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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. Birches Within the Forest 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 Birches on the Waterfront Threads of the Earth by Chris Allaway ( 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

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. A self-described foodie, coffee snob, and jazz enthusiast, Paul Lambert is a portrait and street photographer living in London, Ontario. Professionally, he specializes in personal and executive portraits, professional headshots, and business branding photography. His artistic passion is street photography. Lambert has a long history of creating visual art but didn’t pursue photography in a serious way until 2016. His work has been exhibited in several galleries and venues in Ontario, including the Westland Gallery and Museum London gift shop, both in London, and the CONTACT Photography Festival in Toronto. Currently, Lambert is working on a personal project interviewing and photographing local visual artists. The collection will be exhibited in the autumn of 2025 with a complementary book to be released sometime later. An Interview with Paul Lambert Emery Variety , 2023 The Silence Between the Notes by Paul Lambert ( on exhibtion September 2024 – December 2024) Q : Tell us the story behind The Silence Between the Notes  exhibition. How did it start? What was it inspired by? A : The photos in this exhibition are just several of a larger body of work I’ve been adding to over several years. I love street photography for several reasons; the unpredictability, the historical record—street photography has played a large role in documenting social evolution over the past several decades; the excitement of finding a story that unfolds spontaneously; the challenge of composing quickly and catching a fleeting moment before it’s gone. It’s an activity that takes a lot of time and often returns nothing for the efforts. But when it does, it’s extremely gratifying. Although I’ve exhibited other work in galleries and other venues, I’ve never had the opportunity to exhibit my street photography. I plan to self-publish a book. I think that’s the best way to present this kind of work and get it in front of people. When I was asked if I’d like to exhibit some of my street photography at RBC Place, I jumped at the opportunity. This is the first time I’ve seen a collection of it framed and curated. I’ve generally exhibited a collection of work thematically. In this case, the work was selected and I then had to think of a theme, or title, that tied it together. Most people who are interested in street photography are familiar wth Henri Cartier-Bresson’s reference to the decisive moment. For whatever reason, that notion of capturing an essential moment in time often reminded me of Miles Davis referring to the space between the notes being what’s important to music. As I pondered these two thoughts, I Googled “the space between the notes” and discovered it was Debussy who said, “Music is the space between the notes.” It was while pondering these ideas I thought of the title for the exhibition. It seemed to articulate how I feel when I look at a street photo I really like; the magic of a moment in time that silently expresses a story—captured within the symphony of city life. Q : What inspires you as an artist? A : I think all artists are inspired by their life experiences, both simple and profound. I’m inspired by many things. Looking at other artists’s work, particularly paintings, sculptures, and photographs. I’m inspired by music. I’m quite fond of jazz—especially improvisational—and early 20th century classical. Music has had a profound influence on me. I’m inspired by seeing the world through other people’s eyes who have lived a different kind of life than I have. I’m inspired by listening to children's’ view of the world. We’d all do well by slowing down and seeing the world the way children do, with a sense of wonder and excitement. I’m inspired by books I read and by people who have done rare and exceptional things. All this is to say, the world is a rich place. There’s a lot to take in. Some of it we take in consciously if we decide to be awake and observe what’s going on around us. But there is so much more we take in subconsciously and if we put ourselves in situations where we can absorb rich raw material for our subconscious mind, these things will eventually be expressed through our creativity. Q : Walk us through the creative process behind this work, how do you go about capturing images like this? A : I suppose it’s a well-worn cliché to draw an analogy to hunting and fishing with regard to street photography, but it’s a good one. Certainly for me at least. If you’re out on the street with a camera I suppose you’re always hunting. Sometimes, as with Emery Variety , the opportunity just jumps out at you. I happened into this variety store with nothing but my phone and when I saw the “collage” on the wall I had to capture it. It appealed to my sense of finding order within seeming chaos. Guilty , Ignore   My Douche Boyfriend , and Official Butter Tart Tester  are examples of going out to places or events where I assumed I would encounter interesting visual stories. In other words, finding situations where the hunting would be lucrative. I also like to fish. Finding a spot that provides an interesting backdrop or situation but needs someone to walk into it to make it interesting—to complete the story. Handmaid’s Tale and Skater  are good examples. I really liked the scenario of the poster for the Handmaid’s Tale TV series in a transit shelter on Front Street in Toronto. All I needed was the right person to walk into the frame. I was well rewarded for my hour-long wait. For Skater , I saw these young men doing what skate boarders do. I hung out and took about 100 frames. It wasn’t until reviewing them later in editing I noticed