Step into Living Environments, A Solo Exhibition by Sue Archibald

The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre presents Living Environments, a solo exhibition by Canadian artist Sue Archibald, on view from April 29 to May 25, 2025, at the Joyner Gallery. This exhibition explores the dynamic relationship between interior and exterior spaces, capturing the emotional resonance of place through landscapes and domestic imagery. The public is invited to the opening reception on Sunday, May 4, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, where guests can meet the artist and experience her evocative work. Remarks will be delivered at 2:30 PM. Château des Charmes will generously provide a selection of fine wines for the occasion.

“The bulk of what I paint has a story buried within it,” says Archibald. “While I paint, the narrative is developing—I might see tents on a beach waiting for their occupants, a room where wallpaper wants to be the star of the show, or a lamp warming a table for tea. I love where the narrative can take the viewer.” Her paintings invite audiences to uncover hidden stories within everyday objects and settings, where inanimate subjects—chairs, tablescapes, lamps, or tents—hold their own presence and meaning.

Living Environments reflects the deep emotional ties we have with our surroundings, portraying spaces as both liveable and lovable. “As we moved out of the pandemic, my feelings of having a home that was safe and warm became even more important, as did my appreciation for the outdoor spaces we often take for granted,” she explains. “This series is an expression of domestic life—spaces of comfort, familiarity, and everyday living.” Through her work, Archibald invites viewers to sit at a cozy table, take in the warmth of a softly lit room, or look out onto a peaceful landscape and feel a sense of connection and belonging.

Archibald has been painting for over 30 years and resides in Port Credit, near Toronto. She holds a Fine Arts degree from the University of Guelph and has continued her studies at the Grant McEwen School of Design, The Toronto School of Art, and Haliburton School of Fine Arts. She is actively involved with several arts organizations and exhibits her work throughout Southern Ontario. Her expressive use of acrylics, combined with charcoal and pencil, energizes her compositions with texture and movement, blending a playful, whimsical style with a touch of folk-art charm.