Adam Wiebe is a Brock University Fine Arts student and emerging artist in the Niagara region. Being born in St. Catharines has meant his exposure to the artistic world has largely been in a local cont... Adam Wiebe is a Brock University Fine Arts student and emerging artist in the Niagara region. Being born in St. Catharines has meant his exposure to the artistic world has largely been in a local context, largely involved in the artistic community of Niagara. Through vibrant colours and elaborate compositions, his work attempts to combine childlike wonder with thoughtful subject matter. Adam has been active in Niagara by running workshops, participating in exhibitions, and working at the RAiN Art Gallery in downtown St. Catharines. Read more

Educated in visual arts, art history, and museum & gallery management, Alexandra is a mother, vegetarian, and environmental advocate. Her work is shaped by feminist writing, long hikes, and the playfu... Educated in visual arts, art history, and museum & gallery management, Alexandra is a mother, vegetarian, and environmental advocate. Her work is shaped by feminist writing, long hikes, and the playful aesthetics of fairy-core and witch-core. Read more

Anja Steensma is a Canadian artist based in St. Catharines, Ontario, known for her acrylic paintings that blend realism with abstract elements. Her work often explores the contrast between manmade urb... Anja Steensma is a Canadian artist based in St. Catharines, Ontario, known for her acrylic paintings that blend realism with abstract elements. Her work often explores the contrast between manmade urban structures and organic natural forms, appealing to collectors of contemporary Canadian art. A former Interior Designer, Steensma is a self-taught painter and has exhibited at institutions including the Grimsby Public Art Gallery, the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, St, Catharines City Hall andthe Rodman Art Institute of Niagara. Her paintings are held in private collections and reflect athoughtful, design-forward approach to urban landscape painting. Read more

AnnMarie is an emerging visual artist working primarily in acrylics. Her work is deeply inspired by nature, with a particular passion for birds. Through a delicate balance of realism and artistic expr... AnnMarie is an emerging visual artist working primarily in acrylics. Her work is deeply inspired by nature, with a particular passion for birds. Through a delicate balance of realism and artistic expression, she captures their quiet grace and beauty- inviting the viewer into a gentle moment of calm suspended on soft, fragile feathers. AnnMarie works from her home studio based here in the Niagara Region. Read more

I was born and raised in Welland Ontario. As a kid I was into creative things like drawing, music & skateboarding. A friend of mine introduced me to photography when he did a photo shoot for the band ... I was born and raised in Welland Ontario. As a kid I was into creative things like drawing, music & skateboarding. A friend of mine introduced me to photography when he did a photo shoot for the band I was playing in. Shortly after that I picked up my father's 35mm Minolta, made my first print in the darkroom and was hooked! That was 1997 and it’s been a creative passion in my life ever since. Photography to me is such a great means of expression. It's the exploration of your vision and ideas mixed with light, composition, storytelling, technique & sometimes luck. When these elements come together it can feel like magic. It’s addicting. I love how with camera in hand, you see and appreciate the world in a whole new way. Read more

Deborah Woodbridge is a painter, sculptor and installation artist based in Welland, Ontario, Canada. Exhibiting in solo and group shows, she has shown in galleries, museums and universities internatio... Deborah Woodbridge is a painter, sculptor and installation artist based in Welland, Ontario, Canada. Exhibiting in solo and group shows, she has shown in galleries, museums and universities internationally. Her painting is the abstract expression of nature and science. Subjects range from the fanciful, to issues of environment and man's interaction with the elements. Graphic images are produced in a variety of mediums, then embellished with metallic pen and gold-leaf. The metals represent life force, the connectivity of forms in nature and science. Upon viewing her work , Deborah hopes the viewer comes away with a greater appreciation of the beauty and significance of her work’s subjects. Read more

Diane Beard is a photographer who manipulates images to have a surreal quality. She is the widow of artist Ross Beard and describes her artwork as a means of survival. Diane's sense of colour and form... Diane Beard is a photographer who manipulates images to have a surreal quality. She is the widow of artist Ross Beard and describes her artwork as a means of survival. Diane's sense of colour and form transcends a simple mundane scene into something abstract and at times unrecognizable as away of expressing her feelings and emotions. Read more

