Kawartha Art Gallery had its beginnings in the late 1960’s, when first established as the “Lindsay and Crafts Association”.

In 1976 when a little red brick house owned by the Town of Lindsay at 8 Victoria Avenue North, Lindsay became available for rent a small enthusiasm group of individuals rented the house for the purpose of creating a cultural meeting place where people could come together to discover, experience and celebrate works of art.

Calling the space ‘Studio 8’ the founding members spent months working on fixing up the space and on April 24, 1976, now under the name of The Lindsay Gallery, officially opened.

It was in this location that the Gallery Board of Governors and members focused on the goals of presenting Art to the community through art classes, exhibitions, lectures and workshops and through the contributions from an artists and teachers Art Guild, many generous collectors and donors and with purchases made with the assistance of Wintario Grants, acquired a substantial Permanent Collection.

Now called Kawartha Art Gallery, the Gallery is located on the second floor of the Lindsay Library building on Kent Street West. With a volunteer Board of Governors the Gallery continues to work to maintain the spirit and dedication of its founders: to foster and promote the artistic interests of all citizens.

For over 40 years, Kawartha Art Gallery has lived up to these hopes and dreams with many highs and lows. As custodians of our visual culture, the Gallery is dedicated not only to preserving the past but also to anticipating our future.

We salute the artists, artisans and volunteers for their courage and creativity.

With many thanks to Sandra Ackert and Marion Larocque for compiling this information.