VAB Invitational Show ABOUT 2001: For Better or For Worse 2005: Jack Reid and Friends 2006: Halton Woodcarvers Assoc. 2007: Stephanie Czolij 2008: Clarkson Society of Artists Jan. 2009: Band/Kowalik/Moreau/Su Nov. 2009: Sandra Bell-Lundy's "Between Friends" Jan. 2010: Work by Ontario Comic Artists Nov. 2010: Brampton Quilters' Guild

From 29 September to 26 October 2001, Artway featured For Better or For Worse, by Canadian Lynn Johnston. Then in Bramalea City Centre, the gallery show featured the original artwork for hundreds of Johnston's daily strips and Sunday panels.

It was our very first featured artist exhibit. Normally, Artway Gallery only had salon-style group exhibitions. But this exhibit was dedicated solely to Lynn's works.

The original artwork wasn't the only thing that appeared in the exhibit. Some of the original Sunday panels were accompanied by their digitally coloured counterparts, as they appeared in print. Also on display were books, a doll of April, mugs, shirts, and other tie-in promotions, like a Ned window fixture.

At the time, the comic was seen in over 2000 newspapers worldwide, including The Toronto Star. It was read in 23 countries and in 8 languages. Lynn was the first Canadian and the first female to win the Reuben Award, as well as the youngest. The Reuben is the highest honour for a comic strip cartoonist. The win came in 1986, after four prior nominations. She was been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1993, and won the Order of Canada. Since the exhibit, Lynn's contract ran out in 2008; her strip continues to run in repeats, with new strips expanding older plot lines.

Our many thanks to Lynn, as well as her staff in Corbeil, Ontario, especially Nancy Vincent, the executive director of Lynn's company.