Join local artist Gary Blundell and Victoria Ward, as well as Orillia-based filmmaker Jordan Vandenberg at the Agnes Jamieson Gallery on Saturday, October 19 at 2 pm for the screening of two documentaries: Burner Herzog and Cobalt Blooms. Burner Herzog is a short documentary about the work of local artists Gary Blundell and Victoria Ward (@hotspurstudio).

The burner in the title refers to a derelict sawdust burner near their log cabin. Over a fifteen-year period Blundell and Ward visited the burner in every season to capture its odd and somewhat monumental presence. During the pandemic they decided to turn the work they were doing about the burner into a bigger visual arts project.

Their exhibit Burner Herzog has been displayed in Orillia, Owen Sound (where it was installed alongside Tom Thomson paintings) and now Minden. The documentary, directed by Jordan Vanderberg, was inspired by the ongoing work of Werner Herzog and his love of unusual landscapes.  The film was produced by Goodscreen Media, with music by Elliesound.

We will also be screening Cobalt Blooms, a film by Jordan Vandenberg and Alec Jordan.  Mining built Cobalt over 100 years ago, but what will it take to keep the town afloat now?  The film lets the residents do the talking while also exploring the landscape, and culture of one of Canada’s historically biggest mining boom towns.  Silver mining made Cobalt internationally famous and many people millionaires.  Today it is a sleepier place however its future is unwritten and full of possibilities.

The films will be followed by a Q + A featuring Jordan, Victoria and Gary.  The Gallery will be open before and after to view the exhibit. Everyone is welcome.  Admission is by donation. No pre-registration is required but seating is limited.

The Agnes Jamieson Gallery is a public gallery with year-round visual exhibitions of local and regional art.  The Gallery is part of the Minden Hills Cultural Centre which also includes the Heritage Village & Nature Place Interpretive Centre.  The Gallery is fully accessible and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm.  Admission is by donation.