The Charlotte Glencross Gallery, located in the heart of the Charlotte Street Arts Centre, provides a visually unique exhibition space frequented by a diverse and appreciative audience for the arts.
Wall space in the gallery spans two floors, including the building's foyer, four staircases and a second floor landing, in a beautiful heritage building in Fredericton's downtown. New track hanging devices and security cameras, plus a steady flow of visitors, provide a safe and highly visible area for artistic works and a wide range of media.
As a hub for creativity, the Centre's Charlotte Glencross Gallery offers an authentic presentation space supported by tenant artists, arts organizations and its reputation in the community.
Diptych: Sad, Happy by Shaleen Dixon, Aged 7
7 X 11: Children’s Abstractions

7 X 11: Children’s Abstractions is an exhibition of 53 abstract art works from children in the Fredericton area. The idea for the exhibition came from 10-year-old Eliza Wolfe, a child artist and art enthusiast. Growing up visiting art galleries and attending exhibitions, Eliza was curious about how art work was selected by curators and gallery owners for exhibition.
Eliza’s mother, Kate Rogers, wanted to satisfy her daughter’s curiosity and believed the best way for Eliza to understand the work of a curator was to curate an exhibition herself. Eliza thought it might be fun to take other school-aged children along with her
on this explorative journey. She decided to invite children, ages 7 to 11, to take part in the exhibition so that they could also learn about making art for exhibition. Because children typically create representational pieces – art that depicts a specific thing – Eliza thought that it would be goodl to ask the children to create abstract art – work that relays a message, idea and/or emotion.
A “Call for Submissions” was sent out to every school in the city. Schools responded by posting the information in newsletters, on bulletin boards, and by sending home notices in school bags. The information was also disseminated through FAA Arts News to attract as many child artists as possible. Some teachers took on the exhibition call as a class project citing the experience as “fun, educational, enlightening and rewarding.” All of the work was dropped off at Eliza’s house for jurying in late March.
To carry out the role of a curator, the expertise of 4 professional artists and art educators was acquired. Janice Wright Cheney, Alexandrya Eaton, Anna
Anger Hour by Natasha Cliche, Aged 10
Cameron and Denise Richard formed the curatorial committee that aided Eliza during the jurying process. Their contribution was invaluable. While Eliza served as chief curator, the committee assisted her by asking probing questions that made her think
which, in turn, proved to be the best form of instruction. This talented, knowledgeable and experienced group taught Eliza the value of colour, form and intention. They taught her the importance of considering the theme when creating work for exhibition. They also taught her that the theme – especially when it is abstract – can be approached in a variety of ways.
Because the children approached the theme so differently, Eliza and the curatorial committee decided to group the work in sections. They treated the abstract theme as a continuum on which the work intersected at varying levels. Fittingly, the work in this show is exhibited on different
Ready Steady Spagetti by Chloe Lundrigan, Aged 9
levels of the Charlotte Street Arts Centre, some on the main level, some up the stairs and some on the second floor. As you view the work, notice the subtleties in distinction and presentation.
7 X 11: Children’s Abstractions opens May 6th at the Charlotte Glencross Gallery in the Charlotte Street Arts Centre. The exhibition opening takes place from 5-7 pm. The show runs through May and June.
Above: Untitled, by Frances Wright, Aged 7

Above right: Mad Dragon by Blair Steeves, Aged 9.

Right: IMPACT by Jenah Abd El-Moneim, Aged 9

Below: Untitled by Sophie Cameron-Howe Aged 10

Below right: Untitled by Noah Cameron-Howe, Aged 8

Below: Magnificent Master Piece by Kendra Cullins, Aged 9

Right: Splash by Iris Wolfe, Aged 7
Click here for previous exhibitions.
For information on exhibiting in the gallery, click here.
For a detailed description of the exhibition space, please click here.