Art of the Possible: Artist Talk

County Arts’ new Art of the Possible speaker series will bring together creative minds for captivating conversations exploring the power of the arts to spur innovation and transform our understanding of what is possible – for us and our world. Join us at the County Arts Lab as we engage with the expertise and imagination of artists and innovators from Prince Edward County and beyond.

Confronting the immense challenges facing our world will require a creative approach fueled by experimentation, collaboration, and out-of-the-box thinking. We are thrilled to launch our new Art of the Possible speaker series with an engaging panel discussion featuring local glass artist and Member of the Order of Canada Sarah Hall, known for her innovative use of solar technology in architectural glass, in conversation with Tyler Blower, founder of Otter Energy. The discussion, moderated by Jaiya Gray, will explore the intersection of art and renewable energy solutions, highlighting Sarah’s groundbreaking work in solar-powered glass installations and Tyler’s expertise and experience as a leader in the solar energy industry.

Registration is encouraged as seating is limited.

Sarah Hall has been a pioneer in integrating solar energy with architectural glass, creating visually stunning and environmentally conscious works like the celebrated “Waterglass” at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre in Toronto. With extensive experience studying architectural glass in Canada, the UK, and the Middle East, Sarah brings a unique perspective to public art and sustainability. Hall’s contributions have earned her numerous awards, including induction into the Royal Canadian Academy of Art and the Order of Canada. She is also an author and lecturer, exploring the history and future of stained glass.

Tyler Blower is the President of Otter Energy, a leading solar energy firm in Ontario. With a B.A. from Simon Fraser University, Tyler’s passion for renewable energy guided his career path. In 2009, he founded Otter Energy to create a vertically integrated Solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) company. Tyler’s vision is to deliver quality solar solutions by managing all project aspects, from development and design to construction and maintenance.

Jaiya Gray appreciates art’s capacity to connect people across place and time, its ability to inform, disrupt, comfort, to inspire. She returned to Toronto after living out west for 18 years, working as a sessional lecturer with the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD). Jaiya is currently writing her doctoral dissertation in art history and visual studies, focusing on portraiture in the spaces of cultural encounter between Italy and the Islamic world. Before embarking on this journey nearly six years ago, Jaiya worked as a writer, editor, and content producer for several organizations involved with the arts, design, and architecture.