to retire and begin the next chapter of her life.   Since nearly the very beginnings of the London Arts Council, Rebekah has lovingly supported and witnessed the growth of both the organization and London’s arts community. She roots for the artists and arts organizations as if they were her own children—advocating for them, cheering them on, and feeling immense pride in their accomplishments. Her words of encouragement, her thoughtful listening, and her unwavering care for every one of her LAC colleagues have made her not just a coworker, but a guiding presence and a source of comfort and strength for all who have had the pleasure of working alongside her.   Over her more than two decades managing the Community Arts Investment Program (CAIP) and leading LAC’s fund development portfolio, Rebekah has worked tirelessly with assessors and partners to distribute critical funding for arts organizations and artist-led projects across the city. Her work has not only provided essential resources to artists and arts organizations—it has also nurtured a culture of respect, collaboration, and community that will remain her legacy.   Rebekah’s departure is bittersweet. While we are overjoyed for her as she steps into a well-earned retirement, we feel the deep sense of loss that comes when a family member moves on. Rebekah has been at the heart of the LAC family, inspiring and uplifting all of us with her warmth, and kindness. Her presence will be deeply missed every day.   We wish Rebekah all the best in this exciting new chapter and look forward to staying connected with her as both colleague and friend. Her impact on LAC and the arts community in London is immeasurable, and her spirit will always be a part of who we are. If you’d like to come visit Rebekah at the LAC office before her last day, she will be in office Tues – Thurs, 9:30a.m. – 4:30p.m., until Wednesday, October 8t h.  Message from Rebekah "I am so very thankful for the opportunities given and relationships developed and enjoyed as a member of the LAC team. It has been my honour and my privilege to serve the arts sector and community of London. It has been so personally fulfilling to have been able to devote my professional career to the artists, arts organizations, and the arts sector in London, in Ontario and across the country. As a member of the LAC team, I was proud to watch and participate in the growth of the organization, in the continuous development, piloting, and delivery of the many Programs and Services the LAC offers that benefit our community. I forged so many meaningful relationships within the community and sector which I hope will continue into my retirement. To all the beloved team members I have worked with over the years in the service of this community, thank you for what you taught me, from all your perspectives (in order of appearance LOL! Andrea, Robin, Elizabeth, Lori, Sarah, Catherine, Kristin, Eunju, Deanna, Jenn, Rachel, Jeremy, Richard, Andy, Summer, Michelle, Michael, Asante, Phil, Janet, Emily, Katie, and Alexia). And all members of the Teams of the community partners LAC works with. Thank you! To my esteemed colleagues, LAC Board of Directors, volunteer Community Arts Investment Program Assessors that I have worked with over many years, thank you for your time, thoughtful commitment, and dedication to our sector. To the hundreds of artists, artist collectives, and arts organisation members who I adopted and who adopted me, you are the reason for everything! I cherish my time with LAC and the arts community. I would not have spent 21 years doing or being anywhere else. Please know that I will always be here to support all the endeavours of LAC and the sector. I wish you all the best in the years to come!" Much Love, Rebekah     Message from the Executive Director “Rebekah has been the LAC's longest-serving member, a mama bear to the team, and a big sister to me. Her friendship and presence have been a huge source of comfort for me. We all need someone like her in our lives. I know how much Rebekah has meant to me, the team, and the arts community, and how much we will miss her presence. Thank you, Rebekah, for being who you are. Your caring and nurturing interactions with everyone provided support and reassurance to the team and the community. Although I will miss you greatly, I wish you the best in your well-deserved retirement and new chapter in life.” - Eunju Yi, Executive Director, London Arts Council

In Conversation Janet Antone interviews Emily Schuyler about her experience as an Indigenous artist navigating questions such as "What constitutes fine art?" while Emily shares stories from her past that illuminate some of the hurdles and injustices (including microagressions and racism) Indigenous artists face while reflecting on advice she would give to her younger self. The interview took place during Emily Schuyler's training period with Janet Antone who was the previous administrator for Indigenous London Arts through the London Arts Council. or download the transcription below: Emily Schuyler  is a multi-media artist from Oneida Nation of the Thames. She holds a certificate and advanced diploma in Fine Arts from Fanshawe college, and a Bachelor of Studio Arts degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts. Emily creates mixed-media work that explores themes of identity and memory, by combining her cultural teachings, knowledge, and her experience as an Indigenous person living in the twenty-first century using both traditional and contemporary methods of art making.  Works Referenced Oneida 240 Satka’tho  Referenced in the interview are two works by Emily, the first, Oneida 240 (2019) , a photo transferred map of Oneida onto leather with 240 hand-sewn shell beads, approx. 4 x 3 ft. The second is Satka'tho (2023) made with leather, plastic, false lashes, brass. Janet Antone (She/Her) is a proud member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. She has always strived to be an impactful community member, doing her best to create positive change within her community. Janet is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program. She has worked for three years as an Arts Administrator at Native Earth Performing Arts, has stage managed the Summerworks programmed of Medicine Boy by Waawaate Fobister, and has worked at the Oneida Language and Cultural centre as the audio technician and administrative assistant, helping to preserve the Oneida Language through audio and visual mediums. Janet also started her beadwork journey 10 years ago and unofficially launched her beadwork business, Ms. Antone’s Beadwork, in 2018. Her beadwork has been all over the world (Africa, US, New Zealand, Scotland & Norway), as well as appearing in television series such as Letterkenny, Shoresy, and Rutherford Falls, for which she received a merit mention on Vogue.com . Janet was the Administrator, Indigenous London Arts at the London Arts Council from 2023 to July, 2025.