By Cecilia Nasmith

The Art Gallery of Northumberland has issued a press release congratulating Cobourg-based artist Kyle Stewart as the first recipient of the Ina Gilbert Visual Arts Award from the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto Foundation.

The AGN also provided some biographical details of the award winner, starting with his fine-art studies at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. He spent many years working and living in Toronto, moving his studio to Cobourg in 2019. Currently an instructor of illustration at Ryerson University's School of Fashion, Stewart continues his own artistic practice at his home studio.

He was the Juror's Choice Award recipient at the AGN's 41st annual juried exhibition for his painting Me and My Father, and the AGN plans a solo exhibition of his work this fall.

“Stewart has been a strong presence within Canadian contemporary art,” the announcement said.

“His work has been exhibited throughout Canada, the US and Europe. His paintings merge loose impressionistic imagery with elements of realism and figurative subject matter.”

The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto Foundation established this new award through a generous donation from club member Jack Gilbert in honour of his artist wife. It includes $500 and a year's complimentary membership in the club.

This inaugural competition was juried by two club members (artist Ulla Nystrom and art dealer Elisabeth Legge) as well as Art Gallery of Ontario Curator Wanda Nanibush.

As Northumberland County's largest public art gallery, the AGN plays a leading role on local, regional and national stages through exceptional exhibitions, programs and collaborations. It strives to be an inspiring institution that serves as an educational resource, a hub of artistic and cultural energies for the community, and a tourist attraction for all audiences.

You can view Stewart's work and learn more about his artistic process through a series of YouTube videos at his website, https://www.kylestewart.ca/