An exhibition featuring pictures taken by one of Canada’s most renowned rock’n’ roll photographers will be on display at the International Symphony Orchestra’s ISObar Gallery beginning on June 3.
The stunning photographs of Bright’s Grove’s Richard Beland will grace the walls of the ISO’s 143 Christina St. N. headquarters beginning on June’s First Friday, as part of his exhibition Richard Beland: Our Immortal Stars.
Previously exhibited at Liss Gallery in Yorkville, Beland’s retrospective includes photographs of countless musical icons spanning several generations, artists ranging from David Bowie, Gord Downie and Robert Plant to Lady Gaga, Kurt Cobain and the Police.
ISO executive director Anthony Wing said there is a great deal of anticipation locally to see Beland’s work.
“This is the first solo gallery show at The ISObar and we wanted to kick it off with a hometown success story,” he said. “Richard’s work spans decades and is still evolving, so we’re privileged to host this mid-career study.”
“The Toronto show has been successful beyond expectations, so the Sarnia run should be interesting, but really my excitement is all about just seeing a retrospective happen in my hometown,” Beland said. “The fact that The ISObar concept is a driver of the symphony orchestra in our community was a big hook for me. The ISO is a jewel for Sarnia and Port Huron and it’s great to have my work featured in support of it.”
The June 3 opening will feature an onstage interview between llocal harpist Mike Stevens and Beland, music from the ISO Nexus Players who will perform songs by Bowie, the Tragically Hip and other musicians featured in the exhibition.
Beland will also be signing limited-edition posters of his work, which can be purchased at the event.
Richard Beland: Our Immortal Stars will run from June 3 to Sept. 5. Multi-sized prints of the works featured in the show can be purchased with local businesses Artopia and Zony’s Framing offering framing discounts for the prints.