Elaine is a self taught, continually evolving artist. Her work includes abstract watercolour inks and dip pen ink sketching. The merging of these two mediums caters to a love of brilliant colour and t... Elaine is a self taught, continually evolving artist. Her work includes abstract watercolour inks and dip pen ink sketching. The merging of these two mediums caters to a love of brilliant colour and the boldness of dip pen ink sketching using black India ink. Her hope is to inspire, intrigue and delight the viewer. Read more

I am a self-taught abstract expressionist and mixed media artist, originally from Belarus and now live in Welland, Ontario. After more than 26 years in Canada, I transitioned from a successful banking... I am a self-taught abstract expressionist and mixed media artist, originally from Belarus and now live in Welland, Ontario. After more than 26 years in Canada, I transitioned from a successful banking career to follow my passion for art full-time. With a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, I bring a thoughtful perspective to my practice, exploring acrylics, mixed media, and water colours with spontaneity and boldness. My paintings are inspired by music, nature, art, and life experience, seeking harmony through colours, contrast, and forms. Over the years, I have exhibited in solo shows at the Lithuanian House in Toronto, taken part in 33th to 43th McMaster University’s “Art In A Workplace” exhibitions, and was honoured as a finalist in the 2025 Global Art League competition in Montreal. Recently I had solo exhibition in Welland Community Centre. I an also an active member of the Visual Artist Of Welland and St.Catharines Art Association. Read more

Jacqui is a Niagara artist who has had a love affair with "lines" since she first picked up a pencil as a child. After briefly studying design at Calvin College she continued her art education indepen... Jacqui is a Niagara artist who has had a love affair with "lines" since she first picked up a pencil as a child. After briefly studying design at Calvin College she continued her art education independently through much observation and experimentation. Her current work fuses acrylics with ink drawings. Jacqui's day job is running a specialty food business with her husband, John. Her art can be seen attheir quaint boutique style store, The European Pantry. Jacqui is also very involved in her community. She has sat on the downtown Welland BIA. She is a member of a local amateur art group. As co-chair of her church's building committee she currently is overseeing the building of anew meeting place to replace the building lost in a fire in 2019. In early 2025, Jacqui was one of 20 artists shortlisted in the "Drawn to Niagara" portrait contest organized by the St Catharines Federation of University Women. Jacqui has a strong social conscience that is expressed in her art. Jacqui's work is currently exhibiting on the Welland Civic Centre Art Wall Read more

Jane Marshall is a Canadian painter and glassworker, who specializes in large scale images in acrylic, expressing the interaction between human endeavour and the natural world, and the constant fricti... Jane Marshall is a Canadian painter and glassworker, who specializes in large scale images in acrylic, expressing the interaction between human endeavour and the natural world, and the constant friction between innate beauty and the constructed environment. Rather than strict representation, her work is expressionistic rendering using colour, form and contrast, delivered in a dynamic and considered manner. Travel, along with the beauty of the Niagara Region, to which she has recently returned after acareer as a visual arts educator, inspire her subject choices. Read more

Joachim Gmoser is a realist painter known for his bold use of colour and ability to bring everyday moments into vivid focus. A graduate of the Sheridan College Illustration Program, Gmoser works acros... Joachim Gmoser is a realist painter known for his bold use of colour and ability to bring everyday moments into vivid focus. A graduate of the Sheridan College Illustration Program, Gmoser works across a wide range of subject matter—from portraits and wildlife to fantasy, still life, and more recently, expressive landscapes. His paintings reflect a meticulous eye and a deep connection to the natural world, inviting collectors into immersive scenes filled with warmth, contrast, and clarity. Working primarily in oils and acrylics, Gmoser’s realistic style is defined by vibrant colour palettes and a striking command of light and temperature. Whether depicting a quiet forest path or a detailed portrait, his work captures both atmosphere and emotion with precision and nuance. A lifelong nature enthusiast, Joachim finds inspiration outdoors, often exploring his local environment to gather visual reference and creative energy. His evolving body of work showcases acontinued exploration of new techniques, always grounded in his dedication to craftsmanship and visual storytelling. For collectors who appreciate realism fused with imaginative energy, Gmoser’s paintings offer depth, versatility, and a strong visual presence suited for both contemporary and traditional collections. Read more

