Art History in East London East London has been a hub of activity for artists for many years. Certainly, the lower cost of rent in the past lent itself to the fringe-y and artsy way of life and provided the existence of art studios and workspaces. The combination of this with some other pivotal points of importance explains why this end of town has some of the city’s great art history. We have to acknowledge the importance of H.B.Beal Secondary School and its BealART program (though technically just on the edge of East London). Not only has it produced some of Canada’s well-known artists, but when it began, it brought in incredible teachers to run the program who were professional and exhibiting artists themselves. Opened in 1912 as the London Technical and Commercial High School, its founder, Herbert Benson Beal, saw the need for a technical school in the area. In 1927, Mackie Cryderman began teaching vocational art, and after WWII, the program known as BealART was put in place with the help of John O’Henly and Herb Ariss. This new fine art program would be the first of its kind in Southwestern Ontario. Programs at H.B. Beal were available both during the day and at night, opening up options for those who were looking for post- graduate studies. The BealArt program in particular, offered, and still offers immersive studio courses, which make it unique. Specializations available in painting, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, photography, and commercial design grew to include programs in film/animation and 3D that the school offers today. When schools across the country were eliminating their wood- working and home-economics programs, Beal maintained its interests in providing technical courses that ultimately kept them
in the game for practical education options for students. Many students completing the BealArt program would be allowed to take more advanced courses in their first years of university since the fundamental skills were already under their belts. Another interesting point of art culture in East London is the use of studio spaces or ateliers that have been used by artists for many decades. Some may know of the spaces that have been available on the south side of the tracks off of Rectory St., or spaces that were used on Princess/Elias where the St. Vincent de Paul exists now. One such space that has seen many great artists over the years, above McCulloch’s Costume on Dundas, is called the Artworks.
To advertise here, please contact Marty@villagerpublications.com Joseph Hubbard has been managing the studios for 25 years, and while visiting the space, you feel like you’re walking through some incredible London art history. Joseph came to the city via Montreal, but originates from Chicago. He taught at Beal, and when he arrived the Fanshawe art program had only just opened, and Western’s studio program was just in its infancy. He has great stories of his time at Beal and the fellow artists and teachers he worked with. His mixed media, large-scale pieces in ceramic, metal, and found items are both eye-catching and thought- provoking. He cares very much for the art scene in London and continues to foster this passion while managing the studios. An artist who captures incredible colours in her studio is Angie Quick. One of Canada’s great up-and-coming artists, her large-scale pieces have been exhibited all over the country. Her art pushes boundaries with colours and depictions of the messiness of life, while challenging the clichés that exist at this time in the world. Angie has been at the Dundas studio for a few years and hopes that the neighbourhood will be able to hold on to these sacred spaces for artists to work.
Page 10 Old East Villager Jan-Feb 2026
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