Gibson Gallery holds AGM with plans underway for 2026
- Ron Giofu
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The Fort Malden Guild of Arts and Crafts held its annual general meeting (AGM) on the weekend and went over the year that was and plans ahead for 2026.
The guild is the board that operates the Gibson Gallery, the local art gallery located at 140 Richmond St. in Amherstburg. Members and board members gathered to hear about the gallery’s operations over the past year from the art classes held there, the shape the historic former train station is in to its signature event – Art by the River.
Dave Cozens gave his president’s remarks, stating the gallery accomplished much of its goals and contributed to the town as a whole. He said he is excited to have three new members join the board of directors.
Highlights of 2025 included the 58th annual Art by the River, which drew 10,000 visitors to Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada. He thanked the nearly 100 volunteers that helped with that major gallery fundraiser.
The Holiday Artisan Shoppe drew record numbers, he added.
Cozens noted five guilds meet regularly at the Gibson Gallery and there were three special events such as a trunk sale, paranormal nights and being a stop on the Amherstburg Art Crawl.
“I tip my hat to our very active and talented exhibit committee for the wide range of interesting & unique exhibits in 2025,” he said.
The Gibson Gallery hosts the Marsh Historical Collection’s “Small Town, Big Industry” exhibit starting with a sold out reception Jan. 23. The exhibit itself is free on weekends Jan. 24-Feb. 22 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Capital projects last year were a facelift to the storage shed, replacing deteriorated pieces of facia and soffit, installing a shipping container for storage, and getting federal funding for summer students. He also thanked members, volunteers, guilds, sponsors and those who attended the gallery.
Among the goals for 2026 is the celebration of a milestone year, noting it is 130-years-old.
“We hope with every event we have, that we do so recognizing that fact,” said Cozens. “It’s going to be a year-long celebration.”
The building became an art gallery in 1965, though rail cars were next door until the mid-1970s. Cozens said the final passenger rail car left in 1923 but freight cars were used near the site until 1976.
The caboose is also undergoing a transformation. It will now be converted and used to house a “Transportation in Amherstburg” exhibit with 50 per cent of it to be permanent and the other 50 per cent to have rotating pieces. The grand opening for that is planned for Oct. 4.
Cozens noted that while renovations to the building have yet to be approved by the board, he has identified issues such as repairs to the slate roof, an update to the office, refinishing the hardwood floor and repainting the gallery as items he wishes to discuss.
Implementing new policies and procedures have been another accomplishment for the guild, he indicated.
Next year is the 60th anniversary of Art by the River and plans for that milestone are also getting underway.
Children’s and adult art classes have been steady, if not increasing, in participation. The 2026 exhibit season is booked up with exhibits already being lined up for 2027. Special events in 2025 included a high tea and outdoor “pop up” events with the gallery also launching a new website last year.
Plans also include being a stop on the Jane’s Walk and continuing to be on the Art Crawl as well as hosting a Family Day event. Ghost tours are also expected to return during the Uncommon Festival and Halloween.
Upcoming events could include such things as live music nights and historical tours. Members commented on their thoughts of the gallery, from it being a welcoming, bright exhibit space to expanding its usage and exploring partnerships with other historic sites and local events.
Gibson Gallery holds AGM with plans underway for 2026
By Ron Giofu
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