The Ins and Outs of Niagara’s Art Scene: 4 Studios to Visit

The natural beauty of Niagara attracts all types of people. Tourists come to snap pictures and take advantage of every attraction and entertainment in the region. They come to overwhelm their senses with the sights and sounds of a one-of-a-kind place. And, artists come to capture the landscapes and become inspired by the wondrous power of nature.

Though many visitors to the region may not realize, Niagara is truly a Canadian hub for everything related to art. Professional artists from around the world flock to the Falls and forests to experience the beauty, and local galleries showcase their masterpieces all over the city. If you are looking for a heaping dose of culture on your Niagara Falls vacation, check out these top studios and galleries for the best artistic creations north of the border.

1. South Niagara Artists

This group of artists is as diverse as it is talented. Painters, illustrators, sculptors, woodworkers, and more share a huge studio space in the south of Niagara Falls, creating striking and unique works guaranteed to catch your eye. The artists who work among South Niagara Artists display their works in galleries around the city, but you can also catch a glimpse of their projects right in their studio during one of the two yearly studio tours in summer and fall. If your trip misses these tours and you are still eager to see the artists’ works, you can contact artists directly to schedule a viewing or visit any of the other galleries around the city displaying their work.

2. Ninavik Native Arts

If you are more interested in native arts, this gallery in scenic Jordan includes art created by individuals from native groups throughout Canada. Sculptures and paintings exhibited in this gallery contain images with significance within various native beliefs, and the works tend to have greater spiritual meaning than other art you may see. Most of the works are available for purchase, so if you happen to connect with an artist’s work, you will be able to take it home with you.

3. Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre

Housed in what is the oldest standing pumphouse in the province, this gallery is exceedingly proud of its collection of works as well as its efforts to encourage artists and educate the community about the importance of art. The Niagara Pumphouse prefers to collect an assortment of artists and media to fully expose visitors and locals to Niagara art, which means you’ll see everything from fibers work (tapestries, quilts, etc.) to photographs. Additionally, you may be able to catch a class or workshop to learn even more about viewing and making art.

4. Grimsby Art Gallery

Finally, travelers with more contemporary tastes should head to a gallery space attached to the local library, where the region’s most modern artists showcase their work. Along with a carefully curated permanent collection, this gallery presents rotating exhibitions of various artists with myriad themes and messages. You can stand in awe of gigantic colored canvases or observe the minute detail on tiny sculptured figurines. Grimsby also provides classes and programs for visitors, and the gallery offers many books on understanding and respecting art.

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