Pat Stanley and Rod BergeronCOLBORNE – The Colborne Art Gallery is comprised of a group of visual artists working together to present eight shows each year in a charming heritage building on the main street of Colborne, Ontario.

A recent press release announces that this artists’ collective is currently inviting applications from both established and emerging visual artists in a variety of media to join the team.

Along with the opportunity to display one's work on a regular basis, membership has such privileges as the fellowship of other artists and the opportunity to share ideas and opportunities for growth.

It's a diverse group in terms of both media and life situations. Some members devote all their time to their art, while some continue to (as they say) keep their day jobs — current members include teachers and a stay-at-home mom with young children.

Some engage themselves completely with the Colborne Art Gallery, while others are involved with a variety of shows and galleries.

All find that their gallery membership provides the stimulus that brings out the best in their art.

The press release included a number of comments from members on what it means to them:

• “I am pushed to create work that is outside of my norms, looking at things in a new way and expanding my creative horizons. I enjoy being with a wide range of creative people who all look at the world with different lenses and explore it with varied media.”

• “As a member of the Colborne Art Gallery I am involved in keeping the public interested in the Arts which is important to me.”

• “Our creativity grows with our friendships, and it is rewarding to be able to reach out to the public and share our love of what we do.”

• “The members of the gallery 'get' me, and they understand my art obsession — as I do theirs. We watch and help each other develop over time, as well as sharing the work it takes to keep the gallery running. I have grown in unexpected ways because of these dynamics!”

Applications are being welcomed from makers of fine craft, fibre and mixed-media artists, painters, photographers, sculptors, print makers and other visual artists.

If you or someone you know is ready for new challenges and opportunities as a visual artist, visit www.thecolborneartgallery.ca for membership application details. Enquiries can also be directed to or 905-355-1798.

By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland Today