EXHIBIT CLOSING: The Colour Orange
This exhibit closes March 4, 2026, at 2pm.
The Gallery at L.E. Shore’s colour exhibition is back again! This year, we are excited to be celebrating the colour ORANGE.
Each year, The Gallery’s Arts & Culture Council hosts a vibrant, color-themed exhibition, with past themes including blue, green, gold, turquoise, and more. Local artists are invited to submit artwork that aligns with the chosen color, and the exhibit is displayed in the "salon style," with artwork covering the walls from floor to ceiling. This format creates an eye-popping display featuring a range of interpretations of the theme.
The term “salon style” originates from the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture’s regular exhibitions, which began in Paris in 1667. To showcase the work of so many students, the academy hung paintings as close together as possible, right from the floor to the ceiling! When the exhibition moved to the Salon Carre at the Louvre in 1725, the show became known simply as the “Salon".
EXHIBIT OPENING: Abstracted Realities
The Gallery at the L.E. Shore Library is thrilled to present Viz Saraby and Simon Kattar and their duo exhibition, Abstracted Realities!
In this exciting new show, the artists take everyday experiences and transform them into something entirely new. Kattar’s paintings are full of movement, colour, and rhythm, a sensory translation of life itself, while Saraby twists the familiar with conceptual play, humour, and abstraction. Together, their works invite viewers to explore a world where reality is just the starting point, sometimes strange, sometimes funny, always thought-provoking.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Simon and Viz at their grand opening on March 7, 2026, from 2:00-4:00pm. This is a free event to attend, and no registration is required.
Following the opening, the exhibit will run in The Gallery from March 7-April 1, 2026.
WORKSHOP: Art Critique | Michelle Fleming
Are you looking for feedback on the paintings you’re currently working on, or those you may have given up on?
Look no further: on Saturday, March 14, bring your pieces to the Gallery at the L.E. Shore Library and have them critiqued by local art teacher, Michelle Fleming! Michelle will provide feedback on your work, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
Your input will be important too! This is a group-based, collaborative workshop, so everyone who comes is invited to offer their perspective and support to other participants: this is a great opportunity to practice trusting your creative intuition and vision. Michelle will also review the fundamentals of painting, providing a deeper understanding of the building blocks that create a successful painting.
RegistrationPlease register below if you would like to bring work for Michelle to critique.
Would you like to just sit in and watch this live art critique? Please feel welcome to join us! You can reserve an observer seat by registering via the link above.
Other Details This is a FREE workshop. All ages and skill levels are welcome. We will not be painting in this workshop, so please bring your sketchbook to make notes. Any revisions you wish to implement, you can do at home. We hope to have time to provide feedback on everyone’s work, but depending on numbers, we may not be able to get to each piece. About Michelle FlemingMichelle has taught art for over 30 years, in private schools, public schools and her own art school, The Bay School of Art, in Collingwood, Ontario. She has since retired so that she can devote more time to her own painting. Michelle is currently teaching painting for adults one afternoon a week in Clarksburg.
OPEN CALL: Celebrating Trees
In celebration of Earth Day, The Gallery’s Arts & Culture Council invites you to submit a poem, short story, photo or art piece about your favorite tree. Submissions will be part of a public display in the library from April 14-28. All ages welcome!
Get InspiredThink about your favorite tree:
What makes it special to you?
What memories does it bring back?
How does it make you feel?
Why is it beautiful?
Why is it important?
Guidelines You can choose to submit a poem, short story, photo or art piece. Consider using recycled materials in your submission (optional). Submissions should not be any larger than 18x22". Include your name, phone number and email on the back of your submission. Please note that most submissions will be attached to a corkscrew backing with pins and/or tape. Poems & Short StoriesShort stories can be fictional, a memory or an observation/opinion piece.
EXAMPLE POEMPear tree on Grey Road 21, town line. Just a seedling from somewhere, that sprouted on the shoulder.
But for all its attributes, winter resilience, spring blossom and fall harvest, it’s also there as a silent assuring companion changing with us from season to season, year after year.
Where once there was just a mere seedling is now a mature tree.
EXAMPLE SHORT STORYOne of my favorite childhood memories is my family’s annual Christmas tree. Each year we’d stay up late decorating it together, laughing as we untangled strands of lights that never wanted to untangle. The room smelled like pine, and the colourful glow of the tree lights made you feel warm and cozy. Each ornament we hung carried a story or a memory. The tree wasn’t just a decoration, but a reminder of the most important things in life.
Photography & ArtPhotos and art should be unframed. All mediums welcome, including small three-dimensional pieces.
Making a SubmissionDrop off your poem, short story, photo or art piece at the library’s front desk between April 1 and April 7 (April 7 last day for submissions).
Questions?If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Franz at TheGallery@TheBlueMountains.ca
EXHIBIT RECEPTION: A Closer Look
This exhibition runs April 4-29 with the reception occurring April 11.
Step away from the panoramic and take a closer look at the familiar in a new exhibition by Bonnie Hastings and Wanda Haayen. From the bold, intricate details of a flower petal to a garden caught in late afternoon light, their work reflects the quiet beauty of small moments.
Proudly presented by The Arts & Culture Council for The Gallery at L.E. Shore, A Closer Look’s opening reception will take place on April 11 from 2:00 – 4:00pm. Drop by to meet the artists and enjoy an art-filled afternoon! Complementary refreshments provided.