IT BEGAN WITH AN IDEA

Oakville artist, Rachel Williams, came up with the idea for an art show with a difference in the Spring of 2021. As an emerging artist, she wanted to find ways to connect with new people and didn't want to do it alone.

She decided to create an opportunity for Oakville-based artists to share their work as a gift. A non-transactional experience to simply enjoy art: to create a sense of community, and to celebrate and share the joy of creativity with everyone in an immersive and relaxed way.

The basis of the show was to collaborate with residents in the core of Old Oakville, by the lake, who would offer up their front gardens to host talented local artists.

The neighbourhood is famous for its charming setting, close to the Oakville Museum and Lighthouse. Creating an inclusive and equitable opportunity for Oakville-based artists of all levels of experience was important, and outreach via the local BIA social media opened the doors for anyone to participate. The hope was to involve 5 or 6 artists and 100 visitors. In 2021 there were 29 artists at 18 locations and perhaps up to 1000 visitors over the 3 hour period. By 2022 it had grown to 43 Local Artists, 28 Homes and 1500 Visitors. 2023 had over 50 artists at 27 homes and through the grounds of St Jude’s church

Join us in 2024 - Saturday September 7th 12-3pm.

“Art In My Garden has no tents, no tables and no fuss. Join us on this one afternoon each year - your chance to connect, experience and enjoy. ”

— RACHEL WILLIAMS