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.
Chris Allaway is a self-taught fabric and textile artist and has dedicated the last decade to honing her craft. Allaway lives and works in London. When she is not diligently working on numerous projects in her studio gleamed from over 150 bolts of fabric, she is immersing herself in nature. Allaway takes inspiration from the Canadian landscape. She can be found navigating the trails of the Georgia Bay area, Banff National Park, and British Columbia. Allaway has shown at local galleries in London, and he work can often be found at Stratford’s summer festival ‘Art in the Park.’
An Interview with Chris Allaway
Threads of the Earth by Paul Lambert
(on exhibtion Jan – May 2025)
Q: Tell us the story behind the work that makes up the Threads of the Earth exhibition. How did it start? What was it inspired by?
A: Threads of the Earth came about as a reflection of my love for the beauty in natural
surroundings. Throughout my travels, I have always been intrigued by the captivating scenes of trees, water, and the intricate shapes and colors of rocks.
Many of my journeys have been in Northern Ontario, a region where I can feel the same
inspiration that the Group of Seven once found in the windswept branches of trees, the twisting, winding roots, and the vibrant hues of the rocks. These landscapes speak to me on a profound level, and they are woven into the essence of this collection.
Through this work, I aim to capture the spirit of these natural wonders, translating the textures,
colors, and shapes into a tangible form that echoes their beauty and power. Threads of the Earth is both a tribute to these landscapes and an invitation for others to see and feel the inspiration that nature offers.
Q: What inspires you as an artist?
A: What inspires me as an artist is interpreting what I see in such a way that others can feel as
though they have stood in those same spaces and experienced the beauty I’ve encountered. My work is driven by the desire to translate the essence of a place into something that resonates emotionally with the viewer.
Q: Walk us through the creative process behind this work, how do you go about capturing these fascinating images which operate as comments on photography, painting, craft and collage?
A: My creative process begins with an image—whether real or imaginary—and bringing it to life using the many fabrics I’ve collected during my travels across the country. Each piece starts with a vision, but it’s the textures, patterns, and colors of the fabrics that truly shape the work as it evolves.
A significant part of the process is selecting just the right fabrics. I spend countless hours in quilt shops, searching for materials that perfectly capture the essence of the image I have in mind. Sometimes, however, it’s the fabric itself that inspires me. A particular pattern, color, or texture might spark an idea and set me on a journey to create a piece that brings the fabric’s story to life.
This interplay between the image in my mind and the tactile qualities of the fabric is at the heart of my creative process.
Q: Why does creativity matter to you?
A: Creativity matters deeply because it offers a way to express myself that I otherwise find, as an introvert, very hard to do with people, it allows me to process emotions, and find balance in life.
It's wonderful that it keeps you grounded and fills you with joy—it's such a powerful tool for wellbeing and personal growth.
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: Being a creative in London offers opportunities, from galleries and exhibitions to a diverse
community of artists. However, gaps often exist in areas like affordable studio spaces,
consistent funding, and access to mentorship for emerging artists. There's also a need for more initiatives that bridge the gap between art communities and wider audiences.
Q: What do you envision now for your future in the Arts here in London?
A: I see a need for year-round platforms to showcase creativity. While outdoor art events are
frequent in the summer, indoor events during other seasons could not only keep the momentum going but also provide more intimate spaces for connecting with art buyers and fellow artists. Being a part of several art groups allows for showing art and meeting buyers a few times during the year, I see a need for more of these events as London has a large collection of talented artists.
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: Being with London Arts Council and RBC Place London allows me to showcase my diverse
form of creativity and helps open minds and elevate underrepresented art mediums.
Q: We hope to see lots more of your artwork around the city. Where else can we find your artwork?
A: My artwork can always be found at ArtWithPanache, Talbot Centre. In March as part of the St. Thomas Art Guild, I will be participating in an show at the St. Thomas Holiday Inn Express &
Suites, March 21st to 23rd. I am with the London Artists Studio Tour, happening this April 25th, 26th, 27th. I will also be showing with the Lambeth Art Association at the Lambeth United Church May 1st to 3rd. I will also be at Stratford Art In The Park from May long weekend through to the end of September.
View the Threads of the Earth exhibtion at RBC Place London on the following dates:
Thursday January 23, 2025 | 11:00AM-2:00PM |
Thursday January 30, 2025 | 11:00AM-2:00PM |
Thursday February 13, 2025 | 11:00AM-2:00PM |
Thursday February 20, 2025 | 11:00AM-2:00PM |
Thursday February 27, 2025 | 11:00AM-7:00PM |
Monday March 3, 2025 | 10:00AM-4:00PM |
Tuesday March 4, 2025 | 9:00AM-2:00PM |
Thursday March 6, 2025 | 11:00AM-2:00PM |
Thursday March 13, 2025 | 11:00AM-2:00PM |
**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
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