Born in 1958 in Hamilton. Lives and works in St Catharines. John is a Canadian artist whose paintings are recognized for their graphic visual impact. John is proficient in many types of media and en... Born in 1958 in Hamilton. Lives and works in St Catharines. John is a Canadian artist whose paintings are recognized for their graphic visual impact. John is proficient in many types of media and enjoys exploring the range of capability in each to suit the concepts being explored. John’s work is distinguished by innovation, quality and bold compositions, appealing to collectors who value technical mastery and innovation. Settling in St Catharines after a varied career as an Interior designer, Graphic designer, architectural model maker, manufacturing engineer, software development, entrepreneur which has taken him across North America, John has found time to focus on his artistic side. Working primarily in acrylic, John tends to focus on the abstract qualities in his images. His process is planned yet playful and experimental, resulting in work that often challenges the viewer with highly abstracted and surprising work. Over a career spanning 10 years, John has exhibited at the Mann Gallery, Niagara Pumphouse, Grimsby Art Gallery, Brock Art Gallery (VISA gallery) and won honourable mention at the Hamilton Plein Air Festival, shown at the Fonthill art festival, Oakville outdoor festival, Grimsby Art walk, the Rodman Art Institute Art Walk and the 2025 St Catharines City open call. Read more

John Zaleski was born in a German relocation camp in 1946. He traveled by boat to his new home in Montreal where his family ran a grocery store in what was then known as Goose Village. John developed ... John Zaleski was born in a German relocation camp in 1946. He traveled by boat to his new home in Montreal where his family ran a grocery store in what was then known as Goose Village. John developed a love of art at an early age and while in high school enrolled in an art correspondence course. He secured work for a large commercial art business in Montreal where he learned every aspect of the business, from commercial art production, to layouts, to burning plates for printing. Although he excelled in client sales, his passion for fine art remained. In the 1970s, John relocated to Niagara and further developed his skills in art taking several on line courses from landscapes, to portraitures, to composition. His love of Plein air painting garnered him a teaching position atNiagara College. John is currently exploring the use of colour and form to create three dimensional images on a flat surface. He is interested in the way light hits an object and how that transitions into colours and shadows to give the illusion of three dimensions. Read more

I am always excited when I have new ideas and perspectives. However, I do not seek inspiration.Whenever I open myself up, take a look around, and follow my heart, creative ideas find me. Beingable to ... I am always excited when I have new ideas and perspectives. However, I do not seek inspiration.Whenever I open myself up, take a look around, and follow my heart, creative ideas find me. Beingable to take those ideas and create with my hands and eyes is a gift that I treasure and wish toshare. My hope, as an artist, is to stimulate thoughts and emotions. I thrive when working on several projects at once - so, I continually paint with watercolours (my firstlove). I'm always creating new designs for greeting cards and prints while exploring various surfacesand techniques. For me, balancing my work, family and art is what life is about. I was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and currently reside in Welland. I'm a graduate of the Visual Art & Design Program, Niagara College. My work has been displayed at The Pelham Art Festival, Rodman Hall (Juried Show), theQueenston Art Show, the Niagara Falls Art Gallery, and Welland Historical Museum. Read more

I’m Maria Virginia, the artist behind MavisWatercolor. My work is inspired by nature and the ocean, especially whales, which have become a central theme in my art. With experience collaborating on e... I’m Maria Virginia, the artist behind MavisWatercolor. My work is inspired by nature and the ocean, especially whales, which have become a central theme in my art. With experience collaborating on environmental projects and years of teaching watercolour workshops, I use art as a way to create awareness about the sea, wildlife, and the importance of conservation. For me, painting is not only about beauty, but also about inspiring others to connect with and protect the natural world. Read more

