At Risk – Salamander is an art exhibition dedicated to raising awareness about endangered species.
The salamander, both a remarkable and vulnerable creature, serves as a poignant symbol of the urgent need for nature conservation.
This exhibition marks the culmination of a project that began as an art residency, bringing together creativity and environmental advocacy in a compelling exploration of the fragility of our natural world.
Art Exhibition
- January 13 – January 19, 2025 - 11 am - 6 pm
Opening Reception:
- Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 4 – 7pm
This project invited artists to explore the themes of environmental preservation and species conservation, with a particular focus on the Jefferson Salamander and Unisexual Ambystoma in York Region. Central to the exhibition is the Oak Ridges Corridor Reserve, a vital part of the Greenbelt.
The residency for this project took place at Phyllis Rawlinson Park and the George Foster House in Richmond Hill in September 2024. These locations, along with The Boynton House, were chosen for their strong connection to ongoing community engagement and their proximity to salamander habitats. The project aimed to inspire artists to explore alternative perspectives on nature, conservation, and biodiversity, offering dedicated time and space for reflection, creative development, and collaboration.
This exhibition is the culmination of this inquiry, showcasing the ways in which each artist’s practice has been shaped by their engagement with these critical ecological issues.
EXHIBITION ARTISTS:
- Emette Lewis
- Ilias Toliadis
- Maryna Salagub
- Jing Fu
- Sara Guo
- John Kokkinos
- Sole Mustica
- Kate Greenway
- Paul Hurpley
- Farah Ghafoor
- Christos Damianos
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Christos Damianos is an independent curator, artist, and educator, actively engaged with various art groups and not-for-profit organizations in Canada and Greece. He is dedicated to promoting arts and culture, having contributed to numerous community art projects, solo exhibitions, and group shows in the Greater Toronto Area and internationally. Damianos holds a BFA from Western University and a Master’s from Niagara University.
Jefferson Salamander Information
Unisexual Ambystoma Information
For more information, please contact: Christos Damianos, Curator and Project Coordinator [email protected]
Poster artwork by Maryna Salagub, photo curtesy of the artist
This project is grateful for the support of the City of Richmond Hill’s Community and Cultural Grant.
