MONKEY HILL CREATIVE ARTS
243 JAMES ST. NORTH, HAMILTON
905-929-8380
CURRENT HOURS:
FRIDAYS 12pm - 8pm
SATURDAYS 12pm - 6pm
SUNDAYS 12pm - 6pm
Why the name "Monkey Hill"? We are always asked this question. "Monkey" was the nickname of our daughter, and "Hill" was her last name, after the business founder, her father, Dorian Hill. Monkey was severely disabled and passed away in 2007 just before she turned 16. I did not give birth to her, but raised her since she was in diapers, and she was the most amazing gift I have ever received and was truly my daughter. I am forever blessed. The greatest, most important thing Monkey taught us that we hope everyone else comes to understand someday:
"No matter how severely disabled people are, disabilities change the way they live, but they don't change the way they love," and "Every one of us has more possibilities than limitations."
MONKEY HILL CREATIVE ARTS is a dual-initiative gallery that displays the artwork of primarily local artists for a nominal fee, without commission, and seeks to enhance awareness in the community of invisible and intellectual disabilities.
The gallery's resident artist, Kirsten Hill, donates her art to the gallery and all sales of her art go directly to maintain the initiative and fund the space. The sales of the revolving exhibit from the L'Arche Community Arts Program of Hamilton for developmentally disabled adults go directly to support L'Arche.
From December 1st to December 28th Monkey Hill is showing the works of CALLIE ARCHER, DEB DICKER, KEITH GREEN, the core members of L'ARCHE HAMILTON, and STEPHANIE KIRSTEN HANSEN (HILL).
(new gallery photos coming soon...)
It is a gorgeous show! But, unfortunately, our last brick-and-mortar gallery show as the rental agreement will not be renewed in January. Rest assured! Monkey Hill Creative Arts is just getting started! We will continue the initiative online here at this website. It is our daughter's legacy and we have enjoyed great support that is growing daily. Please come out to enjoy the December exhibit as it is the most beautiful to date! We are going out of there in high style!
I am now an Associate of The Tiger Group and am enjoying my collaboration with that amazingly talented group of artists. Strange but wonderful to be part of a group after so very many years working alone. In January I take over the Directorship of their second Tiger Group Gallery on James North just a few doors down from Monkey Hill's current location so you can still find me on James Street Friday evenings and Saturdays and Sundays during the day. Weekdays I will be working in my studio space in the main Tiger Group Gallery/Studio at 335 Barton St. just down from Hamilton General Hospital. I thank you deeply for all the support you've shown Monkey Hill.