The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is excited to present Gone Forever, a solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Carol Walthers, running from October 1 to 27, 2024, in the Joyner Gallery. Walthers’ work brings to light the environmental impact of urban expansion and industrial encroachment, with a focus on the loss of precious farmland, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. Through her art, she invites viewers to reflect on the consequences of these changes while celebrating the remaining beauty of our natural world.
Carol Walthers, a gifted artist working primarily in watercolour, pastels, and oils, focuses on themes of humanity’s relationship with each other and the environment. Known for her colourful, whimsically abstract works, she uses a distinctive wax resist technique on mulberry paper. This approach allows her to create layers of soft watercolour washes, seamlessly blending them with bright, bold shapes that form vivid scenes. Walthers’ unique style invites viewers to experience landscapes from multiple perspectives, whether it’s the view from above, underground, or underwater, where nature and humanity intersect.
Gone Forever contrasts peaceful and idyllic natural environments with the harsh reality of their destruction due to human activity. Thematically, her paintings explore critical issues such as the depletion of clean groundwater and the loss of fertile lands. In one series of eight paintings, Walthers illustrates the flow of groundwater and the gradual degradation of ecosystems over time, portraying the timeline from unspoiled nature to landscapes burdened by pollution and industrial waste. Other paintings highlight the rich harvests from farmland, presenting an abundance of fruits and crops that seem to defy gravity, soaring through the air in vibrant colours. The fragile beauty of wetlands is also a key focus, with detailed scenes showcasing their complex ecosystems and the life they sustain, all while asking whether these vital environments can be protected for future generations.
The exhibition is a thoughtful reflection on the fragility of our world, with Walthers’ work offering a visually striking and emotionally resonant statement on the threats to our environment. The artist draws from personal experiences of growing up in Southern Ontario, wading through creeks, and enjoying the rural countryside. These memories are woven into her art, where the vibrant landscapes she portrays simultaneously serve as both a celebration and a warning of what may be lost.
The public is warmly invited to the opening reception on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., where guests will have the chance to meet Carol Walthers and hear her speak about her work. Walthers will offer remarks at 2:30 p.m., providing insight into her artistic process and the themes explored in the exhibit. Complimentary wine from Château des Charmes and light refreshments will be available for attendees to enjoy.
Gone Forever challenges us to confront the ongoing degradation of our natural resources, while also inspiring us to appreciate and protect the beauty that still surrounds us. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Carol Walthers’ extraordinary work at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, located at 247 Ricardo Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
For more information, visit www.niagarapumphouse.ca/exhibitions
About Carol Walthers
Carol Walthers is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on humanity’s relationships with each other and the environment. She began her career at the Ontario College of Art and Design, where she received multiple awards and later co-founded Gallery 44. After a successful career in graphic arts, she earned signature status with Pastel Artists Canada, the Toronto Watercolour Society, and the Colour and Form Society. Walthers’ work has been featured in numerous juried and solo exhibitions, including her environmental-themed Gone Forever series.
carolwalthers.com
About Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is the art hub that connects our community by providing art for all. Located on the banks of the Niagara River in a heritage building that formerly supplied water to Niagara-on-the-Lake (hence our name); the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre offers visual arts programs, exhibitions and events. We give back to the community by providing access to the arts for those in need.
