Kingston artists, Billie Kearns (aka Billie the Kid) and Jill Glatt collaborate on an exhibition that asks, “what does it mean to be a local artist?” and a vital next question, “how can we honour the land with the stories we tell?” To elaborate on these questions, they showcase Belle Island as a local artist. They propose Belle Island is “a being who holds those who are both from this land and those who have come here from far away and live here now.” The artists adorn Agnes’s Atrium with sound and tapestries coloured with natural dye and embroidered with poetry and quotes from stories of Belle Island contributed by local community members.

Billie Kearns is a K’ai Taile Dené and Nehiyaw spoken word poet and storyteller. Originally from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, she now resides in Kingston, Ontario, the traditional home of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat. Kearns holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University and has performed at events across Turtle Island from CUPSI to the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word. Her poetry breathes life into narratives as she explores relationships with family, friends, food, and the dynamic nature of dreams.

Jill Glatt is a Katarokwi/Kingston-based illustrator, printmaker, arts educator, and teacher with the Limestone District School Board.She has developed and delivered programming for the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning, Kingston Arts Council, Centre Culturel Frontenac, Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre, Union Gallery, Kingston School of Art, and the Juvenis Festival. Glatt is also the Volunteer Coordinator for the Skeleton Park Arts Festival and sits on their board of directors as Secretary. Her artistic practice is based around and informed by ecology, community, and sustainability.

Hero image: Billie Kearns (aka Billie the Kid) and Jill Glatt, Who is Belle Island? (detail), 2023, dye (buckthorn bark, berries, and leaves) and ferrous sulfate on reclaimed fabric. Collection of the artists.

We are proud to announce that J.J.M. Investment Group CIBC Wood Gundy is the sponsor for Agnes’s exhibitions and related programs this season.