September 6, 2026
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Kayley Hegmans of Kincardine is thrilled to have her artwork on display at the Victoria Park Gallery in downtown Kincardine for the first time, as the guest artist for the month of September.
The 20-year-old is entering her third year at the University of Guelph, majoring in studio art with a minor in music. The collection at the gallery features pieces created over the past year at university.
She says the works are united by the process of learning alongside their creation.
"Each has been a lesson in some way," says Hegmans. "The mistakes made during the creation, and the struggle to find their resolutions, have somehow formed a personal bond between myself and the work.
"I often find myself proudest of the pieces that give me the most resistance. That almost invisible sense of conflict gives them life. In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, I believe it's more important than ever to embrace the artist's hand. Each imperfection becomes evidence of a real human presence within the process of creation."
She says these works are dear to her because they encapsulate a period of learning while allowing her to let go of the pursuit of perfection.
"In doing so, my energy is able to flow more freely through the work, creating a shared spirit across the collection. It is a pleasure to present such a vulnerable body of work, and I hope everyone enjoys the experience it creates."
One of her favourite pieces in the show, is the black-and-white "Peek-a-boo," which is conte on paper. It was a conceal-and-reveal project at school.
Hegmans won the Victoria Park Gallery scholarship in 2024 which included an opportunity to display her artwork as a guest artist.
"It's fun to set up my work for everyone to see," she says. "I feel very accomplished. It also feels vulnerable because people are expecting to see a certain level of work and I hope I'm meeting those expectations."
Hegmans has another two years of university, graduating in 2028, and wants to hone in more on her drawing and painting.
She is also planning to marry Ethan Tanton of London, July 17, 2027.
Her parents are Jeff and Ashley Hegmans of Kincardine, and she has two sisters, Abby and Brenna.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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