SPAO created APEX (formerly A+) in 2007 as a way to celebrate the work of its diverse part-time photographic studies community.

APEX is a critical opportunity for emerging and seasoned artists to showcase their work in a respected and accessible gallery setting, enhance their visual arts resumés, receive honours and awards for their work, and have their work seen and considered by important visual arts community leaders. 

The SPAO Centre Gallery produces multiple exhibitions every year celebrating the work of regional, national and international artists working in lens-based media. SPAO ensures that artists are paid CARFAC artist fees for all professional, curated exhibitions in the gallery, as well as guaranteeing that critical exhibition space is made available for non-professional educational exhibition opportunities.

Flora in Magical Blue
by Marcela Ochman

Echoes of Light
by Mario Cerroni

The Goodyears
by Chris Goodyear

Vistas
by Richard Robesco

Relics
by Kelly McDonald

This year's APEX prizes include generous contributions from the National Arts Centre, Patrick Gordon Framing Studio, Wallack's Art Supplies, PhotoED Magazine, Stephen Bulger Gallery, Photo Service [Créer L'histoire], Mann Lawyers. The APEX People’s Choice Award will be enhanced in order to honor the life and legacy of Mebs Rehemtulla, a beloved member of the SPAO community. It is the only APEX Exhibition award voted on by the SPAO community, a jury of his peers.

PIERRE-FRANÇOIS OUELLETTE

Pierre-François Ouellette inaugurated a contemporary Montreal art gallery in 2001 recognized today for the innovative artists he represents. Ouellette holds a BA (History) and a MBA from the University of Ottawa. He was the executive assistant to the Director of the National Gallery of Canada, Dr. Shirley Thomson, from 1988 until 1993. Ouellette led subsequently the Association des galeries d’art contemporain before being appointed director of administration of Optica art centre. In 2012 he created Toronto’s Centre Space with Pat Feheley where he presented over 30 exhibitions until 2017.  Mr. Ouellette has served on several boards including the Art Dealers Association of Canada, the art information center Artexte, the art center Axe Neo-7.