If you're looking for a reason to take a short drive from Ottawa this spring, the Arts Carleton Place Spring Fine Art Exhibition & Sale has you covered. Returning for another year on May 2 and 3, the show brings together 54 accomplished artists at the Upper Hall of the Carleton Place Arena, and with free admission and free parking, there's genuinely no reason not to go.
Ottawa and the surrounding region have a rich arts community that extends well beyond the city's galleries and institutions, and events like this are a reminder of just how much creative talent exists in the communities that dot the Ottawa Valley.
What to Expect
This year's exhibition spans painting, sculpture, mixed media, and more. All pieces are jury-selected with an emphasis on originality, technical skill, and artistic voice, so visitors can expect a curated experience rather than a free-for-all craft fair. Six artists are exhibiting in Carleton Place for the first time, bringing fresh perspectives to a show that has built a loyal following over the years.
Organizers describe the exhibition as offering "a chance to explore quality art without the overwhelm of larger fairs." For anyone who has found major art fairs exhausting, that's a genuinely appealing pitch.
Spotlight: Colleen Gray's The Great Return
One of the most compelling features of this year's show is an Indigenous showcase headlined by Colleen Gray, the Ottawa-area artist and humanitarian behind Art for Aid. Gray is presenting her new collection The Great Return – Terra Incognita, inspired by the view of Earth from above, work that invites reflection on our relationship with the planet and our place within it.
Gray is no stranger to recognition. She received the Governor General's Sovereign Medal for Volunteers in 2019 for her humanitarian work, and her art carries that same sense of purpose. Her presence at the Carleton Place show is a genuine draw.
Supporting the Community
Beyond the art itself, the exhibition serves a meaningful community function. Proceeds support Arts Carleton Place's ongoing community engagement initiatives, and the Town of Carleton Place backs the event through its Community Enrichment Program. Door prizes add a fun element for attendees, and the relaxed, accessible atmosphere makes it a great outing for families, couples, or solo visitors.
Plan Your Visit
- When: May 2–3, 2026
- Where: Upper Hall, Carleton Place Arena, Carleton Place, ON
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Free
Carleton Place is about a 45-minute drive southwest of Ottawa, an easy day trip that pairs nicely with a stop in the town's charming downtown for lunch or a coffee. It's a great way to support regional artists while getting a taste of the broader Ottawa Valley arts scene.
Source: Ottawa Life Magazine
