‘Stripped’ – a Pop-up Art Show in Prince Edward County
by the Dahlia S L Gallery

Stripped is the first public show of the Dahlia S L gallery. We had a private collector’s preview in August, introducing the Stripped show coming in October. The show will run as a pop-up event in the Picton barracks through October 2021 featuring three Ontario artists: Elly Smallwood, Fabrizio Sclocco, and Donna Zekas. Featuring painting as well as sculptural mediums.

‘Stripped’ is the concept of the stripping down the figure and portrait. The show examines the themes of philosophy, intimacy, vulnerability as interpreted uniquely through the lens of each artist. With the added complexity of work being created through COVID, themes of intimacy, or lack thereof, become even more clear and poignant. We will have private, appointment viewings available Thanksgiving weekend and throughout the month of October with our opening weekend October 15-17.

“We started the gallery with the perspective of a mother-daughter business. We each involved ourselves with the start and the end of artistic process and then discussed how art is experienced and consumed. We were thrilled to host collectors, neighbours and other Prince Edward County residents at our preview show.”

– Dahlia Labatte, Co-Founder and Gallerist

Guests were treated to local Closson Chase wines, canapes by Merrill House Hotel and local flowers from Ben’s Blooms. 2% of gross profits will be donated to Alternatives for Women, and Belinda Labatte will match all funds raised personally. The Alternatives for Women organization provides Second Stage Housing and non-judgmental, supportive counselling from a feminist perspective. They advocate on behalf of women and children and provide public education about the issues that concern women who have experienced domestic violence. All the counselling services are free and confidential.

Dahlia, as an artist herself, takes a focus on the artistic process and the thought process behind art. Whereas Belinda, as a collector herself prefers to examine the relationship of the finished artwork to its viewer. The gallery will live online, in between pop-up shows in unique locations.

For more details on Dahlia S L and the show visit www.dahliasl.com and for regular updates: our Instagram @dahliaslgallery. The ‘Stripped’ show will run through the month of October, with the opening weekend October 15 -17 and appointment and private viewings throughout the month.