June is Membership Month at the Niagara Artists Centre. We asked NAC members about art in Niagara and the number one reason to join the NAC. In this interview, Tammy Ziegler discusses Niagara’s wine and art, some fabulous Niagara artists, and why you should get a NAC membership: “NAC is a great place – socially, visually – one never regrets going to a NAC event!!!”
Sign up for your NAC membership online or stop by NAC at 354 St. Paul Street in St. Catharines during gallery hours to get your membership in person. Sign up in June, and your name will be entered in a draw for a Special STRUTT Wearable Art Weekend package that includes a pair of Curator’s Row tickets (front row seats) to the Saturday night runway show.
Tammy Ziegler was born in St. Catharines and grew up in old Port Dalhousie. She opened Out of the Past (St. Catharines) in 1993 followed by Out of the Past (Hamilton) in 2000 and Out of the Past (Kitchener) in 2002. Tammy has spent most of her life in St. Catharines, but spent about ten years in Hamilton. She moved back to the Garden City two years ago. She loves art, antiques, cats, yard sales, and music.
When did you become a NAC member and why?
Became a member after going to one of the Christmas sales that was held on Ontario Street in the old Pennisula Press building. Not sure what year that was likely in the ’90s. Why?? There was a great vibe happening and it seemed like a fun idea to become a member and be made aware of other events.
Are you an artist, an art appreciator or both?
I’d say I’m an art appreciator. My brother is an artist and art has always been an important part of my life. Occasionally I get inspired by something and actually make something artistic. It’d be great if I could spend more time doing artistic things – maybe answering these questions will act as a catalyst!
What’s the best thing about being an artist in Niagara?
Since I’m not an “artist” I’m not sure I can answer this question but my opinion of what Niagara has to offer??? I guess since art goes so well with wine and there is lots of tourism expanding in this area, there is potential to show one’s art to lots of people from other areas that are exploring the region.
Name a Niagara artist whose work knocks your socks off.
This is a hard question as there are sooooo many fabulous artists. I LOVE Kevin Richardson‘s pop art pieces. Melanie MacDonald‘s stunning retro pieces, and of course my brother Theodore Ziegler‘s surrealistic stunners! Tell us about a memorable NAC experience. Any STRUTT event!!! Loved them in the smaller venue, but the larger industrial spaces provide a fabulous juxtaposition of visual experiences!
What’s the number one reason to become a NAC member?
The number one reason for becoming a NAC member?? Getting to meet different artists and being part of what’s going on in the arts community!! NAC is a great place – socially, visually – one never regrets going to a NAC event!!! Check back for more Member of the Moment interviews throughout June.
