117 Artists Showcase Talent at Art Gallery of Burlington’s Milestone Show

The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is concluding its 50th anniversary All Guilds Show, an exhibition that ran from August 23 to September 7, 2025. This significant event marks a pivotal moment as it may be the last of its kind, coinciding with the gallery’s plans for redevelopment and operational changes.

Over the course of two weeks, the All Guilds Show brought together the creative talents of six established guilds that have contributed to Burlington’s cultural landscape: the Burlington Fine Arts Association, the Burlington Handweavers and Spinners Guild, the Latow Photographers Guild, the Burlington Potters Guild, the Burlington Hooking Craft Guild, and the Burlington Sculptors and Carvers Guild. A total of 117 artists participated, each guild member invited to showcase one piece of their work. The exhibition featured a diverse array of artistic expressions, including wood carvings, fibre arts, paintings, photographs, ceramics, and rug hooking.

This exhibition is not just a display of art; it symbolizes the strength of community-driven art initiatives and the collaborations that have sustained them over the years. Bruce Smith, a member of the Burlington Sculptors and Carvers Guild, expressed pride in participating, stating, “This is a privilege. To be able to show my progress after two years of guild membership means a lot. Our guild creates in wood, clay, stone, plaster, wire, resin, and other materials. Only a few of our members entered a piece for this show, but it gives us a platform to be seen and to connect.”

Celebrating Heritage and Craftsmanship

The spirit of connection is a recurring theme among the guilds. The Burlington Handweavers and Spinners Guild, one of the original guilds behind what is now the Art Gallery of Burlington, celebrated its long-standing history during the anniversary. Margaret Jane Wallace, a guild member, highlighted their evolution, stating, “From those early days, we’ve grown and evolved, yet our passion for sharing the art of weaving, spinning, and allied fibre arts has never changed. The All Guilds Show has been a wonderful way to celebrate our shared love of craftsmanship with the wider Burlington community.”

Wallace also emphasized the guild’s commitment to education, inviting visitors of all ages to explore the joys of weaving and spinning. “These events encourage curiosity and inspire a new generation to keep these traditions alive,” she added.

Photography has been a vital aspect of the All Guilds Show’s history. K. Jennifer Bedford from the Latow Photographers Guild remarked, “Photography has been central to the history of the All Guilds Show and its success over the past five decades. The guilds at the Art Gallery of Burlington are the heart of the institution. Without their dedication, the gallery would never have become what it is today.”

The Burlington Fine Arts Association, established in 1966, has played a critical role in the city’s artistic community. Originally formed in borrowed spaces, it has now transformed into a vibrant collective that hosts workshops and juried exhibitions. The association prioritizes accessibility and artistic development, continually nurturing creativity throughout Burlington.

In similar fashion, the Burlington Potters Guild, founded in 1969, has cultivated a welcoming environment for both novices and experienced potters. Monika Schaefer, a member of the executive team, shared, “We began as a small group in a living room, hoping to exchange ideas. Now, we have 138 full studio members, 19 associate members, and six lifetime members.” The guild also encourages excellence among its members by offering awards during the exhibition.

“We hosted an awards night where our juror, Scott Barnum, a well-known potter with over 50 years of experience, provided critiques and suggestions for each submitted piece,” Schaefer explained. Award winners included Nikola Wojewoda for Best in Show, Elise Chung for both Best Functional and Jeannette Edwardes Beginner Award, and Monika Schaefer for Best Non-Functional Award.

Future Uncertainties

While the All Guilds Show celebrates the community’s artistic achievements, it also unfolds during a period of uncertainty for the Art Gallery of Burlington. Plans for renovations and restructuring could significantly impact the guilds’ roles within the organization. Smith voiced concerns regarding these impending changes, stating, “AGB wants to take over the operation of the guilds, which will impact membership and the skills these guilds have to offer. If the gallery pursues this direction, it may lead to a grim future for us.”

The AGB’s 2023–2025 Strategic Plan acknowledges the need to reassess its relationship with the guilds, aiming to create inclusive spaces for new generations of artists while preserving the legacy of existing guilds. Burlington Local News reached out to the Art Gallery of Burlington for comments on these changes but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

The All Guilds Show stands as a powerful reminder of the collaborative spirit that defines Burlington’s art scene. For five decades, it has not only showcased individual talents but also highlighted the community’s collective strength and commitment to preserving artistic traditions. As the gallery looks towards the future, the impact of these changes on local artists and guilds remains to be seen.