Create, Connect, and Explore with Over Here In The Town Of Erin!
- Melissa Auchincloss
- Sep 21
- 6 min read
Hello creative community,
Welcome to the Over Here newsletter, where we celebrate the power of creativity to bring us all a little closer. We believe that art is more than just entertainment—it's a way to connect, inspire, and build a stronger, more vibrant community here in the Town of Erin.
Melissa's Meanderings
Have you ever stopped to consider what creativity truly means to you? So often, we think of it as something reserved for artists with a paintbrush or writers with a blank page. But here at Over Here, we see it differently. We believe creativity is a vital part of being human—an inner spark that lives in all of us.
It's in the way you tend to your garden, the care you put into a family recipe, the rhythm you find on a walk, or the story you share with a friend. These moments are all creative acts. They are small but powerful expressions of who you are. When we embrace these acts, we do more than just make something; we connect with ourselves on a deeper level. We begin a journey of self-discovery that brings clarity and joy.
This is the real magic of creativity. It’s a quiet force that transforms us from the inside out, helping us to see the world—and ourselves—in a new light. It strengthens our sense of self and, in turn, strengthens our bonds with each other. Every time you pursue what lights you up, you add another thread to the beautiful, vibrant tapestry of our community.
What could the tapestry of our community be, when it's woven by the collective force of our collaborative creative spark? Something incredible.
So, I invite you to find a moment this week to connect with your own creative spark. What is it calling you to do?
Warmly,Melissa
Gallery at 185 Main: Where Community and Art Unite In The Town Of Erin
We're thrilled to share an update on one of our most exciting community projects: the Gallery at 185 Main! This outdoor gallery is a beautiful, art-filled depiction of local experiences, celebrating the creative spirit that makes the Town of Erin so special. Sponsored by generous local businesses and organizations, this collection brings together the talents of professional, intermediate, and amateur artists, alongside collaborative panels created by community members at local events. It truly is a testament to what we can create together.
Project Update:
Panels: We’re excited to share that all panels have now been spoken for! Each one captures a unique chapter of our town’s story. As you explore the gallery, be sure to check out the QR codes on each panel to discover more about the community supporters and sponsors behind every banner.
Artists: We are still looking for one more artist to help bring the Erin Outlaws panel to life. If you or someone you know would love to be part of this creative journey, please connect with us here!
Fence Staining: We still need volunteers to help stain the fence and create a beautiful, lasting backdrop for this incredible artwork. If you’d like to lend a hand, we’d love your support! Please connect with us here!
We're also grateful for the dedication of Neil Baird, one of Over Here’s founding board members, who has devoted countless hours to the design work at Gallery at 185. Reflecting on the project, Neil shared,
"The Gallery at 185 is a great example of public art. The unexpected nature of it, the surprise around a corner. Art shouldn’t be just locked away in galleries, it should be available to all."
What's Happening Over Here: Upcoming Workshops
Unleash your inner artist and connect with fellow creators in our upcoming workshops. These classes are designed for all skill levels in a serene, supportive setting.
Craft a Charcuterie Board with Fire
When: November 9, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: The Kitchen, Erin
Explore the calming art of woodburning ("drawing with fire") and create your own one-of-a-kind charcuterie board. No experience is necessary!
Basket Weaving with Repurposed Materials
When: November 16, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: Hillsburgh Library
Roll up your sleeves and discover the rhythm of basket weaving—reimagined with vibrant, recycled magazine pages. This hands-on workshop will introduce you to techniques for crafting beautiful and functional baskets.
Storytelling Photography Workshop Wrap-Up
Thank you to everyone who attended our "Mastering Storytelling Photography With Your Cellphone" workshop! Participant Darla shared, “THANK YOU! A wonderful intro into my iPhone capabilities."
As a group, many of us wished for more time to practice together—and we couldn’t agree more! If you’d like to keep the creative momentum going, let’s connect and continue exploring storytelling with our cell phones. Please share the best time for a meet-up, or send your ideas to melissa@overhere.ca.
Let’s keep learning and creating, together!
If you're looking for even more ways to connect with creativity, the Art Ruralz Trail is waiting for you!
An Adventure in Art on the Ruralz Trail
Get ready to discover art in the most unexpected places! The Art Ruralz Trail is your invitation to explore the beauty of our local landscape, connecting you with public art, community landmarks, and soon, our "LOOK Over Here" selfie stations. It’s an evolving adventure, turning any day into a journey of creativity.
An upcoming cornerstone of this trail is the Caboose Hop, a heartfelt public art installation planned for 2026 that celebrates Hillsburgh’s rich railway heritage. This project is a true community dream, and we are continuing to gather support to bring it—and future works along the Art Ruralz Trail—to life.
This is where the magic of community comes in. Your contribution, whether through donations of cash, materials, or your valuable time, is the creative spark that transforms these ideas into a shared legacy. Let's build something beautiful together that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Spotlight on a Creative Partner: Sunnyside Custom Apparel
Creativity finds its way into the world through many different paths. That's why we're so excited to shine a spotlight on Sunnyside Custom Apparel, a local business in downtown Hillsburgh that helps turn imagination into something tangible.
They specialize in helping people take a creative spark and display it for the world to see, whether it's a personal design on a shirt or artwork on a tote bag. They are experts at finding the perfect way to let every idea shine. The owners shared their passion with us:
"While we create a lot of corporate apparel, what excites us most is helping people bring their creativity to life... For us, it’s more than just printing. It’s about turning imagination into something you can hold, wear, and share."
By helping individuals and organizations transform their concepts into high-quality apparel, Sunnyside Custom Apparel is weaving another layer of creativity into the fabric of our community.
Community HappeningsIn The Town of Erin and Headwater's Region : Don't Miss Out!
Headwaters Arts Artists Market
Join our friends at Headwaters Arts for their exciting Artists Market!
When: Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: Arts in the Annex, Alton Mill Arts Centre, Alton
Explore a marketplace filled with unique, crafty, and colorful creations from 15 talented vendors. From wood art and jewelry to paintings and stoneware, there's something to capture everyone's imagination. Enjoy a bite from the on-site food truck while you shop! This FREE event is part of Ontario’s Culture Days and a perfect way to immerse yourself in our vibrant arts scene.
Feast of Hops
Presented by the Rotary Club of Erin
When: Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Where: Erin Agricultural Society Building
Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon built around a friendly culinary challenge, featuring outstanding local food, craft beverages, and live music by the Campfire Poets. Your ticket includes a Feast of Hops Passport for a delicious tasting adventure.
Why not make a weekend of it in the Headwater's Region?
Experience the Feast of Hops on Sunday and visit the Headwaters Arts Artists Market on Saturday—two creative celebrations, one unforgettable weekend!
For a Stay Check out
We’re Stronger Together: Volunteer With Us
Our events and initiatives are powered by passionate community members like you. If you’d like to volunteer your time or talent for projects or our community events, we’d be thrilled to have you. Get involved and connect with Over Here
Thank you for being part of our creative journey. Together, we can continue to make the Town of Erin an even brighter, more inspiring place to live.
Warmly,
The Over Here Team
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