PHOTO-OP 2012 runs from May 1 to May 25, 2012. An opening reception will take place on Thursday, May 3rd from 6:00-8:00 pm. For this juried exhibition, 128 photographs were submitted by 63 artists. The jurors were Melissa Bennett, Curator of Contemporary Art at the Art Gallery of Hamilton; Steven Beckly, a Toronto-based photographer; and Dale Barrett, Director of the John B. Aird Gallery. First Prize was awarded to Amy Friend for a photo entitled, "What is done in the darkness will be brought to the light". Two Second Prizes were awarded. One to Taimaz Moslemian and Joan Lillian Wilson for a photo entitled, "Personal and Still Political 1"; the other to Darren Rigo for a work entitled "Peregrine". The Curry's Art Supplies Award was given to Tom Ridout for his image, "Deconstructing 631D".

Exhibition Sponsor: Restoration Environmental

The John B. Aird Gallery is a not-for-profit charitable organization serving the art community and the public. The “Aird”, as it’s casually known, presents exhibitions and related activities that are open to the public and presented for the purposes of study, education and the enjoyment of art. The Gallery is located in the Macdonald Block, an office tower in the heart of Queen’s Park, the seat of the Government of Ontario.

The mandate of the John B. Aird Gallery is to create awareness and enjoyment of art works by contemporary professional artists. The Gallery is truly a special place providing a nurturing atmosphere for both artist and viewer.