Glenhyrst Art Gallery hosted its annual Grand River Arts Festival on Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Now in its fourth year, Glenhyrst Gallery Director Ana Olson, said that while many communities have their own events designed to celebrate the arts, the Grand River Arts Festival brings together its own unique mix of qualities
Now in its fourth year, Glenhyrst Gallery Director Ana Olson, said that while events that are designed to celebrate the arts aren’t unheard of, there’s something about the Grand River Arts Festival that make it unique to Brantford.
“There’s nothing quite like this in our region. Perhaps Supercrawl in Hamilton would come to mind, if anything, but our setting is less urban. We’re surrounded by the trees and nature, but then there’s also art, music and theatre and all of those things that people love, mixed up into one big pot of loveliness,” she said. “Every year we try to make it bigger and bigger, and we try to keep things fresh and interesting by bringing in new people and different mediums. We want people to keep coming back and enjoy new things and to meet new artists. And as long as people are coming here and are happy to support what we’re doing, we’re happy to do it.”
The two-day celebration of multidisciplinary arts began on Friday night with a ticketed, 19-plus evening prelude.
Throughout the event, attendees were invited to walk the grounds and view the work of 65 visual artists and makers, grab a bite to eat from one of the on-site food vendors, or enjoy a drink from the licensed garden bar, with fireside gatherings and twinkling lights, adding to the atmosphere.
The evening event also featured performances by The Jesse Murphy Band and Juno Award nominee and CFMA award winner Danny Michael, along with a wearable art competition and a special performance of spillHOLLE, the winner of last year’s 10-minute play competition.
“It was a really great night,” said Olsen. “We sold more tickets than we ever have and people were just excited to be here. The bands were amazing and it had just such a great vibe.”
The festivities continued on Saturday, kicking of with a coffee rave with DJ Cheetah Ram Out, and ultimately drawing hundreds or people back to Glenhyrst even despite some afternoon rain.
More than 60 artists were, once again, in attendance sharing their numerous works and talents throughout the afternoon. From fibre art and woodworking to pottery and photography, basket weaving, metalwork, jewellery and more, there was plenty to admire. Some visitors stopped to watch different demonstrations or took part in community art projects, while others took the opportunity to purchase pieces for themselves or as gifts for others.
Over on the main stage, attendees were treated to a line up of live music from Liv Gains, Zuffalo, Whiskey Delta featuring Conor Gains, Hotfix and The Wanted.
Nearby, several visual artists took part in the Grand Impressionists paint challenge, each creating their own interpretation of a large-scale artwork and drawing inspiration from a different section of the piece. Guests of all ages couldn’t help but huddle around to watch them work in real time.
Back in the Coach House, 17 plays that were pre-selected for their quality and originality, were on display for this year’s 10-minute play competition and adjudication. Prizes were later presented to the top three performances and next year’s winner will return during next year’s event.
Just a short distance away at the Gardener’s Cottage, the Brantford Potters’ Guild spent the day presenting live demonstrations outside on the porch and selling handmade one-of-a-kind ceramics from local artisans inside the building.
Big Cityyy Arts also returned with its plinth performances. This year’s “bridal chorus” spent the day roaming the grounds, capturing the attention of those present. From big wigs and long trains to a dress inviting the guests to write words on it, people couldn’t help but stop and stare at the many brides weaving through the area.
Brantford watercolour artist Jane Morassutti, said while she was no stranger to the event, having attended as a guest in the past, this was her first time showing at the festival.
“I just love this event, and I was thrilled to be selected to show here. I’ve been welcomed by a lot of the artists who have been here before, and everybody is just so open and kind,” she said. “I’ve been in other shows where the artists aren’t really willing to share much about their processes, but it’s different here. I’ve been able to discuss my techniques and how I achieve certain things, and they’ve been willing to discuss techniques that they use too so it’s been really nice to be able to share that with each other.”
A lover of art and creative expression, Morassutti said she was just glad to be surrounded by other artists and their work throughout the grounds.
“From where I’m set up here, I can see the lady across the way, and I love how vibrant her paintings are. I mean, I can see just how much it stands out from all the way over here,” she said. “If I look the other way, I can see Brenda McAfferty and her work, and her daisies that just speak to me. I just appreciate the way that anybody can express themselves creatively. I’m a real fan of art. Nothing’s right and nothing’s wrong, it’s just art for art’s sake and I love that we’re all here for that exact reason.”
When asked if she would be interested in showing in the festival again, Morassutti said, “I would be honored too. It’s an amazing vibe here.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
