As spring stretches into summer, the cultural heartbeat of Waterloo Region and Wellington County picks up — like a jazz trio after their third espresso. Galleries open their doors, performers hit the streets, and creatives bring a kaleidoscope of colour to our communities. Whether you’re an art collector or just here for the sunshine and snacks, 2025 is shaping up to be a brilliant year to explore your creative side.
Waterloo
In Waterloo, the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery invites you to get your hands dirty — in the most elegant way. Weekly Claytime and Glasstime workshops welcome all ages to sculpt, spin, or joyfully smoosh through hands-on sessions. For something extra fun, Pottery Prints & Prosecco pairs mud with mimosas in the most civilized way possible.
Nearby, the Waterloo Art Market series transforms an Edison-lit square into an outdoor gallery all summer. And at the Jazz Room inside the Huther Hotel, world-class musicians keep the rhythm alive Thursday through Sunday until the end of June.
Kitchener
In Kitchener, artist Melissa Fitzgerald recently wowed with her solo exhibition at the Berlin Tower Gallery in City Hall. Her earthy watercolours, detailed sketches, and handmade jewelry (like my treasured B52s pendant) are unforgettable. Don’t miss the Spring Breeze Clothesline Art Sale on May 23 at Homer Watson Gallery — an open-air show where you can scoop up original works at every price point.
Guelph
In Guelph, art spills into parks, alleyways, and every charming corner. The Art Gallery of Guelph is currently alive with Entrelazados by Justin Favela — a bold, vibrant exploration of identity and tradition. Around town, you’ll find rock dot-painting workshops, textile collage classes, and peaceful guided painting sessions. And when Art on the Street hits downtown in June, the whole city transforms into one giant, open-air gallery — minus the paint stains.
Cambridge
Cambridge is turning up the volume on creativity. The Cambridge Art Attic returns in June, packed with unique finds — from handmade crafts to one-of-a-kind artwork. Then there’s the Cambridge Celebration of the Arts, where the whole city becomes a stage. Expect live jazz, drag bingo, and enough community spirit to make you want to dance in the street (and you might).
Elora
Craving a quieter vibe? Head to Elora, where creativity and nature go hand in hand. The Elora Plein Air Festival lets you watch artists bring their visions to life outdoors, and the Elora Sculpture Project surprises with public art popping up in unexpected places.
This season is bursting with gallery talks, pop-ups, and workshops. We’re proud to celebrate this vibrant blend of art, design, and community — and can’t wait to see what you discover.
Helen Fidler seeks to create beautiful spaces that evoke strong emotions in her audience. Her bold and unique visual vocabulary observes her favourite artists and architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Jackson Pollock. She free-flows from surrealism into an unrestrained abstract style when she paints, which carries over into her interiors when decorating clients’ homes. “My art is an expression of how I work through the troublesome realities of this world in a way that hopes to bring beauty to everything I touch,” she explains. For her, designing gorgeous interiors and creating stimulating paintings are essential to making the world around her a more beautiful space.
