Rabia Rizvi and Sydney McKichan Solo Exhibitions Continue Through July 31st
“We Bear Witness 2″ is the title of the Exhibition by Rabia Rizvi. This is a socio-political exhibition showcasing contemporary miniature artworks done in the traditional 16th Century Persian-Mughal style. The works are done on handmade paper called wasli using tea wash, watercolours, gouache, inks and gold leaf.
“Familiar Places” is the title of Sydney McKichan’s Solo. Sydney is a southwestern Ontario based artist and recent graduate of the University of Guelph Studio Art Program. Working across multi media, Sydney creates art deeply tied to place, memory and her rural roots in Petrolia.
Rabia and Sydney will be available First Friday evening to discuss their work. The Lawrence House will be open until 9:00.
Missy Burgess will provide music for the evening.
These exhibitions will continue through the month of July. Visit our online store to view these two exciting exhibitions.
Up Roar News
5th Annual Carmen Ziolkowski Poetry Prize winners
The judges along with Carmen’s son Jim Ziolkowski are please to announce the selected poems for this year’s Carmen Ziolkowski poetry prize.
Local poet Vermeer’s contemplative poem ” A Glimpse of the Afterlife Cento for Carmen” received the prize for 1st place.
Both second prize and third prize were awarded to Stratford Poet Laureate David Stones.
To read the poems click the link . https://lawrencehouse.ca/carmen-ziolkowski-poetry-prize/
"Sometimes Hollowed Bones Do Creator's Work" Call for Submissions
The Lawrence House Uproar Online Literary Journal invites contributions for its upcoming edition entitled “Sometimes Hollowed Bones Do Creator’s Work: A Gathering of Voices.”
This edition celebrates Indigenous writers and artists of all ages with a special emphasis on local contributors. For this special edition, content includes all Indigenous lived experiences. Artists are invited to submit videos, photography, and written word forms of expression (e.g. poetry, fiction or non-fiction prose).
Deadline for submission is August 30. Publication on September 30, 2026.
Stacey Nahdee, cultural practitioner from Bkejwanong territory, is our special facilitator for this edition. Stacey speaks of the intent of the collection: “This edition of Uproar highlights the necessity of becoming hollow bones so Creator can work through us, as expressed through family and community history, written and oral tradition, culture and ceremony, language and art, song and dance; while honoring grief, loss, resiliency, wisdom, laughter, peace, and harmony.”
An open mic event celebrates this collection of voices, set for October 4, 2026, in the Turret Room at the Lawrence House, hosted by the Lawrence House Literary Committee. At this live event, the artists included in this edition of Uproar are invited to present their work in person. Following the presentation is an open mic welcoming anyone who feels called to share their words, songs, or music celebrating Indigenous people, art and culture.
https://lawrencehouse.ca/
Slow Flow Yoga sessions with Monica Gillis will begin a new session in September. Monica is offering a class at 10:00 AM or 11:30 AM. Registration is required as space is limited. Please email butterflyrisingyogaandwellness@gmail.com
Summer Art Camps
The Lawrence House is thrilled to have The Art House Sarnia bring Children’s Art classes back to the House. The Art House Sarnia camps at The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts will make art education more accessible, vibrant and central to community life, inspiring the next generation of artists here in downtown Sarnia.
Summer Art Camps begin July 6th for ages 6-12 and run to the end of August. Check out the Art House Sarnia website for all classes. information.