Skip to content

The Hearth pays tribute to outgoing curator Emilie Kaplun

Last week, the Hearth bid adieu to one of its much-respected team members. Emilie Kaplun is moving on from her role as curator for the organization, though she’s sticking around Bowen and will continue to be involved with the Hearth.

Last week, the Hearth bid adieu to one of its much-respected team members. Emilie Kaplun is moving on from her role as curator for the organization, though she’s sticking around Bowen and will continue to be involved with the Hearth. 

Emilie has helmed 10 to 13 exhibitions a year since 2016, when she took over from Janet Esseiva as curator. When the Gallery moved to its new home at Cove Commons, Emilie continued to hold the bar high. Shows’ content and variety of artists have been exciting and not always without controversy. Some exhibitions prompted discussions and social awareness with educational components via school tours, panel discussions and artist talks.

When asked, Emilie will tell you of her favorite shows, but like with your own children, they are all very special and memorable in their own way.

The role of the curator has many facets: from creating calls for entry, assembling cohesive and engaging exhibitions, working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, guest curators and the artists themselves. Those who worked with her over these last four years recognize Emilie’s contributions as she brought her signature style to those shows.

“It’s been such a treat to work with Emilie,” said Jacqueline Massey, former (long-time) executive director of the Hearth. “Her creative outlook, which obviously extends to everything she does, is inspiring and refreshing. 

“We’ve had a lot of fun over the years, but also I’ve had the good fortune to learn from her. As a colleague, she was a valued member of a team and a key contributor to the success of the Hearth.”

“Emilie contributed fresh ideas, enthusiasm and creativity to her role as curator of the gallery,” said Greta Smith on behalf of the Visual Arts Committee. “Her ability to work with the various idiosyncrasies of artists and volunteers contributed to the success of the shows that have exhibited at the gallery.

“Wishing her much success and happiness in her future endeavors. We will miss her,” said Smith. 

The chair of the Hearth’s board of directors, Rob Gloor, noted Emilie’s eye for making a show come together. “Emilie brought a sense of clear and calm direction to the feel of the art shows in the Hearth Gallery,” said Gloor. “Combined with her style and innovative approach, she was able to display the art pieces in the best possible way to support and celebrate each artist. 

“The Hearth Gallery won’t be the same without her. We wish her well in her future adventures.” 

An opening reception or a special event such as the Mini Gala always inspired a reason to get dressed up and Emilie is no stranger to costume and her special flare for fashion and design is always inspiring. 

Emilie’s Fluevogs will be difficult to fill as the Hearth looks for someone to take on the role of curator. 

We wish Emilie much happiness and success in her creative pursuits in the art world and in the Bowen community.