The AGO Reopens and ARTISTS Do MATTER
Today is the official grand opening of the Art Gallery of Ontario. Last night, a special celebration that embraced local living artists was a great success. The warmth of Director Matthew Teitelbaum’s welcome set the tone. Apart from his introduction of the Frank Gehry team and museum staff and curators, he shared personal memories of childhood visits to the old AGO and his own father’s financial struggles as an artist.
Artists’ successful involvement with the (new) institution, Teitelbaum made clear, is essential, and was stressed by the handing out of badges to invitees on entry. These announced, "Artists Matter."
It was a treat to be able to wander through the exhibits, few others around, and construction workers still adding finishing touches. Hopefully, the excitement of the AGO’s reopening can be maintained, and help evaporate feelings of aloofness and alienation for which Toronto’s too often been known.
