Pop-up art gallery opening in downtown Smiths Falls this summer

An empty storefront in downtown Smiths Falls is about to be transformed into a gallery celebrating the region’s artistic talent.

The Smiths Falls Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association and with support from the Town of Smiths Falls, is launching The Big Art Gallery at 25 Beckwith St. N., next to Boomtown Fusion Eatery.

The gallery will be open throughout July and August, featuring a curated selection of original artwork by local artists, with all pieces available for purchase.

The community is invited to attend a series of opening events, including:

• Soft launch: Tuesday, July 1, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Gallery hours: Wednesday, July 2, and Thursday, July 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Vernissage: Friday, July 3, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Following the opening week, the gallery will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the remainder of July and August.

The July intake for artists has closed, but submissions for the August exhibition are being accepted until July 10. Artists can submit their work by emailing info@smithsfallschamber.ca.

The Big Art Gallery will also serve as a featured stop during the Big Art Walk & Rideau Artist of the Year en plein air event on Friday, July 25. Tickets for the event are $10 and are available through Experience Smiths Falls. They include a commemorative tote bag, three postcards featuring artwork by local artists and an entry into a draw to win an original piece by local artist Leah Hicks.

Organizers say the gallery is intended to celebrate local creativity, encourage visitors to explore the downtown core and help strengthen Smiths Falls as a cultural destination.