Things are hopping at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, with exhibitions and events throughout July.
The community art hub of the community will be bustling with activities inside the galleries, on the outdoor grounds and even virtually.
The month kicks off with the opening of a solo exhibit by Robert Crosby titled “Old & New.”
The collection features hyper-realistic, acrylic paintings of what he sees around him.
Reflecting on the fast-paced world, he says “we forget about things that at one time were important to us. It is not just about surviving in this high-tech world. Look around, slow down and enjoy your surroundings.”
The artist hopes viewers of his work derive a feeling of “calm and recollection from pleasant memories from their past.”
“By simply looking around, even the old things we ignore have craftsmanship and beauty,” he said.
Visitors can meet the artist at a reception on Sunday, July 3, from 2 to 4 p.m.
The show runs through July 26 in the Joyner Gallery.
On July 1, residents and guests can join in the Canada Day Scavenger Hunt hosted by the NOTL Arts Collective.
The entry form with the rules and instructions to play can be downloaded from the collective’s website, notlartscollective.ca or picked up from any of its six member galleries, including the Pumphouse.
All entry forms with correct answers will be entered into a draw on July 2 for a chance to win prizes.
A draw also will be held at the Pumphouse on Canada Day, for a chance to win an original artwork by Niagara-on-the-Lake artist and member, Sharon Frayne.
Now on its second year, the raffle, hosted by Peter Domarchuk, aims to promote visual arts in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Entry forms are now available in the Walker Gallery.
The Pumphouse will be open July 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on July 2 and 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
July events continue with the opening of the online version of Art at the Pumphouse on July 9.
The virtual version of this popular juried art show and sale will be available for viewing through Aug. 9 at the niagarapumphouse.ca/events website.
The event includes the works of more 50 artists and artisans, and features paintings, photography, sculpture, jewellery and more.
The much-awaited, in-person Art at the Pumphouse returns this year and will be held on July 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More details will be available soon.
The Pumphouse also will join in the Year of the Garden celebrations as one of the stops on the NOTL Horticultural Society’s Garden Tours on July 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The grounds will be the venue for a plein-air event where tour guests get a glimpse of art being created outdoors.
After enjoying the outdoors, guests can view the July exhibitions, including the garden-themed art by Pumphouse members in the Walker Gallery and works by the plein-air artists.
For more information, go to niagarapumphouse.ca.