Around Here.
Places You Know From Somewhere
New Paintings from James Gummerson
Opening Reception
Thursday, November 19, 2026 7 - 9 pm
Artist Talk: Wednesday, December 3 at 2 pm
November 19 - December 23, 2026
Earls Court Gallery is pleased to present Around Here: Places You Know From Somewhere, a solo exhibition of new paintings from Hamilton artist James Gummerson. Opening November 19 and continuing through December 23, 2026, the exhibit expands on Gummerson’s exploration in urbanscape by investigating the ‘sense of place’ and how we experience them both physically and psychologically.
With an impressionistic painting style, Gummerson evokes a feeling of familiarity in his urbanscapes. His paintings leave you with the sense that you’ve been to these places before, but you just can’t quite put your finger on where. Grounded in the setting and history of his city, Gummerson uses metaphor and composition to lead us toward the realization that extraordinary moments can occur in ordinary places like sidewalks and backyards. By placing the viewer in the foreground, he creates the feeling of being wrapped within the urban environment, encountering a place you know from somewhere—around here.
Around Here will be on view in the main gallery at 215 Ottawa Street North, Hamilton, from November 19 to December 23, 2026. Earls Court Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. All artworks will also be available to view online upon installation.
Please join us for the opening reception Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 7–9 pm, when James Gummerson will be in attendance. An Artist Talk will happen Wednesday, December 3 at 2 pm.
Entry is free | Family Friendly | Fully Accessible | Groups Welcomed
About James Gummerson
Biography
James Gummerson is a Hamilton-based artist who works primarily in acrylics and oils. After attending Sheridan College and working as an illustrator, he began to build his own artistic practice. His work has been featured in major publications and galleries across Canada. He has also been interviewed on radio and received numerous awards. In 2020, James was invited to appear on the CBC TV show Landscape Artist of the Year Canada. He was the wildcard winner of episode one and a runner-up in the finals. James draws inspiration from the urban environment where he lives. His work explores dramatic light and skies against the backdrop of daily urban life. Much of it focuses on ordinary moments that can be filled with history and nostalgia. He teaches at the college and art school levels, leads workshops across the province, and is often invited to give talks on a range of art subjects