Students from Central Public School on a school field trip to Agnes get to play and dance in Etherington House, an extension of the exhibition guest + host = ghost. Photo courtesy Agnes Etherington
 
For over 50 years, Queen?s University?s art gallery has been housed in Etherington House, a neo-Georgian mansion bequeathed to the university by its owner, Agnes Etherington. Starting from a core collection of Canadian historical art in the Euro-American tradition, Agnes has grown its holdings and space over the years to become one of Ontario?s largest art galleries. 
Recently, the art centre was due for a renovation and expansion. Director and Curator Emelie Chhangur saw this as an opportunity not just for a visual refresh?but a fundamental pivot that will help Agnes to centre the social impact and social role of an art institution.  Chhangur launched the project by inviting guest graffiti artists from along the Montreal-to-Toronto corridor to paint over the façades of part of Agnes?s current facility. The effect was to give a fresh visual presence to the building? and to underscore its radically different path. 
The graffiti mirrors a sensibility of openness and intentionality about engaging with current and new audiences. Inside the mansion, a range of activities?from jam sessions with local musicians to square dancing with schoolchildren?are part of reclaiming the place as a warm, lived-in home which will eventually house artists? residencies, rather than a stiffly...