A stone’s throw from the border, locals and U.S. tourists got an intimate look at Canadian creativity this weekend at the annual Art at the Pumphouse market.
The Pumphouse Arts Centre hosted more than 50 artists and artisans selling everything from oil paintings to handmade jewellery. While some artists said foot traffic was slower than they hoped, many first-timers are excited to come back next year.
Melissa Johnson, a Toronto-based gemstone jeweller, expressed the importance of supporting Canadian artists during these economically uncertain times, brought on by U.S. President Donald Trump’s rising tariffs against Canada — on Aug. 1, tariffs went up to 35 per cent on select Canadian exports.
“I think we have such amazing talent here in Canada, and I think it’s important that we share it, appreciate it and support it because unfortunately, if you’re not supporting it, artisans aren’t able to continue doing what they do,” said Johnson.
Johnson said all visitors, including U.S. tourists, have been lovely and supportive of the artists.
Pumphouse communications manager Aimee Medine said proceeds from the weekend market will support the Pumphouse’s CARE project, which brings art classes to long-term care homes in the area.
“This is one of our major fundraisers, so this event supports programs we deliver from kids to seniors,” said Medine.
Proceeds will also go towards free spots in summer art camps for kids, online art tutorials for families and scholarship programs.
“We thank everyone who attended, and we hope to keep this going,” said Medine.
Some artists said sales didn’t justify the travel.
Several vendors, some of whom attended Artistry by the Lake in July at Queen’s Royal Park, suggested the Pumphouse’s less central location may have affected turnout and said another location next year may increase visibility.
Niagara-based painter Julie Forrester Clark said the weekend was still a valuable opportunity for collaboration and community engagement.
“There are lots of really good, talented, amazing artists here and we all need to help support each other,” said Clark.
Clark is a member of the NOTL Arts Collective, which is currently seeking a more permanent venue after losing its space at Château des Charmes.
“There are so many artists in Niagara-on-the-Lake. We’re not just the Shaw Festival and an ice cream shop,” she said.
Toronto oil painter Leslie Parker said this was her first time at the event and was pleased by the venue and turnout.
“The whole setup is amazing, and I have this wonderful water view and music and so many nice people are coming through,” said Parker.
Donna Voisin, a landscape oil painter, had an emotional weekend after meeting her first customer again, who purchased a second piece from her booth.
“She was my very first purchase ever at an outdoor show last year and she came back… that one actually made me tear up because I’ve never had anybody come back to a show to buy more art” said Voisin.
Voisin also held a draw to raise funds for a friend battling illness, donating prints of a painting she made in her honour.
