I love the artwork of Andrew King. I only wish I could afford to hang some of his brilliant paintings on my walls.
This weekend, he and his partner, Alison Fowler (whose work I also adore), and Eryn O'Neill—all Ottawa-area artists—opened a Pop-Up Gallery in Westboro, which runs until December 20. Andrew will be selling his beautiful art, plus his t-shirts that display some of Ottawa's classic signs, as well as original drawings of his Mr. Loaf comic strip, which appears in OttawaStart.
Proceeds of the Mr. Loaf sales will go to the Ottawa Humane Society.
So it's only appropriate that Andrew won this month's Where In Ottawa photo challenge, which was the Humane Society's new facility, on Hunt Club Road.
Here are the clues, explained:
- No more Champagne for you: for decades, the Ottawa Humane Society was located on Champagne Avenue, just west of Little Italy. A couple of years ago, they moved to their larger, more-modern facility.
- It's just a shot away: this clue was tough. It's a line from my favourite Rolling Stones song, Gimme Shelter. Some of you, on Twitter, got the reference but not the clue. The Humane Society is, of course, an animal shelter.
- Inside, it's like it's pouring: another term for pouring is raining cats and dogs. Yeah, that clue was a stretch.
- Pick up & drop off: you can pick a pet here; you can also drop off lost or unwanted pets.
Congratulations, Andrew! I'll get you a copy of my book when I come to visit your gallery.
For the rest of you, go and see Andrew's, Alison's, and Eryn's lovely work. Buy some.
Where In Ottawa returns Monday, January 5.
When I was in my teens, I used to tell people, "I'm the best friend money can buy."
(I still say that.)
But now, I'm also essential. According to OttawaStart, that is.
The Ottawa information and events blog named it's top 40 picks for Ottawa blogs in its Essential Ottawa Blogs list, and The Brown Knowser made the list.
I'm honoured.
I remember reading the list when it last came out, in 2011, when my blog was fairly new (I ended Brownfoot Journal that same year). I saw the blogs that were listed and I thought to myself, I hope I get as good as these blogs, I hope I get a lot of readers, and I hope they like what I do.
I'm not worthy.
I see the blogs that are on this list and I've read many of them. I'm in very good company. Many of the blogs in this list were also in the 2011 list. And they're still great, if not better.
I have to pull up my socks.
Thank you to Glen Gower for adding me to this list. Thank you for recognizing me for what I do (though my blog is more than photos and beer).
And thank you to my readers who continue to visit my site. You keep me going.
Which reminds me: this month's Where In Ottawa saw a readership, which continued even after the location of the photo was solved, that returned to regular numbers. Apparently, you still like the post.
And because you made me see that it is an essential part of my blog, I'm keeping it going.
Check out the list of essential Ottawa blogs, and follow these folks if you aren't already doing so.
