When you travel to romantic and exotic cities, is the art museum on your list of “must do” activities? In Waterloo Region creative talent has made us a centre of excellence for the tech industry, and we are fortunate to have three major art galleries which are also centres of excellence for the art world. Be a tourist in your own town. Put a visit to our galleries on your planning calendar for January. And the best part is, admission to the exhibits is always FREE!
You won’t be disappointed.
Cambridge Art Galleries
Embraced by the public library, these galleries are very accessible. From January 24 to April 29, artist Cal Lane is featured at the Queen’s Square Gallery with “Industrial Intimacies”. Her tapestries, cut into large steel and iron structures, are sensual, alluring and deeply effeminate.
Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery
If Kitchener is closer to home, get a taste of young emerging artists. From January 24 to February 22 “Creative Expressions” will be on display. Over 150 local school board and home-schooled students from JK through Grade 12, and KWAG’s Youth Council, will be showcased alongside objects from the gallery’s permanent collection. This year’s theme is “Forging a New Path” and the works explore intergenerational connectedness as a force for building sustainable futures. Sure to be a hopeful experience for visitors of all ages.
Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery
Right on the Ion line for you straphangers! A national gallery right here in Waterloo and occupying the same street corner as other stunning architectural gems such as the PerimeterInstitute. Who knew? Most visitors discover this gallery via the amazing gift shop, (All Canadian, by the way!) but the exhibit opening on January 17 will expand your eco-
consciousness beyond gift-giving. With “Frogs Return” artist Melanie Barnett builds imaginative environments that mirror our own. In her re-envisioned ceramic landscapes, frogs evolve into new forms, traces of our agricultural past resurface, and we are invited to see ourselves reflected in the wild, beautiful chaos of nature. We can all use a little frog song in January, right?
https://www.theclayandglass.ca/
Art making for All Ages
In our DYI world, the best news is that all these beautiful galleries also offer interactive art-making opportunities for both children and adults. Visit the websites for full details, but here’s a taste:
- Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery PD Day Camp, Friday, 16 January 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., $60.00
- Queens Square Cambridge Gallery – Art Cart for All Ages, Tuesday, 13 January 2026, 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Drop In – No registration required.
- Clay & Glass Gallery Free Kids Craft Every Saturday & Sunday 1-4PM. Each week features a new art activity inspired by the exhibitions on display. Projects include air-dry clay, painting, collage, plasticine, colouring, and even activities in our community garden!
So easy for you and your family to stretch your creativity muscles in a community art gallery wherever you live in Waterloo Region. It’s there for you!
