Little Red

The classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood is much more than a children’s story. It carries powerful metaphors and analogies that are applicable to the complexities of adult life.   The earliest origins of this tale can be traced back to an 11th century poem from Belgium. In the 17th century, versions appeared in several European folk tales, including one from Italy called The False Grandmother. The two best known versions are by Charles Perrault, Le Petit Chaperon Rouge and the Brothers Grimm, Rotkäppchen.

I have explored the themes in Little Red Riding Hood in my work for a few years and was excited to invite artists and artisans from a wide range of mediums to join me in Little Red’s journey through the forest. The result is an exhibit teeming with imaginative and whimsical interpretations of this classic fairy tale.  Embrace Little Red’s childlike wonder as you move through our In-Unison Gallery Space. Amidst the poems, paintings, and books you will find delicate paper dioramas hidden in tins and a tea that is as red as the heroine's cloak.

Explorations of fear are exhibited in a photograph of a wooded path, and paintings with lunging wolves while artfully crafted stoneware creatures were inspired by the depths of Ontario forests.  Drawn from talented artists and artisans across Ontario, Little Red explores the strength it takes to overcome the wolves and find our own way through the forest. 

- Susan Wallis, curator

“LOVE WILL FIND A WAY THROUGH PATHS WHERE WOLVES FEAR TO PREY.” - BYRON

Participating Artists:

Ann Brown

Christopher Cape

Kiki Carr

Amanda Keenan

Heather Munro

Rhonda Nolan

Jason Pettit

Andrea Piller

Arlene Vandersloot

Susan Wallis

Bay Woodyard