March 28 – June 20, 2026

Curator: Taqralik Partridge

Focusing primarily on Pitsiulak’s vivid large-scale drawings on black paper, this exhibition is accompanied by introductory text in English, French, and Inuktitut syllabics.

The exhibition draws from private collections as well as that of the Art Gallery of Guelph, providing a comprehensive view of Pitsiulak's distinctive artistic practice and imagination. The exhibition highlights the distinct way of seeing that underpins Pitsiulak's work – perception honed on the land as both a hunter and an artist. For Pitsiulak, these pursuits were intricately intertwined, both stemming from his practice of "long looking." In Inuktitut, tautuppaa means to see or to look for a long time. Integral to Pitsiulak's practice, ideas of perception, attention, and duration are reflected in the precise balance of detail and distance in his work.

Curated by Taqralik Partridge and organized by the Art Gallery of Guelph with the generous support of lenders and the Department of Canadian Heritage. 

Photo Credit: Joseph Hartman

February 14 – August 29, 2026

Curator: Danielle Hoevenaars

Canadian artist Florence Carlyle (1864-1923) moved to Woodstock, Ontario at the age of seven with her family. Carlyle lived in the city until 1890, when she travelled to Paris, France to study art. Carlyle returned periodically to Woodstock throughout her adult life, while also living in France, England and the United States. In 1913, she moved permanently to Crowborough, England, where she lived until her death in 1923.

This exhibition explores what Florence’s everyday life in Woodstock would have been like, in the late 19th and early 20th century. The works in this exhibition explore topics including Carlyle’s home and family, popular hobbies, and Woodstock’s Tuesday and Saturday Reading Clubs.

Photo Credit: Joseph Hartman

February 14, 2026 – June 20, 2026

In November 2025, BIRD SET FREE, by Duane and Urszula Kumala-Thomas, was installed in the Bruce Flowers Sculpture Garden. This new public art project was the result of a Legacy Grant from the Government of Canada, a jury selection process through the Public Art Committee and community consultation. This work holds significance for the Woodstock community as it commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of Woodstock artist Florence Carlyle. The title, BIRD SET FREE, is derived from Carlyle’s nickname, “Bird.” This exhibition displays photographs of the process of constructing BIRD SET FREE.

The Woodstock Art Gallery’s new Public Art Brochure provides the community with the means to successfully connect with the City’s public art. The brochure offers quick insights into each public artwork in Woodstock and includes a map of the locations. Copies are available at the Gallery.

Photo Credit: Joseph Hartman

March 28 – June 20, 2026

Curator: Braden Gruber

For countless generations Inuit artists have been creating artworks inspired by the land around them. The unique material culture that developed in the far north led Inuit artists to create with what was available to them; antler, bone, ivory, soapstone, and hide. Arctic Abundance: How Environment Shapes Creativity explores the connection between materials and artistic production by exhibiting raw materials with the finished artworks made from them.

The artwork and raw materials in this exhibition were graciously donated by Woodstock, ON, collectors, Ross and Fran McElroy. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the interactive sensory display of raw materials and tools which are drawn from the Woodstock Art Gallery’s Education Collection.

Photo Credit: Joseph Hartman

July 11, 2026 – August 15, 2026

Juror: Bob Phillips

The Visual Arts Scholarship was established in 1990 as a project of the Friends of the Woodstock Art Gallery. A reserve fund was created in 2018 with the retirement of the Friends of the WAG, renaming it the Friends of the Woodstock Art Gallery Legacy Scholarship. 
  
Each year $1,000 is awarded to a graduating high school student from Oxford County who has received proof of acceptance and confirmation to attend an accredited post-secondary institution in the field of Visual/Fine/Media arts such as (but not limited to) graphic design, film, photography, electronic media, computer-generated arts, painting, printmaking, sculpture and fibre arts.

The 2026 Friends of the Woodstock Art Gallery Legacy Scholarship was awarded to Monica Payne.

Photo Credit: Joseph Hartman