The Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre: An artist hub you won’t forget
So you want to get creative. Get your hands messy? Catch a great exhibit? Try a new medium? If any of those things sound appealing to you, you’re going to love the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre. Tucked away in Victoria Park, this community art centre is membership-driven and a welcome relief from the busy, big-city art centres. Rather, they focus on personal connections, welcoming artists of all skill sets and showcasing the talent of southwestern Ontario. The Centre has been an arts hub in Ingersoll for 50 years, with 2023 marking their 50th Anniversary.
Learn Something New or Perfect Your Craft
“The Centre is a welcoming, inclusive space for people at all stages of their artistic journey,” says Sophie, the arts administrator for The Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre (ICAC). With a huge list of classes and programming and more on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to take up a new medium. From rug hooking and fabric art to painting, mixed media, pottery and more, there’s no shortage of classes or skill levels available. It’s no wonder then why the Centre attracts visitors from as far as Kitchener, Stratford, Shedden and Simcoe. It’s a wonderful artistic getaway with loads of opportunity.
For those who really want to dive in head first to their craft, studio space is available. Regular studio gatherings for members not only allow them to work on their latest project but also to get together socially, learn from each other and have a laugh (or two).
ICAC also offer up classes for adults and children alike in a variety of art forms as well as full-week youth arts camp during the Summer. For those looking to bring their kids along, the centre is located in a prime location. Just steps away from a playground and splash pad as well as a short walk through beautiful Victoria Park to the Ingersoll Cheese Museum and their cheese-themed playground, it’s a wonderful way to get out of the house and teach your kids something new.
Exhibits
One great perk of being a member of ICAC is the opportunity to showcase your work. In other words, not only can you create there but you can exhibit too! Whether you sell your work in the on-site gift shop or take advantage of the gallery space when available, it’s a great way to show your work to others in the community and beyond.
Beyond artists, those visiting the centre will of course love the exhibits too! Past exhibits have included showcases of recent works by the ICAC Rug Hooking Group, Women in Culture-an exhibit featuring female artists working at Oxford’s three art centres and galleries and Wings, an exhibit by artist David Vancook, a gorgeous exhibit centred on birds depicted in creative ways, among many others.
Connection
Really at the end of the day, The Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre is all about connecting. Artists connect with one another. Local residents connect with the artists. Staff connect with their members. Youth connect with art in new ways. There are so many ways to be inspired by The Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre and to take a piece of Oxford home with the Artisan Market. Be sure to check out their website for upcoming exhibits, classes and events.