What the Guild brings to the community
What the Guild does for its members
What the Guild brings to the community
As a Guild, we believe that it is important to give back to the community that supports us. Below are some of the activities we initiated in 2021-2024.
Froid’Art
Froid’Art–Art in Ice, is an outdoor art show that truly embraces the wonder of winter here in Kemptville. Seven 300lb blocks of ice were installed in Rotary Park. Encased in each block was a work of art by a member of the North Grenville Arts Guild and each block was illuminated from below creating a spectacular display. Each piece was sponsored by local businesses and as a wrap up to the project, the plexiglass pieces of artwork were presented to each of the sponsors for them to keep. This event was held March 25th, at the NG public library. Find more images and information here.
Kemptville BUSKERFEST
We are a partner of Kemptville Buskerfest, part of which involved the creation, storage and maintenance (for future use) of a photo booth backdrop.
WONDERFALL ART SHOW & SALE
Wonderfall is held at the W.B. George building on the Kemptville Campus. Once again it is in association with My Local Market craft show throughout the same weekend. The weekend is full of activities that will draw in many people – Mistletoe Market on Sunday at the Kemptville Farmers Market as well as the Santa Claus Parade.
Kemptville Farmer’s Market Mural
The new mural for the music shed at the Kemptville Farmer’s Market was unveiled August 14, 2022. Five NGAG artists contributed over 120 hours to create the mural. Read more about the mural.
UKRAINIAN Support Efforts
Many NGAG member artists have contributed artwork to raise funds for the Ukrainian Support Efforts. These beautiful pieces were on display at the North Grenville Public Library.
Raise funds for Big Sky Ranch
December 2021: North Grenville Arts Guild Members donated some of their art for a colouring book project to raise funds for Big Sky Ranch over the 2021 Holiday season. They were sold by our gracious supporters B&H Grocer, Kemptville Pet Valu and the North Grenville Public Library.
Provide community entertainment
February 2022: Designed and built by NGAG Member Johanna Jansen, Sally and Mandy, two salamander snow sculptures, were grabbing some rays on the Salamanders restaurant patio in Kemptville.
Raise funds for Outreach Programs
March thru June 2021: Ten Guild Members collaborated by each adding a layer or element to a canvas over a 7 week period. The resulting artworks were auctioned off to assist the North Grenville Public Library with their outreach programs.
Bring art enjoyment to the community
August 2021: The North Grenville Arts Guild, together with Mr. Paul Cormier of Salamanders restaurant, hosted a Kemptville Summer Art Show. The rain did not stop residents from viewing and acquiring lovely art and enjoying a fabulous meal at Salamander’s afterwards.
What the Guild does for its Members
2024 kept the momentum going and our guild growing
- In 2024 we added a new business to our Venues Program which provides rotating art free to local businesses and organization. We welcome Kemptville Physiotherapy Centre to our fold.
- Our spring show was once again in partnership with Kemptville Buskerfest
- Wonderfall Art Show in partnership with My Local Markets continues for its 3rd year (November 2024)
- In the summer of 2024 we hosted 4 en-plein-air activities for our members. 3 on Kemptville campus at the community gardens and one at Green Gables Vines vineyard (“Artful Vines and Wines!”)
- Froid’Art Project— for the 2nd year thanks to an Arts & Culture Development Fund Grant
- This year we introduced our very popular ‘Art Café to our monthly membership meeting. A chance to discuss and receive feedback for a piece of your art in progress
In 2023/2024 we were working on, but not limited to
- Our ongoing Venues Program which provides rotating art free to local businesses and organizations
- An official partnership with Kemptville Buskerfest for our Spring Show. In addition, part of the partnership involved the creation, storage and maintenance (for future use) of a photo booth backdrop
- Abandoned Art Project—an ongoing global movement to spread joy through random acts of art sharing.
- Kemptville Youth Centre—donation of funding and art supplies to support arts programming at the centre
- Wonderfall Art Show in Partnership with My Local Markets (November 2024)
- Froid’Art Project— Winter 2024 thanks to an Arts & Culture Development Fund Grant
- Many Demonstrations at monthly member meetings including art journaling, alcohol inks on mylar, linocut print making, a presentation on Viennese artist KUNST HAUS WIEN, show tips for displaying in festivals and galleries, and much more
In 2022 our list of achievements continues to grow
- Big Sky Ranch Christmas fundraiser – colouring book with art contributed by our members
- Web site updates. Complete redesign and member page added
- Spring show at Salamanders Restaurant patio, end of May
- Experience Art Fest representation, end of June
- Negotiated a new meeting venue for the upcoming year
- Created a showcase mural for Kemptville farmers market
- Venues program continues to operate
- Ongoing grid rental program
- Ukrainian fundraiser with art donated by members
- Virtual “Art-In” each Saturday Morning continues
- Hosted the successful ‘Wonderfall” art show and sale at the W.B. George Centre on the Kemptville Campus on November 12-13, 2022.
- Mounted an ‘In-Memoriam’ exhibit at Kemptville Public Library dedicated to 3 well-loved and sorely missed guild members. Nov 2022 – Feb 2023
In 2020/21 and With Covid restrictions and health protocols making it more difficult to meet as a group, staying visible and meaningful has been more challenging. Here is a list of all the things that your Guild Executive and a few dedicated Volunteers have been doing since the start of the pandemic.
- Participated in a co-operative canvas project
- Put on a Canada Day showcase of the co-operative canvas project at the North Grenville Public Library.
- Created a slideshow showcase on North Grenville Arts Guild our Facebook video tab, complete with original music, “Amblin'” written by Neil Pringle.
- Placed a 3D art cabinet in the North Grenville Public Library as a venue spot for Members who specialize in 3D Art.
- Continued to place Member’s art in the community via our Venues Program when it could be done.
- Ran a summer show outside of Salamanders Restaurant while following COVID restrictions.
- Maintained monthly virtual meetings during the pandemic.
- Maintained a year-long Saturday virtual Art-In when we couldn’t meet face-to-face.
- Streamlined and updated the website.
- Created an electronically sign-able application form.
- Sent out a monthly newsletter to keep our Members informed.
- Maintained a link with the community via articles and announcements in The North Grenville Times newspaper.
- Centralized Guild documents in the Microsoft Teams app.
- Acquired grids for the Guild so that we no longer need to rent them.
- Acquired a centralized storage locker for all of the Guild’s equipment.
- Did not take fees for 2020/21 to support Members who might be experiencing hardships through loss of work.
As you can see, we have not been idle. We hope to see many more of you on our online meetings and Art-Ins so that we can maintain this vibrant Art community.
North Grenville Arts Guild 