An exhibition in support of the Noreen Young Award for the Arts
Show dates: August 1 – September 4, 2026
Opening Reception: Sunday August 2, 3pm-5pm
From August 1 to September 4, 2026, Sivarulrasa Gallery and Puppets Up! are delighted to present Noreen Young: Drawings & Illustrations, an exhibition of early works on paper by artist Noreen Young (b. 1939, Ottawa, Ontario; d. 2025). The exhibition complements the 2026 Puppets Up! festival, which takes place August 8-9 in Almonte, Ontario.
The exhibition presents a curated selection of 38 works on paper, created by the late artist during her formative explorations in art, when she was known as Noreen Brathwaite, attending Glebe High School in Ottawa and then the Ontario College of Art in Toronto from 1959-60. Four works from the 1960s to 1980s are also included in the show.
The Gallery has selected the works based on their condition, ease of authentication, and relevance to the artist’s early explorations. Of the works selected, 33 are signed by the artist, and 5 have been authenticated by discussions with the artist’s family. The exhibition provides a unique window into the early imagination of an artist who would go on to become a visionary puppeteer, a television producer and creator, a member of the Order of Canada, and a much-loved resident of Almonte, Ontario.
The estate of Noreen Young has donated the works for sale and Sivarulrasa Gallery is donating its time and services, so that all proceeds (other than sales tax) from the sale of these works will go to the Noreen Young Award for the Arts. The Gallery will issue a Certificate of Authenticity to the purchaser of each work sold in the exhibition.
The Noreen Young Award for the Arts is awarded annually to a high school student resident in Mississippi Mills to support post-secondary studies in the arts. The award is administered by Puppets Up! in partnership with the Ottawa Community Foundation.
All are welcome to the Opening Reception on Sunday August 2, 3pm-5pm at Sivarulrasa Gallery. Representatives of Noreen’s family and Puppets Up! as well as artists from across our community and beyond will be on hand to celebrate Noreen Young’s enduring legacy.
For more information, visit our Exhibitions page:
https://sivarulrasa.com/exhibitions/noreen-young/
SIVARULRASA GALLERY
34 Mill St, Almonte ON
info@sivarulrasa.com
613-256-8033