Mark Thomas is a retired English and Philosophy teacher, and ex-member of Canada's national rowing team He is currently an artist and writer; his latest book, Next to Ewe, is available at https://www.... Mark Thomas is a retired English and Philosophy teacher, and ex-member of Canada's national rowing team He is currently an artist and writer; his latest book, Next to Ewe, is available at https://www.amazon.com/Next-Ewe-Mark-Thomas/dp/1958901970 Read more

Colours and their connection with nature are my inspiration and my healer. Painting is my meditative outlet a space where I reflect on the world as I see it and explore my place within it. Growing up ... Colours and their connection with nature are my inspiration and my healer. Painting is my meditative outlet a space where I reflect on the world as I see it and explore my place within it. Growing up inIndia, I was immersed in a rich tapestry of folk arts, which continue to influence my work. I weave these traditions into my paintings, where simple lines tell layered stories through vibrant, expressive colours. My art is a fusion of architecture, penmanship, and painting disciplines that have shaped my creative journey. Drawing from my background in architecture and visual arts, I blend acrylic and water colour techniques to create pieces that celebrate the beauty and wonder I find in the world around me. The influence of Reiki infuses my work with a deeper energy, allowing me to connect with viewers on a spiritual level. I am inspired by the vivid hues of picturesque landscapes, the freedom of travel, the grace of birdsin flight, and the delicate elegance of flowers. These elements form the foundation of my artistic language. Trees, in particular, are metaphors in my work—symbols of life, resilience, and beauty.Each brushstroke is a reflection of this philosophy: to be rooted, vibrant, and alive. Read more

Graduated (2023) from the department of General Art and Industrial Design. Auchi Polytechnic.

“No Fixed Address” confronts the growing invisibility of homelessness in contemporary urban landscapes. At first glance, the painting draws viewers into an image that feels familiar, but upon clos... “No Fixed Address” confronts the growing invisibility of homelessness in contemporary urban landscapes. At first glance, the painting draws viewers into an image that feels familiar, but upon closer inspection, the details fracture that comfort. This work captures the quiet war between public image and human presence: a tension where beautification campaigns and revitalization projects mask, rather than solve, deep social crises. The piece critiques the performative compassion often embedded in municipal responses to poverty. Fences erected around public spaces, benches engineered to prevent sleep, green spaces monitored and emptied at dawn, these are not neutral design choices. They are calculated strategies of exclusion. No Fixed Address holds a mirror to these invisible policies, rendering them visible through deliberate artistic choices. Read more

Robert “Bear” Royal is a Canadian artist, whose work invites viewers into a tactile dialogue with time, memory, and nature. Known for his striking reclaimed wood mosaics, collages, and sculptures,... Robert “Bear” Royal is a Canadian artist, whose work invites viewers into a tactile dialogue with time, memory, and nature. Known for his striking reclaimed wood mosaics, collages, and sculptures,Royal creates pieces that are as emotionally resonant as they are visually compelling. Each work isa meditation on the passage of time—captured in the worn patinas and weathered textures of salvaged wood that cannot be replicated or fabricated. Originally based on Canada’s West Coast, Royal spent two decades immersed in the world of furniture design. That experience honed his eye for balance, composition, and colour—foundational elements that now inform his art practice. Since relocating to Ontario’s Niagara Region in 2009 andsettling in Ridgeway, he has evolved into a full-time artist, with reclaimed wood becoming both his material of choice and his muse. Royal’s work is deeply personal and emotionally grounded, exploring themes of aging,impermanence, and renewal. Yet it also speaks to a broader audience, offering collectors a timeless aesthetic rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and ecological awareness. Over the past five years, Royal’s career has gained strong momentum, with more than 100 original works acquired by collectors across Canada, the United States, and Europe. His art has been featured in numerous successful exhibitions, including multiple solo shows at Mahtay Café, a juried exhibition at the Grimsby Public Art Gallery (2020), and a prize-winning appearance at the 2024 Crystal Beach Art Show. In early 2024, several pieces sold during an exhibition at the John MannGallery. Most recently, his work has been shown at the Niagara Falls Art Gallery, the NOTLContemporary Art Gallery and the White Galleon Gallery (July 2025). @bear.wood.creations Read more

