A breath of fresh art: Immerse into creative art and cultural experiences
Art has a way of drawing us in, whether it’s the bold strokes of a painting, the intricate detail of a sculpture, or the magic of a live performance. Across South Eastern Ontario, you’ll find countless opportunities to immerse yourself in creative expression, from galleries and studios to public art walks and cultural events. Are you an aspiring artist or looking for a fresh way to experience the region then this guide will take you through some of the best art and culture experiences waiting to be discovered.
Prince Edward County
If you’re exploring the artistic side of Prince Edward County, make sure to stop by ANDARA Gallery in Bloomfield. Since opening its doors in 2019, this contemporary art space has become a must-see destination for art lovers and collectors alike. The gallery is home to the striking encaustic sculptural paintings of Andrew Csafordi and the captivating fine art photography of Tara Wilkinson, creating a dynamic blend of visual storytelling.
ANDARA Gallery offers a relaxed and welcoming environment where visitors can immerse themselves in the local art scene. You’ll find everything from thought-provoking exhibitions to hands-on workshops, like encaustic painting and sketchbook graffiti, where you can tap into your own creativity.
Base31 is a cultural hub on a historic Second World War air training base in Picton, offering art galleries, studios, and performance spaces. Visitors can explore Side x Side Studios and Melt Studio and Gallery, featuring works from local and international artists.
Throughout the season, the County hosts a variety of live performances and cultural events, from intimate concerts to larger productions that draw visitors from across the region. Check local listings for current schedules and ticket information.
Lennox & Addington
Looking for some one-on-one art tutoring? Adult and kids’ classes, as well as small groups, are held in French and English at A Loveleigh Place in Napanee. Owned and operated by Leigh McCarthy, this place is rooted in Leigh’s passion for learning and sharing skills. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and artist, Leigh’s journey has taken her from Canada to Thailand, Qatar, Tanzania, and Japan. Throughout her career, she has emphasized the importance of understanding her students as individuals, tailoring her teaching to meet their unique interests and learning styles. Guided by a growth mindset and a focus on differentiation, Leigh continues to inspire students to reach their learning goals, fueled by the joy of being part of their educational journey.
At The Hive in Bath, visitors can enjoy a variety of creative opportunities. Members have access to the studio space, where they can bring their artistic visions to life. The gallery showcases a diverse collection of artwork, including paintings, photography, jewelry, and more.
Bay of Quinte
The Bay of Quinte region offers a more connected way to experience art that encourages visitors to explore multiple communities in a single trip.
In Belleville, a visit to the Belleville Public Library and the John M. Parrott Art Gallery remains a strong starting point, offering a mix of curated exhibitions and community-driven shows. Nearby, Gallery 121 continues to showcase contemporary work from regional artists.
Watch for local artists at These 4 Walls in Trenton. Located on Front Street, the space blends visual art with a casual, welcoming atmosphere where visitors can browse exhibitions while enjoying a drink or light fare. The gallery regularly hosts rotating exhibitions, events and live programming throughout the year.
Beyond the gallery walls, public art installations and smaller creative spaces add to the experience, making it easy to build a full day around art, culture and local exploration.
Kingston
In Kingston, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre stands as one of the region’s most significant art institutions. Located on the Queen’s University campus, the gallery is known for its extensive collection of Canadian, Indigenous and European works, with more than 17,000 pieces spanning centuries of artistic practice. The centre is currently undergoing a major transformation, with an expanded facility expected to reopen in 2026.
Kingston continues to offer a range of smaller galleries, artist-run spaces and cultural venues, making it an easy addition to any art-focused itinerary.
How about a walking art tour in Kingston? Meander the streets and enjoy the City of Kingston Arts Walk. This vibrant public art scene is a self-guided tour that can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, car, or public transportation.
The tour showcases both new and existing public art, including works from the City’s Public Art Program and the Civic Collection. The Arts Walk spans a variety of locations across Kingston, from the waterfront at Lake Ontario Park to Douglas Fluhrer Park, the downtown core, Williamsville, and even suburban and rural areas like the INVISTA Centre and YGK Airport. It's a great way to experience the city's artistic landscape. Learn more and find the locations on the Arts Walk map. You can also find printed Arts Walk postcards at City Hall.
Take a stroll over to Martello Alley and enjoy the outdoor exhibit in downtown. Martello Alley is an art-themed historic alley in downtown Kingston. Representing numerous artists, Martello Alley is a gallery where you can find original and printed artwork as well as a place to meet the artists and see their work in progress. This is an artist collective with a common interest in bringing great art at great value to residents and visitors to Kingston in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Gunguo Art & History Farm, located at 1414 Unity Rd. in Glenburnie, is a unique cultural destination that combines art and history on a historic 100-acre farmstead. Founded by Gillian Kupakuwana and William Suk, the farm showcases a vast collection of African gemstone sculptures, primarily from Zimbabwe, alongside Canadian artworks. Visitors can explore over two kilometres of sculpture trails featuring diverse pieces, from large figurative works to abstract forms, all set against the picturesque backdrop of a traditional Canadian farm. The farm also offers guided tours, carving workshops with award-winning Zimbabwean sculptor Stanley Mutanga, and opportunities to meet the artists. Open by appointment only, Gunguo Art & History Farm provides an immersive experience that celebrates the fusion of African and Canadian art in a serene rural setting. Book a sculpture experience.