the little girl looking back at the skater. She makes the photo. Completes the story. Contemplation  was just luck of having a camera with me. I have no idea what the subject was doing but it makes an intriguing story. Q : Why does creativity matter to you? A : That’s a question that could lead to a lot of tangental thoughts. Creativity matters to me as a skill or gift that supports me in all aspects of my life. From problem-solving to spending my time in ways that bring me joy. Creativity is, for better or worse, what has brought civilization to where we are today. And for the most part, it’s pretty amazing. I like what Rick Rubin has said about creativity: The ability to look deeply is the root of creativity. To see past the ordinary and mundane and get to what might otherwise be invisible. Perhaps that’s his way of referring to the silence between the notes. Q : What gaps currently exist when it comes to supporting the Arts? What kind of support is needed? A:  I’m a relative new comer to the art scene so I’m not sure I’m qualified to answer that except perhaps as simply a member of society. In North America in particular, the arts are becoming less valued as illustrated by the decrease in funding, both for public art and our education system when at the same time, sports are highly regarded and supported. Many cities in Canada have lost their symphony orchestras for example. But not their hockey teams. The arts are important to society—to the development of civilization—by providing historical context and insight for millennia; by leading to healthy cultural discussion. Art makes the world more beautiful, interesting, and enriching. It helps people connect their rational being with their creative nature. I believe we could use more of that in North America. According to a 2000 report by the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts, Finland leads the per capita spend on the arts at $91, followed by Germany at $85. Canada isn’t too bad at $46 when you consider the U.K. is $26 and the U.S. is $6. How are we doing in London? I think there are a lot of people and organizations doing a great job considering the resources they have available to them. However, the budget allotted to the London Arts Council is, in my opinion, pathetic for a city our size. But it shows where the city’s priorities lie. Kitchener has a performing arts centre. We have a hockey arena. Any gaps we have are ultimately a result and direct reflection of what the general public thinks about the value of art in our culture. I don’t know how you move that in a more positive direction. I wonder what Finland and Germany are doing that we aren’t. Q : What do you envision now for your future in the Arts here in London? A : I dipped my toe into the art scene in London in 2018 with my first exhibition at the Westland Gallery. In 2022 I sold my business interests to my partners and have focused on my creative work full time since then. Earlier this year I embarked on a project documenting—interviewing and photographing—local visual artists with a goal to mount an exhibition of portraits and later self-publish a book of the portraits accompanied by a narrative from the conversations I’ve had with these people. It’s been an amazing experience. I feel extremely fortunate to have met the people I have, to have had profound conversations and insights into the lives of people who’s names far too few Londoners would even know. I hope to change that. This project has taken on a life of its own and has already led to some amazing opportunities and ideas. What do I envision for my future in the arts in London? I don’t know except to say I’ve begun an exciting journey and am looking forward to where it takes me. 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’ve never seen my street photography exhibited. That’s exciting. I suppose getting feedback about what others think of it is the most exciting. I appreciate the exposure and hope it’s a step toward me finally putting a monograph together. Or perhaps another exhibit somewhere. Q : We hope to see lots more of your artwork around the city. Where else can we find your artwork? A : I have work on display at the Museum London gift shop. I’ll be part of a group show at the Westland Gallery that opens in November. And, as I mentioned earlier, I’m looking forward to exhibiting my portraits of local artists in a local gallery sometime in the fall of 2025. View The Silence Between the Notes exhibtion at RBC Place London on the following dates: Thursday October 24, 2024 11:00AM-4:00PM Monday October 28, 2024 12:00PM-5:00PM Thursday October 31, 2024 11:30AM-2:00PM Wednesday November 13, 2024 8:00AM-4:00PM Thursday November 14, 2024 11:30AM-2:00PM Monday November 18, 2024 4:00PM-7:00PM Thursday November 21, 2024 11:00AM-3:00PM Wednesday December 4, 2024 10:00AM-2:00PM Thursday December 12, 2024 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

Presented by the London Arts Council and LBMX Place , Extravabandza  is an exciting showcase of London's thriving music scene, celebrating the city's rich band culture. Join us for a full day of live performances featuring the incredible talent of the LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program participants: Jai Vinyl , Juice Joint , Anddre & The Reflections , and The Jeremy Fox Revett Band . Special guests include Toronto-based band Bitter&Broke , with a headlining performance by the captivating Ari Hicks . But that's not all— Extravabandza  will also highlight local artisans, face painters, balloon artists, and other creative experiences, making it a true celebration of artistic expression! Don't miss this unforgettable event happening on Dundas Street, between Talbot and Ridout , on Saturday, September 21st, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM . Bring your friends and family for a day filled with music, art, and fun! Performance Schedule Event Duration:  12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: 