MacLaren Art Centre

08/28/2026

Join us Thursday, September 24 for Death Café, a unique gathering that creates space for open, meaningful conversations about death. 💀🩷

Led by Tracy Lavigne, a Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Consultant with The North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network, the evening will begin with a short tour of Peyton Keeler-Cox’s exhibition 𝑄𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑀𝑒, followed by a facilitated discussion in the PIE Education Centre.

🌿Thursday, September 24
🌿6–7:30 PM
🌿Adults 18+
🌿Free; Registration is encouraged but not required.

08/27/2026

Summer wedding season may be slowly coming to an end, but we're taking a look back at some of the beautiful celebrations we've hosted at the Gallery this year! 🤍

Sofia and Waylon's wedding highlighted timeless romance within the Gallery's stunning surroundings, creating a celebration that was beautiful and memorable. 💌

From intimate ceremonies to unforgettable receptions, the MacLaren makes a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your special day. Click the link in our bio to learn more about planning your special day at the MacLaren.

Photos: Rachael Scarpelli Photography

08/26/2026

Our Family Sunday program returns September 13, and we’re thrilled to welcome families back to the MacLaren for another season of art-making and learning. 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒🖍️

🔔 Be sure to join us on September 13 and September 20 for a special 40th Anniversary project inspired by our theme: “I Heart MacLaren!” Families will create artwork celebrating what the MacLaren means to them, with the chance for their creations to become part of a special community exhibition celebrating the Gallery’s 40th Anniversary this fall. 🫶

Bring the whole family, spend your Sunday afternoons with us, and create memories together!

08/25/2026

Culture Days are back at the MacLaren from September 18-October 4, 2026! 🩷🧡💛

We have a stacked lineup of free programming for all ages, including Doors Open MacLaren, talks with exhibiting artists Christina Leslie and Michelle Sound, plus our 40th Anniversary Open House.

➡️ Under the Same Sky: Artist Talk with Michelle Sound: September 18, 2026
➡️ Healing in Colour: A Community Art Workshop on Black Health: September 19–29, 2026 with Making Change
➡️ Death Café: September 24, 2026
➡️ Doors Open at MacLaren!: September 26, 2026
➡️ MacLaren Celebrates: Music and Memories: October 1, 2026
➡️ 40th Anniversary Open House: October 3, 2026
➡️ Exploring 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑙𝑏𝑢𝑚: Artist Talk with Christina Leslie: October 4, 2026

There's more to discover. Head to the link in our bio to join us for one or all of these great activities!

Slide 3: Install shot of Christina Leslie's 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑙𝑏𝑢𝑚 by LF Documentation

08/24/2026

It’s the last week of Summer Camp already, and we can hardly believe how quickly the weeks have flown by! ☀️

Our final camp was Fantastic Worlds, an exploration of creatures, heroes, sidekicks, magical beings, and villains. Between sculpting, painting, and crafting, our campers brought their own fantastic worlds to life, spent time outside in the summer sun, and made plenty of new friends along the way. 👽🦸

We’ve had such a wonderful summer at the MacLaren, and we want to extend a special thank you to our incredible instructors, campers, and special guests who made each week so memorable. From fun art to new friendships, every day was filled with art, laughter, and imagination.

Thank you for spending your summer with us! 🤍

08/21/2026

Visitors to the Gallery have been fascinated by Christina Leslie’s solo exhibition, 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑙𝑏𝑢𝑚, which explores how family archives take shape and preserve histories, despite being marked by absence as much as presence. 🎞️

Join Christina for a look inside her practice and exhibition, which brings together family photographs, recorded conversations, and video works. This special talk is not to be missed! 📷

📍 Sunday, October 4, 2026
📍 2:00 to 3:00 pm
📍 MacLaren Art Centre
Admission is free, registration is encouraged.

Image credit: Christina Leslie, 2026, 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑙𝑏𝑢𝑚: 𝑚𝑒𝑒𝑡 & 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑡, Photography. Courtesy of the artist and Stephen Bulger Gallery.

08/20/2026

Join us for our last Courtyard Concert session this Sunday! 🤍

Well… looks like I’m making a little comeback. 🎶✨

I’m excited to be playing in Barrie for the first time in a long time at the MacLaren Art Centre as part of Courtyard Concerts, Presented by Canada's Music Incubator!

Come hang out from 12-2pm THIS SUNDAY. Enjoy some live music, and soak up the summer with us. And the best part..it’s FREE! 🙌

Would love to see you there. ❤️

Courtyard Concerts is made possible thanks to the generous support of Ontario Creates
Ontario Creates Canada's Music Incubator

08/19/2026

🍁 Our Fall programming is NOW LIVE! 🍁

Ready to get creative this fall? Registration is officially open for our new lineup of adult, youth, and children’s classes at the MacLaren! There’s something here for everyone. Explore a variety of hands-on art programs, including new offerings and returning favourites for artists of all ages and experience levels. ✏️🤍

Browse the full lineup and register through our website. We’ll see you at the MacLaren this fall! 🎨

08/18/2026

🚨 It's official: Save the Date for November 13, 2026, when OFF THE HOOK Silent Art Auction returns! 🚨

We'll be sharing more info soon, but for now, mark your calendars for another fantastic night of art, community, delicious eats, and friendly bidding in support of the MacLaren's exhibitions and educational programs. 📩

We can't wait! 🎉

📸 Photos by Jennifer Klementti

08/17/2026

What's better than a gallery? A mini gallery, of course! 🖼️

Last week's is all about Mini Creations! Led by Tessa Deneumoustier, our campers spent the week thinking small and creating mini-everything, from tiny foods and pets to miniature paintings. They brought it all together in their very own mini galleries, inspired by the art and exhibitions around them.

We loved seeing their creativity take over the Gallery all week! 💛

This week marks the final week of Summer Camp. Stay tuned to see what our campers create next. 👀