Port Hope Gallerist Aurelie Collings loves her work

Peg Mccarthy/Northumberland News
From pediatric neuro-psychologist to gallery curator, Aurelie Collings has always been an art collector.
Her almost four-year-old A.K. Collings Gallery, on John Street, Port Hope, has held the work of emerging and established Canadian artists, and from the beginning, she wanted to "set the bar high" for her exhibits.
Ms. Collings' initial plan held a place for separate types of exhibits - for established and accessible artists; for emerging and maybe challenging artists; for those from farther afield - with none of the groups mutually exclusive.
Her passion is grounded promoting the artist and their show, which she considers a narrative story, their ongoing work, and the tastes of her patrons. She believes in showing work that isn't often available to the small town gallery. Ms. Collings is convinced that good art elevates everyone, and she says, "I'm not interested in having an art supermarket."
Hence Ms. Collings is not an art dealer by trade, but an art champion who wants to show each of her artists in the best possible light, in person, in her gallery - not just on the Internet - with receptions where artists need to articulate about what they do, how and why.
She also likes to pair showings, adding three-dimensional art to complement other art forms.
"A lot of artists are dubious at first, and the art world can be very cliquey, but (the collaborations) have been very successful.
"It really satisfies my creative urge. I'd be bored otherwise."
Situated close to Toronto, but encompassed by rural and small town Northumberland, Ms. Collings said she can't imagine any other community that rivals Port Hope. Admitting she might sell more work if she was in the city, the trade-off is the environment.
And with successful showings under her belt, she's gained confidence in her esthetic judgement and feels like she can take more chances. Every single show brings its own magic, she said.
Nervous ahead of time, industrious while hanging the work, then thrilled - "I always think every show is the most beautiful one yet" - and then depressed when it comes down, "It's just a roller-coaster," she laughed.
"I haven't had a single show that I wasn't completely committed to - I have a great sense of satisfaction."
The current economic climate has had an impact. Some of the large city galleries are struggling, said Ms. Collings, and some of her own patronage has disappeared for the time being, and she feels it's doubtful it will come back.
Ms. Collings also does art consulting for private and commercial clients, which helps the business, and means she can continue with most important project - her gallery.
Opening Sunday, July 5, is 'Home Court Advantage', featuring work by Melanie MacDonald. This emerging artist fits the mold for the type of person Ms. Collings likes to promote - a young person who has a strong workmanlike attitude and who has continued to produce since she first saw her four years ago.
"I like to see the thread of something the artist is exploring. Melanie is fantastic. She's really someone to watch."
The exhibit of hyper-real acrylic paintings has themes of both domesticity and board games, wrapped in a vintage '70s imagery that is familiar, off-kilter and highly realistic.
The A.K. Collings Gallery, 35 John St., Port Hope, is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., and by appointment. Call 905-885-2001.