Gibson Gallery thanks its Art by the River volunteers

Volunteers that assisted with Art by the River were thanked at a recent reception held at the Gibson Gallery in Amherstburg. Over 50 volunteers helped with the Aug. 23-24 show that was held at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada.

With the 58^th annual Art by the River in the rear-view mirror, organizers took time to thank those who helped the event run smoothly.

A volunteer celebration event was held at the Gibson Gallery, the organization that presents and is supported by Art by the River. Stephanie Thomson, who co-ordinated volunteers for the Aug. 23-24 show, thanked the over 50 volunteers that assisted the show this year. She said “it isn’t just a thank you,” as she told the volunteers who were able to attend last week that they are part of an organization that is largely volunteer-run.

“You are a huge part of our organization’s success,” Thomson told the group.

Of the 54 volunteers that helped at Art by the River in 2025, 24 have already committed to 2026, she added.

Dave Cozens, the president of the Fort Malden Guild of Arts and Crafts, also offered his thanks to the volunteers. The guild is the organization that operates the gallery.

“Without your support, Art by the River would not be possible,” Cozens told the volunteers. “Many of you were on our front lines, welcoming our patrons and collecting payments.”

The attendance at Art by the River this year was just under 10,000, he said, and pointed out the shuttle service was a new feature. That was sponsored by Amherstburg Buick GMC with Thomson and Cozens both stating that it received “rave reviews” by those who used it.

Four volunteer drivers assisted with the shuttle service this year. 

Other premier corporate sponsors included RBC, BMO Wealth Management, Joe Meloche Ford and TD Bank.

“Our board is very proud that, due to the success of Art by the River, the dedication of our volunteers and members, and the support of our corporate and private sponsors, we are able to maintain and operate the Gibson Gallery without financial assistance from the Town of Amherstburg,” said Cozens.

Cozens pointed out next year will be the 130^th anniversary of their building with events in the planning stage. He said the guild was founded in 1945 “to encourage and foster cultural development in the fine and applied arts” and originally met at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada, “hence the name.”

Approximately 55 years ago, Florence Gibson purchased the Michigan Central Railroad Station and donated it to the guild, with the building renamed in her honour. The building itself was built in 1896 “and its Romanesque architecture is ideal for an art gallery. The building itself is a piece of art,” Cozens said.

The Gibson Gallery is managed by a board of directors with annual memberships to the gallery being $25 per person or $30 per family. 

In addition to regular exhibits in the spring, summer and fall, there is an artisan gift shop, guilds that meet regularly there and a variety of adult and children’s classes.

The 125-year-old caboose at the rear of the museum is being converted from a railway museum into a new exhibit that will be known as “Transportation in Amherstburg.” That will open in October 2026.

For more information on the Gibson Gallery, call 519-736-2826 or visit www.gibsonartgallery.com. 

Gibson Gallery thanks its Art by the River volunteers

By Ron Giofu