Art in the Garden is returning to the grounds of St. John the Apostle Anglican Church in Vankleek Hill. The 2026 event will happen on Sunday, September 6, the same day as the Festival of Flavours on Main Street.
The outdoor gallery featuring many artists and their work was held on the St. John’s grounds in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, it was held on the grounds at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Hawkesbury, but it is returning to Vankleek Hill this year.
The original concept of Art in the Garden was put forward by local artist France Poliquin who was inspired by similar events she participated in elsewhere. Poliquin continues to serve as the Honourary President of Art in the Garden.
The Art in the Garden Planning Committee decided to have the event at the same time as the Festival of Flavours to give visitors more, free, family-friendly activities to enjoy while in Vankleek Hill.
David Chamberlain, who is overseeing the organization of the event, said this year, they decided to emphasize visibility for their church in the community and to give artists a chance to meet each other. A total of 40 artists had already registered to participate as of Thursday, August 6. A variety of types of art will be on display for purchase by artists from the surrounding area, and other places in Ontario and Québec. High and Main Productions will also have a display on site highlighting their contribution to local theatre and showing some of the art associated with their past productions.
“We see it as going to be a big success,” Chamberlain said.
The other members of the Planning Committee are Debbie Chamberlain, Mike Strong, Bil White, and Bonnie Blenner-Hasset. The committee is also supported by Church Warden Norm Macrimmon and Parish Priest Felix Longdon.
A group of volunteers will also be on hand to help visitors on-site and lend a helping hand to the artists on the day of the event, including help provided by the Hawkesbury Rotary Club. Advertising support for Art in the Garden is being provided by realtor Louise Sproule.
The Higginson Tower Committee, which oversees the historic tower beside St. John’s Church, is also providing help for Art in the Garden.
Although the emphasis on Art in the Garden is less on fundraising and more about bringing artists together and church visibility, any funds that are raised for the church will support the multiple community related outreach programs and events it offers. Those include the lunch program for high school students, euchre parties, outreach to senior retirement residences, community meals at the church hall, the Big Ron burger fundraiser, missionary work in the Congo, Solar Suitcase through Alongside Hope, Madagascar School Project, the local Foodbank, Book on Every Bed and the HGH Foundation. All of those activities are efforts of the parish, church, and the Anglican Church Women (ACW).
Weather permitting, Rev. Longdon will lead an outdoor church service on the grounds at Art in the Garden at 11 am on September 6. Art in the Garden will run from 10 am to 4 pm on September 6 and will happen no matter the weather. For more information, please go to parishoflov.ca/aitg.
