WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE?
What’s Your Favourite?
Artist and CAA Member Stephen Remus on the best new place to enjoy a pint and who he’d love to work with next.
By Nicole Keen
As the “Minister of Energy, Minds and Resources” at the Niagara Artists Centre (NAC) in St. Catharines, artist Stephen Remus helps organize around 75 events a year. That includes gallery exhibits, book readings and the annual Mighty Niagara Film Fest. Remus, who started as a volunteer more than 15 years ago, explains that the organization’s diminutive size doesn’t prevent it from dreaming big. “We’ll take a shot at just about anything,” he says. “Niagara is a good scene, so when we put the call out, there’s interest [from] some real international talent.”
PHOTO: LAUREN GARBUTT
(From top) The exterior and interior of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, formerly the Albright-Knox, a cultural landmark with a 150-year history. | PHOTOS: SHANNON CANTILLON/VISIT BUFFALO
What do you enjoy most about working at NAC?
We’re lucky that we get to work with ideas. Having an open mind is a gift, and you have to exercise that. It’s like you have to maintain a certain amount of muscle tone so you’re open to [new] ideas.
Who are some artists you admire?
Tony Urquhart, Dennis Tourbin, Alice Crawley. Edward Burtynsky, of course. Niagara has produced a lot of really talented people over the years.
What are some of your favourite local spots?
Fire Wings is next door, and we hang out there a fair amount. There’s a new favourite spot called Helliwell Hall, which is a beer hall with a stage. It’s world class, and it’s right on St. Paul Street.
Do you have a favourite art gallery?
The Albright-Knox is a top-tier international gallery. They recently underwent a huge renovation and their collections are unbelievable — the envy of galleries all over the world.
Who would you love to work with in the future?
It’s a pretty long list. We are trying to cook something up with Laurie Anderson, and we’ve always wanted to work with [the band] King Khan and the Shrines.
Are there any shows or events coming up that you’re particularly excited about?
In July, Freakfest will be returning for its second year. It’s self-curated by a bunch of emerging bands, and it’s a true rock show. CAA
Inside Helliwell Hall, where the stage and beer hall bring new energy to a renovated 1870s landmark St. Catharines building. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF HELLIWELL HALL
As the “Minister of Energy, Minds and Resources” at the Niagara Artists Centre (NAC) in St. Catharines, artist Stephen Remus helps organize around 75 events a year. That includes gallery exhibits, book readings and the annual Mighty Niagara Film Fest. Remus, who started as a volunteer more than 15 years ago, explains that the organization’s diminutive size doesn’t prevent it from dreaming big. “We’ll take a shot at just about anything,” he says. “Niagara is a good scene, so when we put the call out, there’s interest [from] some real international talent.”
PHOTO: LAUREN GARBUTT
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(From left) The exterior and interior of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, formerly the Albright-Knox, a cultural landmark with a 150-year history. | PHOTOS: SHANNON CANTILLON/VISIT BUFFALO
What do you enjoy most about working at NAC?
We’re lucky that we get to work with ideas. Having an open mind is a gift, and you have to exercise that. It’s like you have to maintain a certain amount of muscle tone so you’re open to [new] ideas.
Who are some artists you admire?
Tony Urquhart, Dennis Tourbin, Alice Crawley. Edward Burtynsky, of course. Niagara has produced a lot of really talented people over the years.
What are some of your favourite local spots?
Fire Wings is next door, and we hang out there a fair amount. There’s a new favourite spot called Helliwell Hall, which is a beer hall with a stage. It’s world class, and it’s right on St. Paul Street.
Do you have a favourite art gallery?
The Albright-Knox is a top-tier international gallery. They recently underwent a huge renovation and their collections are unbelievable — the envy of galleries all over the world.
Who would you love to work with in the future?
It’s a pretty long list. We are trying to cook something up with Laurie Anderson, and we’ve always wanted to work with [the band] King Khan and the Shrines.
Are there any shows or events coming up that you’re particularly excited about?
In July, Freakfest will be returning for its second year. It’s self-curated by a bunch of emerging bands, and it’s a true rock show. CAA
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Officia voluptate eiusmod aliquip nostrud consectetur Lorem. Ut nostrud excepteur laborum.
dolore ea
Officia voluptate eiusmod aliquip nostrud consectetur Lorem. Ut nostrud excepteur laborum.
Inside Helliwell Hall, where a stage and beer hall bring new energy to a renovated 1870s landmark building in St. Catharines. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF HELLIWELL HALL
(From top) A look at the exterior and interior of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, formerly the Albright-Knox, a cultural landmark with a 150-year history. | PHOTOS: SHANNON CANTILLON/VISIT BUFFALO
What do you enjoy most about working at NAC?
We’re lucky that we get to work with ideas. Having an open mind is a gift, and you have to exercise that. It’s like you have to maintain a certain amount of muscle tone so you’re open to [new] ideas.
Who are some artists you admire?
Tony Urquhart, Dennis Tourbin, Alice Crawley. Edward Burtynsky, of course. Niagara has produced a lot of really talented people over the years.
What are some of your favourite local spots?
Fire Wings is next door, and we hang out there a fair amount. There’s a new favourite spot called Helliwell Hall, which is a beer hall with a stage. It’s world class, and it’s right on St. Paul Street.
Do you have a favourite art gallery?
The Albright-Knox is a top-tier international gallery. They recently underwent a huge renovation and their collections are unbelievable — the envy of galleries all over the world.
Who would you love to work with in the future?
It’s a pretty long list. We are trying to cook something up with Laurie Anderson, and we’ve always wanted to work with [the band] King Khan and the Shrines.
Are there any shows or events coming up that you’re particularly excited about?
In July, Freakfest will be returning for its second year. It’s self-curated by a bunch of emerging bands, and it’s a true rock show. CAA
Inside Helliwell Hall, where a stage and beer hall bring new energy to a renovated 1870s landmark building in St. Catharines. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF HELLIWELL HALL