Creative individuals are at the heart of the creative economy. The ideas and imagination of individuals is what creates economic value. The creative economy requires collaboration and creativity across various sectors. The Town of Gananoque will continue to focus on supporting individuals, organizations and creative industries to nurture and develop creative capacity; unique and distinct enterprises; and activities and products. Gananoque has a rich history and culture, unique heritage buildings and architecture, and unsurpassed landscapes and natural assets. A vibrant cultural community is what defines a place, and it is with this shared understanding and vision that we will continue to celebrate and promote our culture so that we as a community and region will continue to be a place to live, work, learn, play, visit and invest.
Artists & Studio Tours
From studio shops down at the waterfront such as Vaga or Art on Purpose, to taking a drive along the Thousand Islands Parkway to visit one of many studios that are open by chance or appointment. Pack a picnic and head down Highway 2, stop by the Coachhouse Gallery and then off to Balleycanoe & Co. where you will find 19th century rural architectural salvage turned into one of kind pieces of art.
Gananoque Arts Network
Performance Artists, Dancers, Composers, Musicians, Actors, Painters, Sculptors, Crafts People...If you are a maker and creator of any kind, or supporter of the arts in Gananoque we hope you will want to join our inclusive, welcoming organization.
Balleycanoe & Co.
The rural character of this material is what distinguishes Balleycanoe from the typical architectural salvage operation. We carry a large quantity of doors, hardware, tin, porch posts, gingerbread, windows, stair parts, fire place mantles, trim, and many unusual decorative items that just don't fit any particular category. Most of our stock is in original paint and form
Ian Coristine
Ian Coristine has created and produced five highly regarded books on The Thousand Islands, all achieving “best selling” status and winning international awards for their quality. Almost twenty years ago, Ian took off in his Challenger ultralight for a short escape with a couple of friends and unknowingly began a journey that ultimately transformed his life. He discovered, by chance, a region just two hours west of his home near Hudson, Quebec: The Thousand Islands, an archipelago in the St. Lawrence River.
The region caught his imagination and touched something in him he could not quite articulate or define. His interest became an obsession, and within a few years, he had purchased an island with an abandoned 100-year old cottage. Ian knew little about construction and less about boats; in One In A Thousand, Ian describes the hard work and comic misadventures of restoration and the difficult task of pulling his family onboard with his project
Penny Gorman
From a large stockpile of architectural material, collected from my many excursions throughout the countryside and at Balleycanoe, I create my art. The media is wide-ranging but all recycled from salvage that can no longer be used for its original purpose. For example: wood trim, ceiling tin, lightning rod cable, barnboard and vintage hardware. These "as found" objects are the creative starting point for an array of decorative and functional items for home and garden. "The material is my inspiration, it has such character. One could easily imagine the history behind each piece and by incorporating it into my artwork means that I'm part of its continuing story."
Vaga Gallery
Vega Gallery features original art in watercolour, oil, pastel, acrylic, collage, pen & ink by Canadian artists residing in the 1000 Islands region of Eastern Ontario. 95 King St.
Music in the Thousand Islands
Please visit our events calendar for more information about live Music in Gananoque and the Thousand Islands.
Gananoque Choral Society
The Gananoque Choral Society was begun in the early 1990's by a group of people who wanted to sing choral music beyond what is sung by church choirs. Throughout the years, the group has performed a variety of music, including classical, pop, rock and roll, doowop, show tunes and Christmas standards as well as secular pieces. Our emphasis for the last 6 - 8 years has been on being a Community Choir, a place for all who love to sing. There are two official performances during the year – a spring songfest and a Christmas holiday gala and sing along.
The Choral Society also actively participates in the Remembrance Day ceremonies every year.
Theatre
Thousand Island Playhouse
Celebrating over 30 years as a premier attraction in the Thousand Islands. Two wonderful theatres, one amazing view!
The Royal Theatre
A Big Thank You to Lauren Kaufmann and Ian Coristine for the many photographs on our website.
Kaufmann Photography
Kaufmann Photography specializes in creating beautiful custom wedding and family portraits ~ enjoying creative studio portraiture and natural outdoor location portraiture for families, children, babies, newborns, couples, engagements, weddings, and all types of special event photography. Serving the greater Ottawa and Kingston areas including Perth, Merrickville, Westport, Smiths Falls, Bath, Brockville and other scenic areas along the beautiful Rideau Canal. Also available for travel throughout Canada and abroad.
