Wayzgoose and Special Events
Events held at the Gallery allow visitors to experience art in many ways and often provide the opportunity to interact directly with artists and creators. Community art-making projects encourage direct participation. Lectures, discussion groups and workshops are both educational and enjoyable.
Call For Submissions: Arts Walk 2025
Application Deadline: Friday, June 13, 2025
Event Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Location: Grimsby Public Art Gallery, 18 Carnegie Lane, Grimsby ON
Event Time: 10am – 4pm
The Grimsby Public Art Gallery (GPAG) invites artists and artisans from across Ontario and beyond to apply to participate in the 2025 Arts Walk — a vibrant, outdoor celebration of creativity and community. Now in its third year, Arts Walk transforms the Gallery grounds into an open-air marketplace featuring original artwork, handmade goods, live art demonstrations, and performances.
We welcome applications from emerging and established creators working in a variety of media, including (but not limited to):
- Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking
- Ceramics, Glass, and Sculpture
- Jewellery and Wearable Art
- Textiles and Fibre Arts
- Photography and Mixed Media
- Woodworking and Functional Art
Eligibility:
Artists/artisans must present original, handmade work. No mass-produced or imported items will be accepted. All applicants will be juried based on originality, craftsmanship, and professionalism.
Booth Details:
- Outdoor booth spaces measure approximately 10’x10’.
- Artists must supply their own tents, tables, and display materials.
- Electricity is not available.
- Event will proceed rain or shine.
Application Requirements:
- Completed online or PDF application form
- 5 high-quality images of recent work (JPEG format, max 2MB each)
- Artist biography (max 150 words)
- Booth photo (if available)
- $25 non-refundable application fee
Deadline to Apply: Friday, June 13, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Apply Online: APPLICATION FORM
For questions, to request a paper application, or to send completed applications, please contact:
gpag@grimsby.ca
905-945-3246
www.grimsby.ca/art-gallery
Join us in making the 2025 Arts Walk a celebration of creativity, community, and local talent. We look forward to seeing your work!
WAYZGOOSE - Annual Book Arts Fair
Always held on the last Saturday in April, the GPAG's Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair is an annual gathering of private press printers, bookbinders, print makers, paper marblers and other artisans celebrating the art of the hand-made book.
Wayzgoose History
Started in 1979 by the Grimsby Public Art Gallery's founding Director Bill Poole, Wayzgoose was a small gathering of friends and colleagues that attracted about 300 visitors. Since then it has grown into an eagerly awaited annual event with an attendance of between 2000 and 2500 people. Participants and visitors come from across Ontario, from Quebec and from the North Eastern states.
Wayzgoose Anthologies
It has become part of the Wayzgoose tradition to produce an Anthology of work by the various participants. Sections, known as signatures, are hand bound into a volume that is sought after and cherished by many. Produced in a limited edition of 115, the Anthology is an original and lasting keepsake and also a means by which book artists that cannot come to Grimsby for the event are able to have a presence. The sale of these anthologies helps to offset the costs associated with Wayzgoose.
The 2024 Wayzgoose Anthology, as well as many back issues, are currently available to purchase for $80 (includes HST). Shipping is extra and is dependent on where you live. If you would like to purchase this unique work of art, want to know what years are still available, or would like a shipping quote, please contact the Gallery gpag@grimsby.ca or 905-945-3246.
How To Become An Exhibitor
If you are an artisan who specializes in the bookarts and are interested in participating in the next Wayzgoose, please contact the Gallery to be added you to our mailing list to receive application notices, which are typically sent out mid-December. Interested participants are given about a month to submit their application for review by the Wayzgoose Committee and will be notified of the Committee's decision in the beginning of February.
Applicants who will be actively demonstrating their book art, or in some other way directly engaging the public, are particularly encouraged. Book arts and related practices exhibited at Wayzgoose include, but are not limited to:
- bookbinding
- letterpress
- original printmaking
- paper making
- paper marbling
- calligraphy
Table fees are $45 (fee is subject to change)
Wayzgoose 2024 Images
Virtual Presentation of Wayzgoose
Both the 2020 and 2021 Wayzgoose events were held virtually, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please visit the following links to enjoy the virtual content:
Contact Us
Town of Grimsby
160 Livingston Avenue
Grimsby ON, L3M 0J5
Phone: 905-945-9634
Fax: 905-945-5010
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