July 2026

July 31 2026

Community Creativity Takes Center Stage in the Thousand Islands Arts Center’s Reel Art: A Community Catch Exhibition

CLAYTON, NY — The Thousand Islands Arts Center is proud to present Reel Art: A Community Catch, a brand-new community art exhibition opening Tuesday, August 4, and on view through September 5, 2026, at the Arts Center’s new home at 321 James Street in Clayton.

This inaugural exhibition invited community members to transform a simple wooden fish blank into a one-of-a-kind work of art, encouraging artists of all ages and experience levels to express their creativity. The response exceeded expectations, with more than 150 wooden fish claimed and transformed into original works of art. From seasoned artists to first-time creators, participants enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to be part of this first-of-its-kind community exhibition.

“We’ve been thrilled by the response to our very first Reel Art exhibition,” said Mia Ramseier, Executive Director of the Thousand Islands Arts Center. “The enthusiasm from the community has been incredible, and we can’t wait to see how each participant has brought their fish to life. We know the exhibit will showcase an amazing variety of creativity, personality, and artistic expression.”

The public is invited to explore this vibrant exhibition throughout August and experience more than 150 community-created works of art. A special opening reception will be held on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., offering visitors the opportunity to celebrate the artists and enjoy the exhibition’s debut.

From whimsical and humorous to intricate and thought-provoking, each decorated fish reflects the imagination and individuality of its creator while celebrating the creativity that makes the Thousand Islands region so unique.

The Thousand Islands Arts Center invites everyone to stop by, discover the remarkable talent within the community, and celebrate this exciting new tradition.

For more information about Reel Art: A Community Catch, upcoming exhibitions, classes, and events, please contact the Thousand Islands Arts Center at 315-686-4123 or visit TIArtsCenter.org.

July 25 2026

Thousand Islands Arts Center Announces Award Winners as Along the River’s Edge Exhibition Comes to a Close

Katherine Lake Uncategorized

CLAYTON, NY – The Thousand Islands Arts Center wrapped up a memorable chapter in its history as Along the River’s Edge, the first exhibition presented in the Arts Center’s new home at 321 James Street, came to a close.

The annual juried exhibition showcased an outstanding collection of artwork inspired by the beauty, culture, and spirit of the Thousand Islands region. This year’s exhibition marked an exciting milestone for the Arts Center, welcoming visitors into its new galleries while celebrating the incredible talent of regional artists.

More than 200 works of art were submitted for consideration, with 150 pieces selected for exhibition by juror Chris Murray, representing the work of 111 artists. The overwhelming response from artists and visitors alike made this year’s exhibition a fitting inaugural showcase for the Arts Center’s new facility.

Each year, four awards are presented in recognition of artistic excellence. This year’s winners were:

Catherine C. Johnson Award: Lisa Wagner for The Ida Matilda-Boldt Yacht House
Kincaid Award: Barbara Green for Feathered Cat in Green
Juror’s Choice Award: Beth Munro for Summer Birches
People’s Choice Award: Joshua Carnegie for Sunset from Grindstone Island

This year, the Arts Center introduced a new approach to the People’s Choice Award by keeping ballots available throughout the entire run of the exhibition, allowing all visitors—not just those attending the opening reception—the opportunity to vote for their favorite artwork. The Arts Center is pleased to congratulate Joshua Carnegie, whose painting Sunset from Grindstone Island received the most votes from exhibition visitors.

“We are incredibly grateful to every artist who submitted work and to everyone who visited the exhibition,” said Katherine Lake, Education & Communications Coordinator at the Thousand Islands Arts Center. “Opening our new galleries with Along the River’s Edge was a milestone for our organization, and the enthusiasm shown by both artists and the community made it an unforgettable beginning.”

As Along the River’s Edge closes, the Thousand Islands Arts Center looks ahead to its next exhibition, Reel Art: A Community Catch, opening August 4. The community exhibition will feature more than 150 creatively transformed wooden fish, each uniquely designed by artists of all ages and experience levels, celebrating the creativity and character of the Thousand Islands region.

For more information about upcoming exhibitions, classes, and events, visit TIArtsCenter.org or stop by the Thousand Islands Arts Center at 321 James Street in Clayton.

July 2 2026

Thousand Islands Arts Center Invites Community to Experience the Final Days of Along the River’s Edge

Katherine Lake Uncategorized

CLAYTON, N.Y. – The Thousand Islands Arts Center invites the community to experience the final days of its annual juried Along the River’s Edge exhibition, on view through Saturday, July 25, in the galleries of the Arts Center’s new home at 321 James Street.

As the first exhibition presented in the Arts Center’s newly opened facility, Along the River’s Edge has marked an exciting milestone during the Arts Center’s 60th anniversary year. The exhibit has welcomed visitors into the new galleries while celebrating the incredible talent of artists from across the region and beyond.

This year’s exhibition received more than 220 submissions, making it one of the strongest responses in the exhibition’s history. From those entries, 150 works of art by 111 individual artists were selected for exhibition.

“We are thrilled with the response to this year’s exhibition,” said Marina Loew, Curator and Director of Visitor Experience at the Thousand Islands Arts Center. “The incredible talent, creativity, and diversity of our artists made for a truly inspiring show, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make it such a success. It’s a wonderful celebration of the vibrant artistic community we have here in the Thousand Islands.”

Community members and visitors are encouraged to stop by before the exhibition closes on Saturday, July 25, to experience this outstanding collection of artwork and explore the Arts Center’s beautiful new galleries. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or visiting for the first time, Along the River’s Edge is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creativity inspired by the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands region.

Following the close of Along the River’s Edge, the gallery will welcome Reel Art: A Community Catch, opening Tuesday, August 4. This unique community exhibition features wooden fish blanks transformed into one-of-a-kind works of art by local artists, students, and community members. From whimsical creations to fine art interpretations, each fish celebrates the creativity and artistic spirit of the Thousand Islands community.

The Thousand Islands Arts Center welcomes visitors to tour the galleries, browse the gift shop, and experience its new state-of-the-art facility.

For gallery hours and more information, visit TIArtsCenter.org.

Community Creativity Takes Center Stage in the Thousand Islands Arts Center’s Reel Art: A Community Catch Exhibition

Thousand Islands Arts Center Announces Award Winners as Along the River’s Edge Exhibition Comes to a Close

Thousand Islands Arts Center Invites Community to Experience the Final Days of Along the River’s Edge

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