We Have Always Been Here
2SLGBTQ+ Art Exhibition
2SLGBTQ+ Art Exhibition: We Have Always Been Here
Join the Huron County Library – Exeter Branch and the Huron Cultural Office as we proudly present a vibrant 2SLGBTQ+ Art Exhibition in honour of Pride Month!
This dynamic group show shines a spotlight on the incredible talents of 2SLGBTQ+ artists working across a wide spectrum of media—including digital illustration, stained glass, painting, photography, and fiber arts. This exhibition will invite you into a powerful exploration of gender identity, transformation, resilience, and community connection.
Exhibition runs June 5-19 at the Exeter Branch during regular branch hours. Don’t miss this celebration of creativity, identity, and pride!
Exhibition opening with Pride flag raising: Thursday, June 5, 4 p.m.
Exhibition Reception: Thursday, June 12, 4-6 p.m. Celebrate with the artists and enjoy an inspiring evening of art, conversation, and connection.
The Meaning Behind the Words
We Have Always Been Here
Baz Kanold
medium: embroidery
This fiber-based work by artist Baz Kanold inspired the exhibition title – “We have always been here”. It is a powerful and widely used phrase within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during Pride celebrations and activism. It reflects the historical erasure of LGBTQ+ identities and the assertion that LGBTQ+ people have always existed, but have been historically marginalized or denied recognition. The phrase is a claim to belonging, a recognition of inherent existence, and a call for visibility and acceptance.
Featured Artists
Baz Kanold (they/them)
Baz Kanold is a mixed media artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Waterloo. Their artwork investigates and celebrates sexuality and gender identity through explorations in mixed media, oil painting, conté or pencil on paper, and digital drawing.
Website: www.bazkanold.com
Mathias Ball (they/them, he/him)
Mathias Ball is an award winning, queer illustrator from Goderich, Ontario. They draw inspiration from animals, emotions, and warm, bright colours. They graduated from the Illustration program at Sheridan College in 2020 and have since worked with clients such as The Washington Post, Huggies, and Scholastic. Their work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, and CBC Kids Reads. In addition to working as an illustrator, they also run their small business, Sulkypup, where they design gender-neutral apparel and other miscellaneous goods inspired by the themes of playfulness and functionality. When they aren’t working, you will likely find them in the fields taking pictures of the night sky or admiring the local wildlife.
Website: mathiasball.com
Taylor Jones, (he/him)
Taylor Jones is a queer, new generation, stained glass artist living and working in Goderich. He grew up poultry farming in Huron County and gets much of his inspiration from this landscape and its people. Taylor will be exhibiting some of his recent stained glass work. A collection of 50 individual stained glass pieces that come together in one work to explore and envision topics of community.
Instagram: @taylor.w.jones, @tj.glassworks