The Tom Thomson Art Gallery has partnered with Coffin Ridge for another evening of wine, food, and live music at the Winery on Friday, September 6. The event, titled A Deadly Pairing, includes ten tasting stations from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. that feature wine, cider, and beer paired with chef- and sommelier-curated food. At 8:30 p.m., there will be music by Higher FunKtion with dancing, live and silent auctions, a cash bar, and famous Coffin Ridge pizza for late-night nibbling.
Last year, the Gallery and Winery launched a limited-edition Tom Thomson-inspired bourbon-barreled Marquette wine called Night Spirit, which will be available for sale in limited quantities. Night Spirit features Tom Thomson’s iconic painting Northern Lights from the Art Gallery’s collection.
In keeping with the theme of Tom Thomson, the Live Auction will feature unique Rustic Experiences, including escapes to the Bubble Grove Sky Camp, a French River stay, and a Harrison Park Cabin stay.
“The collaboration with Coffin Ridge is very special to the Art Gallery. The sheer tragedy and mystery of Thomson’s death are a perfect fit for the Winery which overlooks a ridge that is shaped like a coffin, and beyond which lies Tom Thomson in his grave at Leith Cemetery. It’s been thrilling to work with Gwen Lamont telling the Thomson story in our region, encouraging people to really explore and get a taste of this famous local legend,” said Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator.
Tickets are $150 each. There are buses from Owen Sound and Collingwood to Coffin Ridge and back for a nominal additional cost per person. Funds raised support the Art Gallery.
“Coffin Ridge Winery is excited to continue the partnership with the Tom Thomson Art Gallery. We are a perfect match. Our goal is to bring more focus to the area where Tom grew up and where his body lies buried in his grave (or is it?) not far from the vineyards at Coffin Ridge. It has been an exciting time working with Director/Curator Aidan Ware on the goal of sharing the stories of Thomson’s life and mysterious death. Both the art and the wine are magnificent. If there was ever a better marriage than that of art and wine, I don’t know it,”
said Gwen Lamont, Owner of Coffin Ridge Winery.
This event is the culmination of a larger partnership through which the Gallery and the Winery are preparing to launch a Thomson-inspired beer (Tombstone Tom) to accompany the wildly popular cider (Brush with Death). They have also developed a Tom Thomson Tour Map, which highlights all the local Tom Thomson points of interest, including the Historic Leith Church and Cemetery (where Thomson is buried), the Tom Thomson Trail, the Winery, the Art Gallery, and Harrison Park where Thomson was known to frequent. The free maps are available on the Art Gallery’s website (https://www.owensound.ca/recreation-culture/arts-and-culture/tom-thomson-art-gallery/visit/) and in hard copy at the Winery, Art Gallery, and Owen Sound Visitor Centre.
