Local art, classic cars and community spirit coming to Kemptville’s Riverside Park for Art in the Park
Local art, classic cars and community spirit will come together at Riverside Park later this month as the North Grenville Arts Guild (NGAG) hosts its annual Art in the Park event this weekend.
Taking place Sunday, June 21 2026, the family-friendly event will showcase the unique work of 19 local artists while also partnering with the Highway 43 Car Club’s Father’s Day Car Display and the Oxford Mills Girl Guides BBQ.
NGAG organizers say the collaboration is designed to create a full day that offers something for everyone, while highlighting the talent and artistic expressions that makes North Grenville unique.
This year’s show will feature a diverse collection of artistic styles and mediums, including painting, weaving, tufting, Indigenous art, handcrafted drums and vintage clothing transformed into wearable works of art.
For Cheryl Turner, vice-president of the NGAG, events like Art in the Park are so important because they make art accessible to everyone in the community. “By bringing local artists together in a welcoming outdoor space, we create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience original art, meet the artists behind the work, and discover the incredible creativity that exists within our own community,” She told Brockvilleist.
According to Turner, visitors will be able to stroll along Riverside Park’s paved pathway, where 19 artists will be set up under tents displaying a wide range of original works. The accessible layout will allow visitors of all ages and abilities to comfortably explore the exhibition while speaking directly with the artists behind the work.
As part of this collaboration, many participating artists have created new pieces inspired by vintage and classic vehicles as a way to tie their work thematically into the neighbouring car show. Turner shared that this year’s partnership with the Highway 43 Car Club was a natural fit to help broaden the event’s appeal.
“By bringing these events together, we create a fun, family-friendly day that offers something for everyone.” she told Brockvilleist. “Partnerships like this help attract more visitors, encourage people to explore everything our community has to offer, and support both local artists and local organizations.”
For organizers, Art in the Park is about more than showcasing local artwork. it is also about fostering creativity, encouraging conversation and strengthening community connections.
“Art has the power to inspire, spark conversations and encourage creativity,” Turner emphasized. “Whether someone leaves with a new piece of art, a new appreciation for local talent, or simply inspired to create something themselves, events like these help build stronger community connections while celebrating the creativity that makes our region so special.”
This weekend’s featured artists include: Gerald Chamberlain, Alyson Bogie, Marie Lamont, Joanne Anderson, Julie Mercier, Louise Lemaire Patterson, Brenda Barclay-Smith, Jo Crawford, Emily Scholfield, Linda Zhou, Frances Gibbins, Robert Gibbins, Jennifer Holmes, Derrek Hewitt, Elaine Comeau, Irene Chahley, Laura Kingsbury, Kathy McGuire and Jackie Kavanagh.
Art in the Park will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at Riverside Park in Kemptville. Admission is free and visitors are encouraged to explore the artwork, meet local artists, enjoy the classic car display celebrate the creativity and artistry in the community.