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Artscene Matthew Hyland, 27, appointed to top position By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF · WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 23 New Galleries director brings youth, enthusiasm to job I would go there, take a break and meditate at the galleries." Although Hyland didn't have ambitions on the ideas I was thinking about at of running an art gallery as a youth, he said school," he said. "I started to realize that he always had a passion for art. Growing up artists were grappling with many of the in Stratford, Ontario, he was a frequent vis- same ideas in much more refreshing and innovative ways that we can't grapple with itor at Gallery Stratford. "Art was always a different way of look- on paper or in textbooks. They were saying things that academics coulding at the world and I think n't. I realized one afternoon that is still one of the things in an art gallery that there that art is to me," he said. "It are as many ideas floating challenges us to look at the around the museum as there world around us in a new are floating around the way." library." Hyland pursued post-secHyland followed his thesis ondary studies at York supervisor back to Ontario University, earning a degree after completing his first year in women's studies. His interin Victoria with full intenest in becoming an academic tions of continuing his studled him to graduate school in ies, but after taking a year off the cultural studies program to pursue an internship at at the University of Victoria. The Power Plant It was in an art gallery Matthew Hyland Contemporary Art Gallery in there that he had an Toronto, work with a film epiphany. "I thought I'd be an academic because distributor, and write about art, he realized ideas always excited me, but when I was in he could never go back to the hallowed grad school, my respite from the harrowing halls of academia. He soon landed a part-time job at halls of the academy was the art gallery and Oakville Galleries in 2006, which cemented his decision not to complete his masters degree and instead, see where he could go in the art world. The gamble paid off. After filling various positions, including education and communications at the local gallery, Hyland was hired on full-time as curatorial assistant and then assistant curator. He was approached in February 2009 to serve as interim director. This led to being interviewed by the board of directors through an internal hiring process to stay on as the permanent director. Hyland was offered the job in late December. He happily accepted. "I was thrilled, of course, because I love Oakville Galleries," he said. "This is a nationally-recognized institution and I visited the galleries long before I worked here. This is an organization I've long held in high-esteem. To be able to lead it feels wonderful and is very exciting." The board of directors of Oakville Galleries said Hyland was the unanimous choice for the position. Matthew Hyland believes that youth is an advantage. That's just one thing the 27-year-old says he brings to his new job as director of Oakville Galleries. It's a position many twice his age would likely want, but he said his history with the galleries and passion for contemporary art makes him equally qualified for the title. Hyland is using this positive energy to his advantage while at the helm of Oakville Galleries, which has a reputation of being among the leading contemporary art centres of its size in Canada. "Yes, I'm young, but I bring fresh ideas to the table," he said. "I feel very lucky to be in this position this early in my career, but I bring an incredible level of commitment to the organization, an incredible level of enthusiasm about what we do and I hope that is reflected in the work that we do here BEAUTY & Spa 171 SPEERS RD. #19, OAKVILLE See Director page 25 Exsalonce presents charity basket to lucky winner EYELA 50%LASH OFF EXFOILNS TENTIO www.hairchateau.com (check website for new client discount) OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 9:30-9:00pm, Wed. 9:30-6:00pm, Sat. 9:00-5:00, Sun. 12:00-5:00pm FORVNEWABLE! A AIL CLIENTS 905 338-1237 Exsalonce Laser and Esthetic Clinic is the winner of the Diamond Award 2009. Situated in the heart of Oakville across the GO Station, Exsalonce is proud to give out its annual Christmas charity basket full of products and spa services to one of its lucky clients. There is always a lot of excitement at the time of the draw. Exsalonce with its great services and friendly staff has won the hearts of its clients. Exsalonce extends best wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Beautiful New Year! Skincare specialist - Samina Dossa- handing out the 2009 Chrismtas Charity Basket to the lucky winner.