A creative Escape By The Pond
Join us for the 3rd Annual Arts By The Pond—a vibrant celebration of local art, live music, and nature. Hosted by Over Here and the Erin Tree Trust.
Saturday, September 19, 2026
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Wellington County Library, Hillsburgh
9 Station Street
Discover Hillsburgh’s Hidden Cultural Gem
Looking For A Meaningful Day Trip?
Arts By The Pond brings together local artists, musicians, and community groups for a collaborative cultural experience in beautiful rural Wellington County. Whether you want to browse artisan markets, enjoy live entertainment, or try your hand at a community art project, this is your destination to connect with creativity and nature.
And don't worry about the weather—our event runs rain or shine, featuring large tents, an indoor gallery space, and a covered outdoor stage!
What You'll Experience
Artisan Market
Browse unique, handcrafted goods from talented local makers and artists.
Live Entertainment
Enjoy a full day of live music, dance performances, and local storytelling on our covered outdoor stage.
Hands-On Creativity
Participate in our community art project or watch artists capture the landscape in real time in the Plein Air Paintout.
Local Flavours
Grab a coffee, enjoy a fresh lunch from our café, or relax with a beverage from the licensed bar (opens at noon).
This Year’s Special Events
Station Stop: Caboose Hop Unveiling
Join us at the Elora-Cataract Trailway trailhead as we unveil a stunning new public art installation by Jefferson Campbell-Cooper. This photo-worthy landmark celebrates Hillsburgh’s railway and agricultural heritage.
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Tree of the Year Celebration
Celebrate Henry, the beloved 2026 Tree of the Year, with Erin Tree Trust. Enjoy a visual art exhibition and local performances inspired by this magnificent American Elm.
Click here to learn more about Erin Tree Trust
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Plein Air Paint Out
Plein Air Paint Out proudly supported by
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MAIN STAGE SPOTLIGHT
Feel the energy as performers take the main stage, bringing music, movement, and storytelling to life right in the heart of the celebration.
Main Stage made possible by
Community Art Project
From the community quilt to the interactive art tables, our all-afternoon activities invite everyone to make something together. We're thankful to these community partners for helping keep hands busy and hearts full.
Community Art & Activities Made Possible By
Supporter Sponsor
Butcher Furniture
Main Stage & Activity Sponsor
Activity Sponsor
Plein Air Paint Out Sponsor
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
JOIN THE MAKER COMMUNITY
Are you an artist, maker, or local business? We are currently accepting applications for the 2026 festival. Secure your space to engage directly with visitors.
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Artist Opportunities: Gallery By The Pond pop-up or Tree of the Year — click through to find yours.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Something special is taking shape. Stay tuned for the full schedule of events, featured activities, and timings.
Arts By The Pond 2026 — Event Agenda
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Wellington County Library, 9 Station Street, Hillsburgh
Hosted by Over Here Community Arts Adventure & the Erin Tree Trust
Arts By The Pond returns on September 19, 2026, for a full afternoon of painting, music, movement, poetry, and community. Held on the beautiful grounds of the Wellington County Library in Hillsburgh, this is a day where art and neighbours come together — where every voice, every brushstroke, and every shared moment counts. Below is your guide to everything happening on the day.
🎭 Scheduled Programme
Timed events on the covered stage and grounds
12:00 PM – 12:25 PM · Covered Stage & Grounds
Soft Open, Plein Air Registration & Paint Begins — The grounds open at noon. Plein air registration starts at 12:00 PM — sign up, get your canvas stamped, and get painting. Explore the grounds and settle in before the day's programme begins on the covered stage.
