Exhibitions

Elizabeth Thompson Advises

JoEllen Brydon

August 5 - November 4, 2025

Born and raised on a fruit farm in Beamsville, Ontario, Jean Armstrong Brydon was the advice columnist for the Globe and Mail from 1966 to 1978. She worked under the pseudonym, "Elizabeth Thompson." Jean’s daughter, artist JoEllen Brydon, inherited the vast archives of letters and columns. 

A progressive writer and thinker, Jean captured personal experiences within a larger social movement as people resisted and embraced change during a revolutionary time in our history. Contributors came from all walks of life and a variety of backgrounds. Jean would challenge them, encouraging them to look inward, initiating lively debate, ultimately exploring all complexities of an issue. 

This exhibition is a nuanced and loving exploration of the stories that people tell — to others and to themselves.

Born in Toronto, JoEllen Brydon has lived most of her life in the township of Cavan, Ontario. Through her vibrant paintings and multimedia installations, she has developed a large body of work that explores anecdotal community stories as well as unique aspects of Canadian history. 

Brydon’s work is represented in The Art Bank of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History as well as private collections in North America and the UK.

Guest curated by Rhona Wenger

Cross Pollination

Clear Eyes Collective

Sept 23, 2023 - Summer 2025


True community is inclusive and nurtures everyone, providing a safe space for all.

Cross Pollination is a commissioned mural by Clear Eyes Collective for the exterior outdoor exhibition platform of the Grimsby Public Art Gallery and Library. Over the course of the summer, the collective collaborated with the community by asking them to generate key words to inspire the artistic development and content of the mural. Some words were reflective of the physical characteristics of the Town of Grimsby; its connection with agriculture, proximity to Lake Ontario, and the Niagara escarpment. Others looked to honor less tangible connections like culture, multiculturalism, and LGBTQ2S+ allyship. After reviewing each prompt, and drawing from their own connection to the area, the collective refined their final design, culminating in Cross Polination, which was live painted onsite during the second annual Grimsby Arts Walk, September 23, 2023.  

Curated by Caitlin Sutherland

CLEAR EYES COLLECTIVE is a mural crew based out of Hamilton, Ontario made up of members Darian Poisson, Adam Bates and Josh Kellett. Their mission is to integrate the mysterious power of art into the plain cityscape, transforming ordinary spaces into an immersive gallery. Their approach to public art has always been rooted in creating vibrant visual environments that connect and uplift the community at large.

Clear Eyes Collective have been painting large-scale murals as a team for 10 years, and in that time they have had the opportunity to partner with local businesses, festivals, corporations and different municipalities and cities. They take tremendous care to make sure their designs are tailored to each project, while always maintaining a vibrant and bold style that naturally comes out of collaboration.