Gananoque's Before the Summer Show 2026, Part 2

This year, Before the Summer, Original Art Show and Sale will be held April 24, 25 and 26 at the Firehall Theatre, 185 South Street, Gananoque. On Friday evening from 5 to 9, there will be music from Evening Edition, and a cash bar. The show will be open 10 to 5 Saturday and 10 to 3 Sunday. To see the other artists participating, visit the website https://www.beforethesummer.com.

Sian Tucker, Brockville, one of the show organizers, says “Every painting has a story. The stories I paint are mostly of trees, the ones I see every day, season after season. They may be cuddled together in a forest, regimented in a row or standing tall and strong and alone. Recently, a move to the river's edge evokes more stories: water, rocks, changing light and clouds.”

Raquel Roth, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, says “There’s something magical about how pigments of different colours interact to produce the most luscious, and sometimes unexpected, hues. I love sharing the joy I feel when creating and am always honoured when someone chooses to bring my artwork into their home."

Monique van Someren, from Brockville, one of the show's organizers. In 2025, she began a new series titled "Garden Party," which depicts the animals that visit her backyard. This series continues to expand. Monique sets these creatures in scenes inspired by her experiences, stories, and dreams.

Edmond Leger, an Ottawa artist, says there has always been a duality in the music of his art. “My paintings are a reflection of my improvisation, my connection with the unexplainable and the grammar. This place that I understand without being able to explain it but rather having no need to...”

Monika Rosen, from Kingston, is fascinated by the relationship between the psyche and the landscape. Through light and water her paintings and monotypes navigate themes of healing, transformation, and the rhythms of an interconnected ecosystem.

John Sorensen's background as an architectural antique dealer, a collector of folk art and original paint antiques and his love of social dancing influences his choice of subject matter. A self-taught artist he describes the act of creation as a conversation full of surprise and joy. John lives in Gananoque.

Pamela Prince, of Brockville, works with sterling silver and 14k gf wire to sculpt unique jewelry using an array of semi- precious gemstones, cultured opals and Herkimer diamonds.

Jackie Kavanagh, an Ottawa artist, says, "As a self-taught fibre artist, I create playful, visually dynamic fibre artwork using traditional handweaving techniques. I love the tactile experience of working with natural fibres and the challenge of creating abstract designs that leave room for personal interpretation.”

Martha Stroud, of Kingston, one of the show's organisers, says she paints to try to capture and retain the joy she feels in nature and everyday life. Driving around Eastern Ontario presents a plethora of lakes and different views every season, and a new barn around every corner.

We look forward to welcoming you at Before the Summer!

By Martha Stroud

Martha Stroud's family emigrated from Ireland around 1908, to live first in Gananoque, then Kingston, and finally Toronto where she was born. She has lived and worked on three continents but is very happy to have retired back to Kingston and the Thousand Islands area, where she tries to capture nature's ever-changing on canvas. See Martha's past articles and the work of her many artist friends here and here!