100 Dundas St. Stage   Opening Ceremony : 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM   Band Performances:   Jai Vinyl 1:10 PM - 1:55 PM   Anddre & the Reflections 2:35 PM - 3:20 PM   Juice Joint 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM   The Jeremy Fox Band 5:25 PM - 6:10 PM   Bitter&Broke 6:50 PM - 7:35 PM   Ari Hicks 8:15 PM - 9:00 PM   Panel Discussion Schedule Event Duration:  12:30 PM - 5:25 PM Location:  Fanshawe Good Foundation Theatre (130 Dundas St.) Panel Discussions   Grant Writing and Funding 12:30 PM - 1:10 PM Click here   to register Artists and Organizations: Building Ethical Collaborations 1:55 PM - 2:35 PM Click here  to register The Art of Touring & Bookings 3:20 PM - 4:00 PM Click here  to register Marketing, Promotion & Social Media: Amplifying Your Art and Reach 4:45 PM - 5:25 PM Click here  to register  *This is a FREE, family friendly event* If you'd like to attend a panel discussion, please make sure to register through the EventBrite link below to reserve your spot. Seats are limited. Please make sure to arrive 10 minutes early, as discussions will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Grant Writing and Funding - 12:30pm - 1:10pm : Panelists : Lori Runciman - Director, Grants, London Community Foundation https://www.lcf.on.ca/lori-runciman Asante Deluy - Specialist, Arts Activations, London Arts Council / Musician https://www.londonarts.ca/post/meet-the-team-asante-deluy Justin Maki - Musician https://www.justinmakimusic.ca/ Moderator : Janet Antone - Administrator, Indigenous London Arts, London Arts Council / Beadwork Artist, Ms. Antone's Beadwork https://www.londonarts.ca/post/meet-the-team-janet-antone Join us for an insightful discussion focused on securing funding for artistic projects. This panel brings together a group of successful grant recipients and grant organizations who will share their programs, experiences and strategies for navigating the world of arts funding. From the intricacies of writing winning grant proposals to leveraging available resources, this session is designed to provide artists with practical tips to help secure funding for their work. Whether you’re new to grant writing or looking to refine your skills, this panel offers real-life examples of what works and how to make your application stand out. Attendees will leave with valuable insights and actionable advice on how to strengthen their grant proposals and unlock more opportunities for artistic growth. Click here to register Artists and Organizations: Building Ethical Collaborations - 1:55pm - 2:35pm: Panelists : Graham Henderson - CEO, London Chamber of Commerce https://www.londonchamber.com/ Mario Circelli - Founder & Chair, Forest City London Music Awards / Founder & Chair, London Music Hall of Fame https://fclma.ca/about-us/ Dan Brodbeck - Program Coordinator/ Professor, Music Industry Arts, Fanshawe College & Grammy nominated record producer/recording engineer https://www.danbrodbeck.com/ April Voth - Executive Director, London Symphonia https://www.londonsymphonia.ca/ Moderator : Eunju Yi - Executive Director, London Arts Council https://www.londonarts.ca/post/meet-the-team-eunju-yi-executive-director This panel is designed to guide Artists and Musicians through the process of building successful collaborations with organizations. Focusing on best practices, our panelists will discuss how artists can approach organizations, pitch projects, and navigate partnerships in a professional and ethical manner. Topics include understanding the goals of the organization, aligning your vision with theirs, and maintaining clear communication and transparency throughout the collaboration. Artists will gain valuable insights into fostering respectful and productive relationships, ensuring that their work and ideas are represented fairly while contributing meaningfully to the organization's mission. Click here to register The Art of Touring & Bookings - 3:20pm - 4:00pm : Panelists : Noelle Frances - Musician, The Pairs https://thepairsmusic.com/home Brent Jackson - Musician, Sunshine Makers / Founder, Lovetown Records https://www.lovetownrecords.com/ Brandon Eedy - Promoter / Booker, London Music Hall https://londonmusichall.com/ Jim McDonald - Musician / Promoter / Booker London Brewing Co-op https://www.londonbrewing.ca/ Moderator : Philip Gurrey - Administrator, Programs and Learning, London Arts Council https://www.londonarts.ca/post/meet-the-team-philip-gurrey-administrator-programs-and-learning Dive into the essentials of touring and securing more bookings with insights from seasoned artists and industry experts. This panel will cover strategies for planning successful tours, finding and negotiating gigs, and building relationships with venues and promoters. Click here to register Marketing, Promotion, and Social Media: Amplifying Your Art and Reach - 4:45pm - 5:25pm : Panelists : Janis Wallace - Professor, Marketing and Communications, Western University Alex Dolphin - Musician https://www.instagram.com/alexdolphinmusic/ Sam Freem - Musician https://www.instagram.com/freem222/ Moderator : Philip Gurrey - Administrator, Programs and Learning, London Arts Council https://www.londonarts.ca/post/meet-the-team-philip-gurrey-administrator-programs-and-learning In today’s digital age, effective marketing and promotion are key to building a successful career in the arts. This panel brings together marketing experts, and artists to discuss how to craft impactful promotional strategies that reach and engage audiences. Topics will include using social media to grow your following, creating content that stands out, and maximizing your marketing efforts with limited resources. Whether you’re looking to promote an album, tour, or brand, this panel will offer actionable advice on how to leverage digital platforms and traditional marketing techniques to amplify your art and connect with fans. Click here to register