12:25 PM – 12:35 PM · Covered Stage
Opening Remarks — A warm welcome to the programme and a tribute to the spirit of creativity and connection that makes Arts By The Pond such a meaningful gathering. Speaker: To be announced
12:35 PM – 1:15 PM · Covered Stage
Live Music — Every Other Friday (Set 1) — Kick off the afternoon with the first live music set from Every Other Friday. Their sound sets a joyful, welcoming tone for everything to come. Performers: Every Other Friday
12:35 PM – 1:15 PM · Covered Stage
Live Music — Every Other Friday (Set 1) — Kick off the afternoon with the first live music set from Every Other Friday. Their sound sets a joyful, welcoming tone for everything to come. Performers: Every Other Friday
12:35 PM – 1:15 PM · Covered Stage
Dance Therapy with Nabonita (Session 1) — Move, breathe, and connect through the art of dance. Open to all ages and abilities. Facilitator: Nabonita
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM · Wellington County Library Grounds
Tree of the Year Celebration — Pause and celebrate one of Hillsburgh's most beloved living landmarks, honouring the natural heritage and enduring roots that hold us all together.
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM · Elora-Cataract Trailhead, Hillsburgh
Caboose Hop Community Walk & Unveiling — Follow the sound of the pipes played by Nigel Smedmore as they lead the community in a procession to the Elora-Cataract Trailhead for the official unveiling of the Station Stop Caboose Hop — a permanent, accessible, interactive public art installation on the very ground where the historic Hillsburgh train station once stood. Designed by Jefferson Campbell-Cooper, this landmark welcomes people of all ages and abilities to climb aboard, pause, and step directly into local history. It celebrates the railway connections that once linked our neighbouring towns, the shared heritage that shaped this landscape, and the enduring spirit of this place we call home. Walk over together, witness the unveiling, and return to the library grounds carrying a memory built with your neighbours. Piper: Nigel Smedmore
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM · Covered Stage & Grounds
Dance Therapy with Nabonita (Session 2) — Nabonita returns for a second dance session. Open to everyone, no experience necessary. Facilitator: Nabonita
3:00 PM onwards · Covered Stage
Ekphrastic Poets — Main Stage — From 3:00 PM, the Ekphrastic Poets present in 5–10 minute intervals woven throughout the rest of the afternoon. There is no single fixed time — listen for them on the main stage, drop in to reflect, and experience the living conversation between word and image. Facilitators: The Ekphrastic Poets
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM · Covered Stage
Plein Air Awards & People's Choice — Pop-Up Gallery — Celebrate the results of the plein air competition and hear the announcement of the People's Choice Award from our Pop-Up Gallery — a favourite chosen by you, the community.
4:15 PM – 4:45 PM · Wellington County Library Grounds
Closing Music — Larry Melton & Final Browsing — Larry Melton brings a warm, reflective close to the afternoon. Performer: Larry Melton
🎨 Throughout the Day
Available all afternoon — drop in whenever you like
Plein Air Painting Competition — Register at noon and spend the afternoon painting Hillsburgh's beauty in real time. Submit your completed work by 3:00 PM for judging. Awards announced after 4:00 PM.
Artisan & Vendor Marketplace — Browse a vibrant selection of local artisans and vendors set up across the grounds all afternoon.
Pop-Up Gallery — Wander through our community Pop-Up Gallery and cast your vote for the People's Choice Award, announced after 4:00 PM on the covered stage.
Magnetic Poetry Table — Stop by and play with words. Arrange, rearrange, and create — a playful, open invitation for all ages.
Community Quilt Project — Sunprint on Fabric — Drop by the community art table any time to contribute a sunprint fabric panel that will become part of our community quilt. No experience required; all are welcome.
Ekphrastic Poetry Circle — From 3:00 PM, the Ekphrastic Poets take to the main stage in short 5–10 minute sets woven throughout the rest of the afternoon — no fixed time, just poetry appearing when you least expect it. Head to the stage whenever you hear them, listen, reflect, and experience the living conversation between word and image. Facilitators: The Ekphrastic Poets
Food & Drink — The licensed café and Optimist Club BBQ are open all afternoon. Grab a bite, pull up a chair, and enjoy the day.
Community Group Displays — Discover displays and activities from our participating community groups: Erin Village Quilters · Hillsburgh Garden Club · Century Church Theatre · The Ekphrastic Poets
Arts By The Pond 2026 is brought to you by Over Here Community Arts Adventure and Erin Tree Trust. Over Here is a not-for-profit dedicated to building community through the power of creativity. For more information, visit overhere.ca