Visual Arts Centre of Clarington

Name: Visual Arts Centre of Clarington
Address: 143 Simpson Avenue, Bowmanville, ON, L1C3K8, CA
Telephone: +19056235831
Price range: $

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Bowmanville, ON
Visual Arts Centre of Clarington

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The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington (VAC) is a non-collecting public gallery dedicated to arts education and the exhibition of contemporary art. The VAC is open to the public and free to visit. The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington has a 40-year history of providing quality exhibition and educational programming to the Clarington community and beyond.

08/29/2026

The VAC will be closed August 29 - September 14 as we refresh our space after the summer season, and prepare for the fall.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and can't wait to welcome you back on September 15!

Thank you all for a fantastic summer!

08/28/2026

It's the last day of Summer Camp at the VAC before it's over for the season. We have so many amazing people to recognize for helping make this summer happen!

We would like to express our appreciation to our wonderful summer staff. Both our Creative Programs Facilitator Rae, and our Inclusion Support Leader Shyann spent the summer creating a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience for our campers. We would not be able to hire these dedicated team members without the generous support of Young Canada Works (YCW) in Heritage Organizations/ Jeunesse Canada au Travail and Culture Works Canada (CWC) - it’s through their vital investment that we can provide meaningful programming to our Clarington community.

We’d also like to thank our additional Camp Counsellors Ella and Veronika whose enthusiasm and kindness shone through each and every day, we could not have done this summer without them!

Thank you to our amazing volunteers and Co-op students who generously volunteered their time at our summer camp and uplifted our programs.

A huge thank you to our brilliant artist instructors: Sarah MacNaughton, Hayde Esmailzadeh, Madeleine Baird, Hanna Lavoie, and Jihee Min. Each one joined us in our studio this summer and helped us create spectacular art projects each week!

Thank you to our wonderful neighbours at the Clarington Public Library () for visiting our campers with a thoughtful selection of stories and activities that matched our weekly theme. And thank you to local singer-songwriter Heather Whaley () who came by throughout the summer to share fun traditional stories and songs with our campers.

A very big thank you is deserved for our Manager of Arts Education & Public Programming, Bronwyn Gauley. Our Summer Camps would not be what they are without them. Planned and executed from start to finish, Bronwyn treats every last detail with so much dedication and care!

Finally, we would like to extend our thanks to the families that spent time at our Summer Art Camp. Thank you for supporting our programs and the arts. We hope you have a wonderful rest of your summer and to see you again soon!

08/24/2026

Are you interested in the arts? Do you have a passion for helping your community?

The VAC is currently looking for dedicated volunteers to assist with our fall programs. These volunteers will gain valuable experience working with children and youth while developing new skills in a fun, creative setting. Volunteers will play an essential role in keeping our young artists engaged and supported throughout their creative journey.

This is an excellent chance for high school or university students to earn their required volunteer hours while gaining experience in a non-profit setting. Please note that all applicants must be 14 years of age or older for consideration.

08/20/2026

We’re excited to welcome David Wigley as the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington’s new Exhibition and Event Coordinator, joining us on a one-year contract.

David brings extensive hands-on experience in exhibition production, artwork handling, and working directly with artists to bring ambitious projects to life. His professional experience includes work with The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, where he has developed expertise in museum-level artwork handling and condition reporting, exhibition installation, fabrication, packing, and the many practical details that go into preparing and presenting exhibitions and events.

David has also worked closely with artists on complex installations, helping to translate their ideas into physical exhibitions while navigating the technical and logistical challenges.

David is also an artist himself, with a creative and technical background that includes carpentry, construction, textiles, sewing, lighting, and site-specific fabrication. He brings this hands-on experience to his work with artists and exhibitions.

We’re especially excited about the combination of creative thinking, technical expertise, and care for art and artists that David brings to the position. As Exhibition and Event Coordinator, he’ll be working closely with artists and curators, coordinating exhibition installations and events, supporting artwork care and handling, and helping bring the VAC’s exhibitions, programs, and events to life.

We’re thrilled to have David joining the team and look forward to all that’s ahead.

08/15/2026

The VAC is now hiring for a Gallery Attendant! This is a great opportunity to be part of the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington team, and gain experience in a gallery setting.

The Gallery Attendant helps welcome visitors, answer questions, monitor gallery spaces, and support the care and presentation of the gallery.

If you’re passionate about art, community, and creating a welcoming experience for visitors, we’d love to hear from you!

🔗 Find more info and apply through the link in our bio!

08/13/2026

Happy 50th Anniversary to the VAC!

In August 1976, the VAC officially became part of the Clarington community. But the vision started even earlier, with a group of passionate community members who believed the arts deserved a home here.

Fifty years later, that vision continues because of the people who make the VAC what it is: artists, instructors, students, volunteers, visitors, and supporters. To everyone who has been part of our story, thank you.

If the VAC has been part of your story, consider making a donation to help us continue to keep that vision going for the next 50!

Image 1: Installation Views of Eve Tagny "Sutures," Visual Arts Centre of Clarington, 2022. Photos by Laura Findlay ().

Image 5: Installation Views of "Milestone Nerve," featuring Philip Leonard Ocampo, Andrew Harding, Yan Wen Chang, Brandon Fujimagari, and Josi Smit at the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington, 2025. Photos by Laura Findlay.

Artist Credits
Image 1: .t_eve.t
Image 4:
Image 5:

08/10/2026

The VAC is now accepting applications for our Young Canada Works internships! If you are a recent graduate, this is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and creative environment.

We’re currently hiring for: Program Assistant, Assistant Curator, and Community Engagement Coordinator.

If you're passionate about art, community, and programming, we’d love to hear from you!

Application Deadline: On or before Friday, September 18th, 2026.

🔗 Find more info and apply through the link in our bio!

08/07/2026

Homecoming on view until December 6! Come see the work of 11 local artists, who together create a dialogue of life in Clarington, both shared and personal.

Artists:
Maralynn Cherry (), Sujesh Chitty (), Tony Cooper, Jane Eccles, Ron Eccles, JR Hunter (.2.d2), Jihee Min () , Amy Shackleton () , Pete Smith (), Todd Tremeer () , David Trotter ()

Installation:
David Wigley ()

Image Credits: Installation views of Homecoming, Maralynn Cherry, Sujesh Chitty, Tony Cooper, Jane Eccles, Ron Eccles, JR Hunter, Jihee Min, Amy Shackleton, Pete Smith, Todd Tremeer, David Trotter at the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington, 2026.

Sponsored by Rotary Club of Bowmanville

08/04/2026

We are teaming up with ! Experience a night of adventure under the stars: Star Trek is coming to the VAC.

Get ready for an evening of high-octane adventure and cinematic wonder, all enjoyed outdoors on a giant screen provided by

Friday, September 11 @ 7:30 PM

143 Simpson Ave, Bowmanville, ON

🎟️ Get your tickets link in bio

07/31/2026

The VAC will be closed for the long weekend from Saturday, August 1 until Monday, August 3. We apologize for any inconvenience and wish everyone a safe and happy weekend!

Address

143 Simpson Avenue
Bowmanville, ON
L1C3K8

Telephone

+19056235831

Website

https://linktr.ee/visualartscentreofclarington

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