William Kurelek The Painter

The Art Gallery of Ontario will finally reopen this week, after months of COVID closure, with a much-hyped Andy Warhol Exhibit.
   While I’m excited to see, again, another curated Warhol offering, I will be just as happy to walk among the gallery’s permanent collection.
   The AGO was open for much of last summer and, almost weekly, I made a point of visiting the gallery. The AGO offered a controlled environment on a timed-entry basis, where physical distancing was expected and assured.
   During my visits I spent a great deal of time viewing the extensive selection of Canadian art, including the Group of Seven, William Kurelek, Emily Carr, and Jean-Paul Riopelle.
   To be allowed back into the Toronto gallery after such a long absence will be like visiting old friends.
   Art has a way of brightening my spirits.
   I’m so looking forward to Friday.

07/19/2021                                           j.g.l.