The Region’s Culture is Shifting

There has never been a more exciting time to be an artist than right now. Culture is shifting, and artists here in the Region are shaping that shift not by reinforcing old boundaries, but by finding venues and opportunities that push the limits in fresh and exciting ways.

We live in a fantastic time and place where art hubs and studios are popping up, cities are setting arts and culture budgets, and universities and foundations are offering grants to help the arts thrive. These initiatives are shaping our culture, forming our communities, and creating an environment where life carries deeper meaning.

From intimate shows at The Jazz Room to public spaces in the heart of our cities, we are witnessing firsthand transformative creativity, and it’s raw, fun, and beautiful.

I am thrilled to be writing art-related articles here in Living Local Magazine alongside a legend like Betty Anne Keller. Her rich history in the local music scene is obvious when you watch her film Rock This Town, but her love for visual art is even more evident when you step into the front hallway of her charming Waterloo home. I instantly recognized her art collection as eclectic, diverse, and vibrantly local.

A large James Nye painting of the Grand River hangs over her sofa, while a pair of black-and-white photographs by Richard Sutton join Hofstetter’s distinctive clay tiles in her hallway. She also pays homage to young aspiring student artists in her collection. To me, this part of her collection demonstrates her true love and support of the art community.

Together, Betty Anne and I will dive deeper into the art scene as curators and advocates with one shared goal: to help you feel a stronger connection to the artists and their work here in our Region.

Come explore imagination, disruption, and possibility through a new lens, one that isn’t limited by anything, a lens that is wide-eyed and willing to gain something brilliant.