(March,1953-February,2019) Local landscape artist who completed three outstanding murals 1988-89 in the city of Welland, one cherished mural in 1995 in the city of Oshawa. Ross Beard's paintings blend... (March,1953-February,2019) Local landscape artist who completed three outstanding murals 1988-89 in the city of Welland, one cherished mural in 1995 in the city of Oshawa. Ross Beard's paintings blend sentimentality, mystery, nostalgia and romance all within the framework of historical sites. All of his detailed acrylic paintings reflect a deep love and appreciation for the Niagara area. Read more

Ruth Maier is a contemporary abstract artist based in Niagara Falls. Her passion for art began in childhood while growing up in the Garden City and later expanded through formal studies at Sheridan Co... Ruth Maier is a contemporary abstract artist based in Niagara Falls. Her passion for art began in childhood while growing up in the Garden City and later expanded through formal studies at Sheridan College’s School of Crafts and Design, where she graduated as a Glass Major with a background in design and photography. Early in her career, Maier became known for her fearless use of colour in visionary florals and landscapes inspired by her local surroundings. While living in Niagara-on-the-Lake, she actively exhibited her work in art shows, galleries, and retail spaces, participated in several local art groups,and maintained her creative practice while working full-time in management and raising her family. Over the years, Maier has developed into a multi-disciplinary, award-winning artist whose practice bridges painting, design, and mixed media. Her journey has been shaped by resilience and reinvention. After a decade focused on motherhood—and overcoming the temporary loss of her sight—she returned to her art in 2024 with renewed perspective, vision, and purpose, now working from a newly renovated studio along the peaceful Niagara River. Today, her work continues to explore vibrant colour and one-of-a-kind compositions that reflect her emotional connection to colour, imagination, environment, and the rhythms of everyday life—all with a more personal narrative. Deeply conscious of environmental issues, Maier often incorporates recycled and repurposed materials into her work, reflecting her belief in creating beauty with intention and sustainability in mind. Her artwork has been collected by admirers across Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and the United States. Maier recently joined the St. Catharines Art Association, further connecting her to the thriving Niagara arts community. Read more

Smiljana Petranovic Bajic, abstract artist based in Niagara Falls, studied art in Serbia,Croatia andItaly

I’m Yenis Camargo, a Colombian painter with a background in Social Psychology. I explore variousmedia and techniques, workingon both traditional and unconventional surfaces. Through my art, Iexpress... I’m Yenis Camargo, a Colombian painter with a background in Social Psychology. I explore variousmedia and techniques, workingon both traditional and unconventional surfaces. Through my art, Iexpress emotions and a deep connection to nature. Artistic Experience in Canada: 2025: Mural Art on Welland Bell Boxes on Main Street, on the route to Walmart in Welland Artwork: “Colibri” 2025 Current Contest: Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro Box Beautification Competition 2025 Artwork: “Our Home and Native Land” 2025 Exhibition: "Unscene" at Marilyn Walker Gallery with Willow Art Community Artwork: “Catharsis” 2024 NOTL Hydro Box Beautification Competition Artwork: “Heart of the Community”- People’s Choice Award 2024: Donation for auction-Hope Transitional Homes Network Artwork: Dreams in Flight 2024: Ronald Mc Donal Family Room Artwork: Free Spirit 2024: : Exhibition: "Unscene" at Marilyn Walker Gallery with Willow Art Community Artwork: Second Chances 2024: Mural painting on Health and Accessibility Services at Niagara College Artwork: Between two lands 2023: Murals at Welland Bell Boxes and Niagara’s Church Street 2023: Participation in "Art We Surprised" category at Folk Arts Festival, St. Catharines Read more