Artists

At GUM Gallery, we love supporting the creativity that lives right here in Meaford and the surrounding area. On the north side of the gallery, we showcase a section for local artists and projects. A touchscreen TV in the gallery, open at this page, also lets visitors explore profiles and stories of our local artists, giving insight into their process, inspirations, and the ideas behind their work. Take a look below!

Many of the artists featured here are members of the Creative Cluster group, an open, inclusive network of artists from Meaford and Owen Sound. The Cluster’s goal is to support local artists, increase visibility, and foster a vibrant, connected arts community.

Photography

Anne de Haas

Bio: I’m a professional photographer specializing in portraits, corporate and actor headshots, and musician portfolios. I shoot people, it’s my passion. If there is a…
Read more: Anne de Haas
Richard Ebbs

Bio: I am a local photographer and musician with deep experience of landscaping, software development, British folk music, songwriting and civics. Below are some examples…
Read more: Richard Ebbs
Helen Solmes

Bio: Photography has been both a tool on the job as a journalist and as a communications officer and at the same time a hobby…
Read more: Helen Solmes
Viz Saraby

Bio: As an interior designer, photographer and artist, I enjoy experimenting with spaces and images and observing how they inform us about how they are…
Read more: Viz Saraby
Tobias Sallewsky

Bio: My style comes from my quest for the unnoticed and fascination with details. From black and white to colour, I look to explore new…
Read more: Tobias Sallewsky

Drawing + Painting

Jeremy Down

Bio: I am a Canadian musician and artist, creating abstract paintings for over 30years. My work investigates the relationship of colour and mark-making as anexpression…
Read more: Jeremy Down
Brian Fray

Bio: I studied painting, sculpture, printmaking and art history at Queen’s University, Kingston and The University of Guelph graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Fine…
Read more: Brian Fray
Laura Steels Hitchcock

Bio: I live on a 100-acre farm on Scotch Mountain in Meaford and am passionate about the environment. I work as a professional gardener when…
Read more: Laura Steels Hitchcock
Dorothy Embacher

Bio: I have been connected to the visual arts for most of my life. Now that I am retired, I dedicate my time fully to…
Read more: Dorothy Embacher
Devin Fan

Bio: I’m an artist, poet and community worker from Meaford, Ontario, and am represented by Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio. I moved to Meaford…
Read more: Devin Fan
Sue Johnston

Bio: I am astounded by relationships continually being created in and around us. From dendrites to nose nuzzles these connecting forces are raucously joyful, poignant,…
Read more: Sue Johnston
Emily Bi

Bio: Based in Annan, Ontario, Emily Bi of Ginkgo Footprints is a permanent member of the Owen Sound Artists’ Co-op. With expressive brushstrokes, she aims…
Read more: Emily Bi
Kelsey Lowes

Bio: I grew up in the Beaver Valley area, and moved to Meaford from Clarksburg in 2018. My style has been established through the exploration…
Read more: Kelsey Lowes
Katherine Carson

Bio: As with so many artists, I was unable to devote myself to full time painting but art finds an outlet somehow and mine was…
Read more: Katherine Carson
Caryn Joy Colman

Bio: At 4 years old I made a painting of a snake. It got a lot of attention. I’ve been painting ever since. Making art…
Read more: Caryn Joy Colman

Other Media

Mikael Sandblom

Bio: I see my body of work as a series of experiments, exploring the expressive potential of various materials and techniques. Clouds, waves, and cityscapes…
Read more: Mikael Sandblom
James Paterson

Bio: I am an artist and writer who has spent my life creating and implementing ideas originating deep within my heart and imagination. My wire…
Read more: James Paterson
Viz Saraby

Bio: As an interior designer, photographer and artist, I enjoy experimenting with spaces and images and observing how they inform us about how they are…
Read more: Viz Saraby
Jessica Kenyon

Bio: Local gal, Refillery owner, and graphic artist extraordinaire Jessica has been creating vibes and designs for over 20 years. Beachcomber • Bird lover •…
Read more: Jessica Kenyon
Caleb Sandblom

bio: At the core of my work is an exploration of the mutually constitutive functions of persons, technologies, and socies. This is premised on an…
Read more: Caleb Sandblom
Fran Bouwman

Bio: My art is born from emotion, philosophy, diversity, politics, and spirituality. Sculpture is my way of processing the world — a therapeutic exploration that…
Read more: Fran Bouwman
Heather McIlwee

Bio: I am a Meaford artist who studied Sculpture and Installation at the Ontario College of Art and Design. My work started mainly as audio…
Read more: Heather McIlwee
VARA studios

Bio: VARA studios was inspired by the beauty of slowing down and enjoying the simplicity of everyday life. Working with clay is a constant reminder…
Read more: VARA studios

Meaford Creative Arts Association

Mickey Cullen

Bio: My formal art training was at Downsview Collegiate and Central Technical High Schoolin Toronto. However, I did not pursue a career in art. Fast…
Read more: Mickey Cullen
Mary McTaggart

Bio: I am an avid Watercolourist but also paint using other mediums. I was born in The Netherlands in 1952 and immigrated to Canada with…
Read more: Mary McTaggart
Petra Barrett

Bio: I have been fascinated by art for several years, exploring various mediums including photography and pottery while living in Oakville. My formal training includes…
Read more: Petra Barrett
Karen Miller

Bio: I’m a retired educator who took up oil/acrylic/watercolour painting at the start of retirement. Primarily I use acrylic mediums as they are forgiving. I…
Read more: Karen Miller
Kristine Neville

Bio: I am a self-taught painter of 35 years, working in acrylic and oil. I do landscapes flowers, birds, and mystical mask fantasy! I find…
Read more: Kristine Neville
Judy Shield

Bio: Art has been part of my life since early childhood. My parents recognized my ability and sent me for art instruction at the age…
Read more: Judy Shield