When people think of the Arbor Gallery, they tend to think of colourful and imaginative art exhibitions by local and out-of-town artists. But as gallery manager Sylvie Bouchard says, “It’s so much more than that.”
“Yes, we have a new exhibition of individual and collective art every month, but we also host a variety of community events for all ages,” she notes.
To back her claim, Bouchard cites the recent Porch Tour that saw more than 200 people visit the gallery to view the Four Sisters Exhibition, watch artist Crystal Beshara paint, and shop at the gallery’s extensive gift shop and Marie-Eve Bergevin’s pop-up shop of Christmas decorations.
Other recent events include a sold-out puppet show for young children, an improv session with VCI students, and an historical exhibit in collaboration with La Société d’histoire des Filles du Roy. The gallery also hosts intimate concerts, with a jazz duo scheduled for the new year, workshops and an Interesting People Series.
In 2023, the gallery plans to add events for Indigenous History Month and 2SLBGTQ+ awareness. More programming for youth and children is planned as well as an improv workshop for seniors.
“We have been able to offer several events thanks to some grant money from Champlain Township, and our being accepted into the Ontario Charitable Gaming program is now helping us cover some of our other expenses,” Bouchard explains. “However, as a not-for-profit and registered charity, we rely heavily on donations and are nearly entirely run by volunteers. To continue to expand our exciting and affordable programs we need your help and donations. As a charity, we issue tax receipts and can be named in people’s will as part of our bequest program. Anyone can become a member; you don’t need to be an artist to join.”
To appreciate all that the gallery does, view this short video on Youtube:
Welcome to the Arbor Gallery, Vankleek Hill, Ontario
Coming up
Next on the gallery’s agenda is an exhibition by Stephanie Pete, called Ontario Birds –A Series of Oil Paintings, which runs from November 24 to December 18, with the vernissage scheduled for Thursday, December 1s from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The gallery’s Holiday Pop-up Shops continue every weekend until December 18. Next weekend will feature Linda Gouchie (Assorted cookies and crochet creations), Anne Cadotte (Preserves) and Garnet Millar (Fused and Stained Glass Art).
Arbor Gallery – Galerie Arbor is located at 36 Home Avenue, in the heart of Vankleek Hill. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 4 pm. From November 16 to December 18, Saturday hours are 10 am to 4 pm. More information about programming and events is available on Arbor Gallery’s Facebook page, website or Twitter, by subscribing to the gallery’s newsletter at www.arborgallery.org or by email at [email protected].
