Wednesday, February 13, 2019 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tom Thomson Art Gallery
840 1st Avenue West, Owen Sound, ON
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Arts & Culture
Salt of the Earth: People of Bruce & Grey Counties is a compelling touring photography project that highlights over 40 years of environmental portraiture work by Willy Waterton. For Waterton, the term “salt of the earth” describes “a decent, dependable, unpretentious person.” This phrase describes the people in the area, whom Waterton had the honour and privilege of photographing over his career as a photojournalist. This selection of 20 photographs challenges the historical notions of portrait photography by examining through a contemporary lens, the ordinary - yet extraordinary - diligent and humble people of the community. Each of these photographs document a way of life that has vanished or is disappearing from this place we call home.
More on Willy Waterton: A creek still bears the family name where Waterton’s ancestors settled in northern Grey County during the 1840s. A self-taught photographer, Waterton spent 35 years as a full-time photojournalist at The Owen Sound Sun Times newspaper. During his tenure as chief photographer, he oversaw the transition from black and white photography, to colour publication, and then finally to digital. His newspaper photographs won over 100 provincial and national awards. In 1990, Waterton was named Ontario News Photographers’ Association Photographer of the Year. His photography has appeared in national and international magazines, newspapers and books including the Globe and Mail, the New York Times and National Geographic. His work is in both public and private collections. Waterton’s life-long love for Bruce and Grey Counties has led to his commitment, through his photography, to interpret the people and land of this special part of Canada for you to enjoy.
Tom Thomson Art Gallery
Wheelchair Accessible
Owen Sound operates a full-service Visitor Information Centre on the waterfront, housed in a historic railway depot at 1155 1st Ave. West, Owen Sound. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will help with all your visitor needs, from maps and guides to souvenirs and trip planning. Call 519-371-9833 or 1-888-675-5555.