Local artists urged to showcase work at Town Hall Gallery

September 19, 2024 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Calling all local artists!

The Town of Shelburne is curating it’s line up of exhibits at the Town Hall Art Gallery for 2025 and is looking for more artists to showcase their work at the monthly art shows.

“We only have a few spots left and there are a lot of artists, especially newer artists, that I want to encourage to come and do an exhibit with us,” said Chantel Richards, curator of the exhibits at the Town Hall Art Gallery.

Located on the second floor of the Shelburne Town Hall, the art gallery showcases the works of local artists including pieces created by individuals, art organizations, instructors, and students.

The idea for revitalizing the space to feature monthly art exhibits from artists across Dufferin County came about in 2022, when the town was exploring different ways to increase engagement with the downtown core area.

“We were walking through the town hall space and realized that this area had been kind of forgotten,” recalled Richards. “There was an art gallery in the space, but it was more stationary and I saw the need for new life in that space. I was hoping to focus on having more spotlight exhibits, where we’re seeing more new or experienced artists come in and bring life into the space a month at a time.

In March 2023, the Town Hall Art Gallery reopened with it’s first exhibit featuring late artist, Darlene Hassall. Since the launch of the newly visioned Town Hall Art Gallery, there have been 15 exhibits highlighting roughly 26 artists.

“It’s been a great turnout every month. To have an art exhibit all year, from January right to December, and fully booked is a great response for me,” said Richards.

The Town Hall Art Gallery has featured a variety of exhibits with works of art spanning portraits, photography, landscapes, realism and abstract.

“It’s been fantastic to have this space where they’re able to express their art and sell it. Shelburne is not known to be an arts community, so it’s nice to see the focus shift.”

While the exhibit does have exhibits with works from seasoned artists, many of the shows at the Town Hall Art Gallery are from new and budding artists.

“It can be difficult and intimidating to get into a gallery or expose your work as a new artist. We want to support them and encourage everybody to come because there’s an audience for all,” said Richards.

Artists who are interested in having their own art exhibit in 2025 at the Shelburne Town Hall Art Gallery are encouraged to submit an application. The application form can be found on the Town of Shelburne website – www.shelburne.ca.