The Barrie Art Club is a cornerstone of the visual art scene in Barrie, fostering creativity and nurturing the talents of local artists for the last 75 years. Founded in 1949, the club has grown from a small gathering of passionate individuals to a vibrant community of artists.
We recently had the chance to sit down with some Club members to talk about the last 75 years of history, how the Barrie Art Club became the artistic hub it is today!
Origins and Early History: The Birth of the Barrie Art Club
In 1949, a small group of six local artists recognized the need for a more formalized art community in Barrie. Among them was Lou Beaver, the Club’s first president, who played an essential role in establishing the Club as a gathering space for artists to meet, share ideas, and show others their work.
While the club's early meetings and activities were informal, it soon became clear that bringing artists of all levels together was a powerful tool for individual growth. The first meetings were held in members' homes and rented spaces around Barrie, and focused on discussions, sketching, and socializing, fostering an environment where artists could share their work and learn from each other. The Barrie Art Club provided that essential space for artistic collaboration, connection, mentorship, and progress – and quickly became a gathering hub for creative minds in our region.
Growth and Formalization: 1970s - 1980s
As the Barrie Art Club’s reputation grew, so did its membership. The club’s activities expanded beyond informal meetings, and by the 1970s, the organization became a well-established entity within the community. It was during this time that the Barrie Art Club began to host its first public art shows and exhibitions, where the Club's members started showcasing their work at local events, attracting the attention of art lovers from across the region.
One of the Club’s most significant contributions to Barrie at this time was its role in the creation of the Huronia Festival of Arts and Crafts in the early 1970s. Originally held at Formosa Spring Brewery, the festival later expanded to Centennial Beach and evolved into what is now known as Kempenfest, one of North America’s largest outdoor arts, crafts, and music festivals. Kempenfest now not only provides financial support for the Club, but also serves as an incredible platform for emerging artists to gain exposure.
"Kempenfest is more than just a festival for us," a member shared. "It’s a way to bring 200,000 people into Barrie, connect them with local artists, and foster a greater appreciation for artistic work."
The 1980s saw the Barrie Art Club formalize its structure. They established a regular meeting schedule, created membership guidelines, and began offering more structured programs for artists at various skill levels. It was also during this time that the Club began to hold outdoor painting events and workshops, encouraging artists to hone their craft in different settings and publicly share not just their finished work, but how they work at the same time.
Expanding Artistic Horizons: 1990s - 2000s
By the 1990s, the Barrie Art Club had established itself as a key cultural institution in the city. The Club's members represented a wide range of artistic styles, from traditional oil painting to contemporary abstract work, and they began to host more diverse exhibitions, showcasing everything from watercolor pieces to sculpture.
During this time, the Barrie Art Club also became more involved in community outreach. They collaborated with schools, senior centres, and local organizations, sharing their artistic knowledge with people of all ages and abilities. Workshops and art classes became a regular offering, giving individuals the opportunity to develop their artistic skills and connect with like-minded people.
Today: A Thriving Artistic Community, Looking to the Future
Seventy-five years since its founding, the Barrie Art Club remains a vital part of the arts scene across Simcoe County. The Club continues to offer workshops, exhibits, and educational opportunities for artists of all skill levels. Now also known for their mentorship, training, and art-centred events, The Barrie Art Club continues to work to maintain their welcoming and interactive environment.
"Being an artist can be so isolating," one member noted. "The Club gave me a place to belong, where I could meet like-minded people and grow."
The Club’s relationship with local organizations – such as the City’s Parkview Centre and The Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County – highlights its role in making art accessible to the public, especially to those who may not traditionally have the opportunity to engage with it. Through these partnerships, the club hosts workshops that are open to everyone, fostering a sense of belonging and support for individuals of all ages and abilities.
As new technologies and artistic trends emerge, the Barrie Art Club has expanded its community impact through online initiatives, offering virtual workshops and creating virtual spaces for artists to connect. This was especially important during the early 2020s, when online connection was often all that was available. Now, the Club’s online Art Journaling Group brings together participants from across Canada and the U.S. Looking to the future, Club members are working together to address the growing need for space, and further develop their online presence to engage artists from even more diverse communities.
"We’ve worked hard to evolve and provide opportunities for all artists, from beginners to professionals," a club leader emphasized. "And as we look toward our centennial, we’re excited to see how we can further strengthen our community."
Celebrating 75 Years
As the Barrie Art Club celebrates its 75th anniversary, they have an exciting series of events planned to commemorate their rich history and continued impact on the community. A special Gala and Art Blast events are set to showcase the club’s growth and achievements, while raising funds to support future initiatives. The Club’s future is bright, with plans to expand its educational outreach and further establish itself as a leading creative institution in Barrie and beyond.
The Barrie Art Club is not just an organization; it’s a community. A community where creativity, collaboration, and artistic expression are celebrated. As it continues to evolve, the Barrie Art Club stands as a testament to the power of art to bring people together, create lasting connections, and enrich the cultural fabric of Barrie.
Special thanks to:
- Sheila Romard – President
- Lorraine Maher – Past President
- Diane Fitzgerald – BAC Publicity
- Joel Perron – BAC Member
for sitting down to chat with Creative Barrie about the Barrie Art Club’s past, present, and future.
To learn more about the Barrie Art Club, please visit https://barrieartclub.wildapricot.org/
To learn more about their 75th Anniversary Gala, please visit: https://barrieartclub.wildapricot.org/75th-Anniversary-Gala
To learn more about the upcoming Art Blast event, please visit: https://barrieartclub.wildapricot.org/Art-Blast