The sequel is always better.

Today, tomorrow and Sunday, brace yourself for brisk walks outside, amazing sights and adventures untold. In the spirit of the fall harvest comes Centre Clark’s 2nd annual A.P.O. megafest, where if you dare, you will be treated to over 100 local artists’ works that can be engaged with while the artist themselves are present, in their studios.

Ateliers Portes Ouvertes was one of the most interesting art-happenings of last fall, and this year it’s going to be even more awesome, because sequels, despite what folks usually say, always are. Think of the Brady Bunch II: Marcie Leaves Home, for instance. Best movie of 2001, I still argue.

And sequels are also great because they are reliable in some aspects, and present new situations in others. A.P.O. 2009 still has its heart and soul in the same buildings they were found beating within last year - primarily the 2 huge buildings on de Gaspé, (5455 and 5445) and a smattering of over 20 spots within walking distance from this central hub.

One of the places I am most curious to check out is Atelier Punkt, a mere stone’s throw away from de Gaspé at 5333 Casgrain. They most recently had a group show that included talent such as Alexis Bellevance (whose studio you can visit in room 1009 of the 5455 de Gaspé building) and Patrick Bernatchez, to name 2 of many. I feel like many adventures await behind these doors.

I am also delighted that Steve Topping will be opening up his home for visiting hours, as he usually never lets me come over. His work, a fusion of science, design and sculptural questioning, is perhaps best seen in his home as he truly is an artist that works with functional viability at the core. Go take a look at 80 Rue St Viateur East, Apartment 306A.

Also, if you’re interested at all in taking a look at that hilarious CUIR building on the corner of Van Horne and Parc, go this weekend, as you’ll be able to see Osvaldo Ramirez Castillo’s work alongside that of Karen Trask (6201 Avenue du Parc, 4th floor). Their hallway and corridor alone deserve going to document as they will give you plenty of juice for ideas for this hallowe’en. Bring a friend.

On the way between the de Gaspé buildings and the scary Parc Avenue haunt, drop in at the Red Bird to see what the En Masse @ Art POP crew are cooking up. 135 Rue Van Horne, up the stairs.

Basically, bring mulled wine in a flask and get roving around the neighbourhood you may know oh-so-well or not-at-all. The whole circuit would take a day and a half or so, maybe 2, so set your sites on that goal and rock it out.

A few things to note for this year: There are guided tours that leave from Centre Clark Saturday and Sunday that you need to RSVP to but could be really fun. One is a tour on bike, and the other is just a one-and-a-half hour introduction to all things A.P.O. They leave in the early and mid-afternoon (12 and 13h30)

Reserve by emailing: lara@evoy.com OR apo.visites@gmail.com

Also, don’t forget about the artist talk with Michelle Lacombe and Sheena Hoszko happening at Agence Topo (5455 rue de Gaspé, 1001B) at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

And A.P.O. extends into St Henri this year, so if you live in the southwest, or are even more adventurous than Link, (which you should be, St Henri is awesome) make sure you check this info out.

Finally, I would suggest starting at Centre Clark, at 5455 rue de Gaspé, studio 114. They organized the whole thing and have great brochures with easy-to-read-maps you can get and then sleep next to for the upcoming days. Also, the shows up right now there are worth checking out too, particularly Dominique Sirois’ U Can’t Touch This, which includes lots of gold and a few more owl heads.

You can also download the guide from their website directly in case you’re lazy. Which is what I am going to go do right now.

test Filed under artists, local | Tags: A.P.O. 2009, Alexis Bellevance, Centre Clark, Osvaldo Ramirez Castillo, Patrick Bernatchez, St Henri Circuit, Steve Topping |