1000 Islands Gananoque
The Gananoque Arts Network (GAN) is a dynamic and inclusive community organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in Gananoque. The group is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive space for artists and art enthusiasts of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, ability, gender, or sexual orientation. Committed to nurturing creativity and expression, GAN offers a variety of opportunities for individuals to engage with the local arts scene.
GAN hosts workshops, studio tours, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives such as Ontario Culture Days in late summer. The network also welcomes artists and supporters as members, offering an annual membership that includes access to exclusive updates through their mailing list.
Visitors can also explore the Noel Bullock Gallery, named after the late Noel Bullock, a dynamic and versatile artist whose career spanned from 1971 to 2021. Renowned for his large-scale outdoor sculptures and installations, Bullock created iconic works such as The First Ship in Kingston and Slap Shot in Virginia Beach. As a founding member of GAN, his legacy lives on through The Industrialist, currently on display at the gallery. His internationally recognized works have been exhibited in Canada, the U.S., Cuba, Scotland, Wales, Italy, and Grenada, where he created his final pieces.
Watch the Gananoque Arts Network Facebook page for more info on upcoming events.
Brockville
In Brockville, the arts scene is as much about storytelling as it is about visual impact.
A walk through the downtown core reveals a mix of galleries, artisan shops and public art, making it easy to turn a simple stroll into a full cultural outing. Start on King Street West, where independent shops and small galleries line the main strip, then head south toward the waterfront, passing public art and stopping at the Brockville Arts Hub before continuing to the St. Lawrence River.
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1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
North of Brockville is where art and landscape come together at the AOG Art Trail, a self-guided experience that connects visitors with local artists, studios and gardens across the region.
The trail encourages a slower pace, with stops that range from working artist studios to curated outdoor spaces, offering a mix of visual art, natural beauty and rural charm. It’s an easy way to build a day trip around discovery, with each stop offering something a little different.
Like many seasonal experiences, details and participating locations can vary, so it’s worth checking ahead before planning your route.
Communities like Kemptville and the surrounding rural areas offer a quieter, more intimate arts experience, where studios and small galleries provide a direct connection to the artists themselves.
Events like Art in the Yard, a grassroots annual show and sale along Kemptville Creek, highlight the depth of local talent and bring together artists working across a range of mediums, from painting and woodwork to fibre art and photography.
Beyond formal gallery spaces, creativity shows up in unexpected places, from cafés and public buildings to seasonal exhibits and workshops, giving visitors a chance to experience art as part of everyday community life.
Often referred to as one of Ontario’s most artistic villages, Merrickville has built a reputation around its concentration of working studios, galleries and artisan shops.
A walk along St. Lawrence Street and the surrounding downtown core reveals everything from fine art and sculpture to handcrafted goods, with many artists working on-site. It’s an easy place to spend an afternoon moving from studio to studio, with the added backdrop of the Rideau Canal and the village’s historic streetscape.
The Merrickville Arts Guild (MAG) brings together local artists from various disciplines, offering them a platform to showcase their talents, and is dedicated to promoting the arts and supporting the creative community in the region.
From painting and photography to pottery, woodturning, and jewelry making, the guild celebrates a wide range of artistic expressions. Throughout the year, MAG hosts engaging events such as studio tours and workshops, providing visitors with the chance to interact with artists and purchase original works directly from the creators.
One of the most popular events is the annual Studio Tour in late summer, where artists open their doors to the public, allowing them to get an inside look at the creative process and explore the vibrant arts scene in Merrickville.
For more information, visit www.mag-artists.ca or follow them on social media, where they post about upcoming events.
Check out these Gardens Adventures in Rideau 1000 Islands waterways that feature art installations:
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Cornwall
Further east, Cornwall and the surrounding Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry region offer a blend of heritage and contemporary art experiences.
The Cline House Gallery in Cornwall showcases work from local and regional artists, with exhibitions that reflect both traditional and modern influences. The gallery is known for its welcoming atmosphere and connection to the community.
Visitors can also explore a variety of cultural centres and creative spaces throughout the region, many of which offer workshops and interactive programming.
Prescott - Russell
Vankleek Hill is where you will find Arbor Gallery, which offers a unique art experience you won’t want to miss. Located at 103 High St., this non-profit cultural hub has been a cornerstone of the community since 1994, offering a dynamic space that supports local artists and their craft. Whether it’s visual art, handmade crafts, or captivating performances, Arbor Gallery invites you to experience creativity in an intimate, welcoming setting. Each exhibit is a chance to explore something fresh, with works that push the boundaries of traditional art. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 4 pm, with free admission (donations always appreciated). So, if you're looking to immerse yourself in art with a personal touch, take a stroll over to Arbor Gallery, where the art is as local as it is inspiring. Keep an eye out for coming events.
South Eastern Ontario is brimming with creative energy, and each of these destinations offers something unique: an opportunity to see, hear, and even create something truly special. So, why not plan your next artistic adventure? There’s no better way to connect with a community than through its art.
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