✦ The MacLaren celebrates ✦
In 2026, we’re celebrating four decades of inspiring creativity, fostering community, and sharing exceptional Canadian art.
Join us throughout the fall for a series of exciting exhibitions, events, and special celebrations. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Graphic by Linda Koenemund
September 10–October 18, 2026, PIE Education Centre
To commemorate the MacLaren Art Centre’s 40th anniversary, this exhibition will display artwork in celebration of this momentous occasion. Each heart is painted by a member of our community, reflecting collective admiration, creativity and connection—a love for the MacLaren and its continued commitment to bringing art to all!
October 3, 2026 – May 30, 2027, MacLaren Front Lawn
In celebration of the MacLaren’s 40th anniversary and in acknowledgment of Culture Days, this special public art project will showcase the unique and whimsical road sign designs created by children and youth from Maple Grove Public School, Cundles Heights Public School, Maple Ridge Secondary School, Bear Creek Secondary School, and Youth Haven. This public artwork features a selection of ten (10) artwork as chosen by a jury from the City of Barrie, Barrie Public Art Committee, and the MacLaren Art Centre. This project is a partnership between the MacLaren Art Centre and the City of Barrie, with support from the Barrie Public Art Committee.
Click the image below to view all the signs created for this project, and stay tuned for the reveal of our finalists!
Saturday, October 3
Join us for a free Open House on Saturday, October 3! It’s an opening reception and birthday party all-in-one.
We’ll have light refreshments, art activities, tours, and so much more.
Plus, from 11am-2pm, it’s Palette Cafe’s grand opening! Come hungry, bring a friend, explore the gallery and help us celebrate Palette’s official opening at the MacLaren!
Dates: Sundays: September 13 OR September 20
Be a MacLaren BFF and celebrate the MacLaren’s 40th anniversary in creative style! Here’s your chance to gather with community and add your artistic mark to our celebration! Led by regional artist Laura Bradley, families will explore a variety of watercolour painting techniques to create their very own heart—creatively reflecting their own personal connection to the MacLaren Art Centre.
A smaller painted heart will then be included in a special 40th Anniversary button that each participant will take home as a memento! The artwork created with be a part of I “Heart” MacLaren group exhibition in the PIE Education Centre from September 10 to October 18, 2026.
Thursday, October 1, 2026
In celebration of the MacLaren’s 40th anniversary, join us for a very special live music event with performances by invited alumnae of the Youth Council Coffeehouses. The MacLaren Art Centre has always been a space for encouraging and fostering the artistic talent of local youth—whether in art or music. Now accomplished in their own rights, witness the talents of Emily Cornish and Mich Anger followed by headliner TRAUMAQUEEN!
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