Arts

If when you think of Elora and Fergus, you think of the dramatic beauty of the Elora Gorge, world class festivals, a haven of arts and culture, all with a heritage river running through it, well, you'd be right!

When you journey through the towns, villages and countryside that is Centre Wellington, you'll be amazed by what you find. Historic buildings that are whispering tales of yesteryear, natural surroundings offering beauty second to none, dynamic festivals and events, charming downtowns, brilliant and creative souls, sporting and recreation and a cultural spirit that shines through in everything we do!

Adventure or calm, relaxation or thrills, Centre Wellington is your go-to cultural destination for a day, a week, for life. Here is a sampling of just a few of the artistic attractions we have to offer:

Wellington County Museum & Archives

Our spirit of place is strong, and the telling of it can be found in the Wellington County Museum & Archives. Standing like a hilltop sentinel between Elora and Fergus, the Museum is the jewel of our heritage crown and a welcome rest stop on the Elora Cataract Trailway.

Elora Centre for the Arts

The house where Art lives. The Elora Centre for the Arts , a former school-house, is a vibrant community arts organization and gallery exhibiting local, provincial and national artists, as well as offering arts related classes for people of all ages. The Centre also houses an independently run Montessori School and is host to many annual festivals and events.

Home to the Minarovich and Harris Galleries, the Elora Centre for the Arts showcases the best in local, provincial and national talent in every discipline.

For full programming details please visit the Elora Centre for the Arts Website​. 

Fergus Grand Theatre

A part of downtown Fergus since 1928, the historic Fergus Grand Theatre is the region's premier live performance venue. Each season showcases a diverse line-up of events in this heritage building.

Art Galleries

Some of the most important artists in our nation have been inspired by our landscape. A.J. Casson fell in love with and painted our scenic views. This is the birthplace of the panoramic camera, through John R. Connon's lens. More artisans followed, wooed by the rustic beauty and historic structures.

Today, artists of every medium and flavour continue to live, work and exhibit in Elora and Fergus. Packed with independent galleries, group exhibitions, juried competitions, outdoor shows and behind-the-scenes tours, artists and art lovers are all at home here.

Elora-Fergus Studio Tour

For two weekends in the Fall, artisans throughout Elora and Fergus open their studios for the Elora Fergus Studio Tour. Their comprehensive website gives you contact information for all the artists on the tour, many of whom you can visit year-round.

Downtown Galleries

The picturesque streets of both the village of Elora and the hamlet of Salem offer a wide selection of privately owned galleries and studios showcasing emerging and established local artistic talent. For a list of downtown art galleries, please visit the cultural directory.

Elora Centre for the Arts
Home to the Minarovich and Harris Galleries, the Elora Centre for the Arts showcases the best in local, provincial and national talent in every discipline.

Local Pieces Gallery
Local Pieces Gallery is a collaborative gallery of artists and skilled craftspeople working together to promote the arts in Fergus. It is also the home of the Stepping Stones Mentorship Program where young goldsmiths learn to enhance their skills, do jewellery repairs and custom work. 

Elora Fergus Arts Council

Established in 1989, the Elora Arts Council sought to build on an already vibrant arts scene. To date, they have founded and supported many arts related initiatives including the annual Elora Fergus Studio Tour, Insights Juried Arts Exhibit, Art in Public Places and the Elora Writers' Festival.

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