+15 Places to Find Art in Stratford Ontario
Stratford is one of my favourite places to visit in Ontario. With so much to offer, from plays to incredible food and everything in between, it’s no surprise that visitors return again and again. On my most recent visit, I wanted to dig into the art scene of Stratford. As Canada’s premier arts town, art bleeds into every facet of Stratford, from art galleries to its artful food scene. If you haven’t visited yet here is your art lover’s guide to Stratford, including over 15 places to find art in Stratford.
If there is one place that knows how to celebrate art, it’s Stratford. You’ll find art comes in various forms here, from paintings in art galleries to the art of theatre, and you be hard-pressed for time with the endless things to do in Stratford for art lovers.
Awesome Places to Find Art in Stratford
Stratford Festival
Every year I am amazed by the Stratford Festival. The choice of plays each season showcases a wide range of interests, from family-friendly ones – like this year’s The Neverending Story to cult classics like Little Shop of Horrors. Each set, wardrobe, script, and actors bring the theatre to life and are expertly executed.
Another fun aspect of the Stratford Festival is that each year one or more of the plays seem to trickle into the streets of Stratford. In 2018, Rocky Horror Picture Show exploded across town and you could see hints of it in shops, restaurants, and merchandise everywhere. This year, Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors is the inspiration. In the beautiful flower beds in front of city hall, on trees along residential streets and all across town are signs reminding you – “Don’t feed the plants”.
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But if you want to truly enhance your theatre experience the Stratford Festival runs a ton of other events you can add to your Stratford itinerary. You can get a backstage pass to the theatre and check out the costumes and props or go behind the scenes at Festival Theatre. Throughout the festival season, there are Forum events that include talks, discussions and more on the themes running through the plays.
And don’t forget!! The Stratford Festival doesn’t end when summer does – you can book tickets for plays running to the end of October and into November.
Art Galleries in Stratford
Whether it’s a beautiful day outside or a cool and rainy fall day in Stratford you’ve got to visit some, or all, of the art galleries found across town. There are around half a dozen art galleries in Stratford and most are located right downtown.
Gallery Stratford
This hidden gem of Stratford is a must-visit. The Gallery Stratford is set in the city’s historic pump house and is located just past the Festival Theatre, hidden amongst the tower trees of Confederation Park. It is home to both a permanent collection as well as revolving exhibits. They focus on regional as well as Canadian art and right now the Libby Hague: Every Heart Can Grow Bigger exhibit will leave you in awe.
If you’re looking to add something more to your art in Stratford itinerary than check out the Gallery’s awesome workshops, classes and for those with kids there are even children’s programs.
Location: 54 Romeo Street South
Agora Gallery
The Agora Gallery is a lively and thought-provoking gallery that showcases artists that have some connection to Stratford. Right now you’ll find colourful pieces and a charming little piece that will even provide you with music as you take it all in. Be sure to check back near Christmas for a photography exhibit.
Location: 17 Market Place
Mountain Galleries East
New this year is Mountain Galleries East, the first located east of the Rockies. This awesome gallery promotes Canadian artists and showcases a range of styles, from colourful forest paintings by Bev Rodin to awe-inspiring stone carvings by Cathryn Jenkins.
Location: 100 Downie Street
SITE
The Gallery Stratford has a new pop-up shop in downtown Stratford called SITE. Here you’ll find revolving exhibits that will surely entice you to visit Gallery Stratford’s main site. Now until the end of September, you’ll find Ann Marie Hadcock’s Interstice exhibit. Her exhibit at SITE brings her artistic yarn work into the Ontario landscape to bring you interesting photographs that blur the lines on nature versus art.
Location: 15 Market Place
Gallery Indigena
Gallery Indigena is one of my favourite galleries in Stratford. Both art gallery and shop, Gallery Indigena celebrates the art of indigenous people. In the front of the building, you’ll find an assortment of merchandise that is all inspired by or made by Canada’s indigenous people, from coast to coast. There’s everything from beautiful scarves to statement piece jewelry and so much more.
In the rear, you’ll be swept away by art in all forms, from stonework to masks that tell a story and even a totem. Be sure to take the time and talk to the knowledgeable staff who will explain every piece, its story, and the artists behind them.
Location: 69 Ontario Street
Art in Parks
One of the reasons why I love Stratford so much is its wealth of green space. And art in Stratford doesn’t just have to be in the traditional art galleries. In Stratford, the gardens and parks use the ground as the canvas and play with flowers and plants to create a wonderful display of live art.
Shakespearean Gardens
If there is one garden in Stratford you must visit it’s the Shakespearean Gardens. Set along the banks of the Avon River, the Shakespearean Gardens are home to a breath-taking display of flowers, sculpted hedges, winding paths, and a charming bust of Mr. Shakespeare himself. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying the peace and beauty of the gardens.
Art in the Park
If you’re looking to do a little shopping for art by local and regional artists than head to Stratford’s Art in the Park. Held from the end of May through to October, on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sundays, Art in the Park can be found along the banks of the Avon River, on Lakeside Drive. You’ll find art of all shapes, sizes, forms, and price points, there’s everything from oil paintings to soapstone sculptures. One of my favourite things about Art in the Park is being able to not only see the artists in action creating but also to be able to speak with them and learn what and where inspires them.
Arthur Meighen Gardens
Leading up to the entrance of the Festival Theatre lies an outstanding garden that even after a half a dozen visits will still surprise and awe you. The Arthur Meighen Gardens is multi-tiered and home to a plethora of plants and flowers as well as a lily pond. Winding along the maze-like stone paths will fill you with wonder at the colours, shapes, and varieties, and each one is labeled.
Ted Blowes Memorial Peace Garden
Discover Stratford’s newest public garden, the Ted Blowes Memorial Peace Garden that is named after a beloved local and in the shape of a butterfly. But to see the butterfly shape you’ll have to climb the ‘bridge to nowhere’ that takes you up and over the gardens with a bird’s eye view of the artful design. This pollinator garden attracts bees and butterflies – I was blown away by the numbers of Monarchs I saw during my visit. You can find this Peace Garden between the Festival Theatre and Confederation Park.
Artisan Shops in Stratford
One of the best ways to support your local community or that of the place you’re visiting is to Shop Local. It’s so important to put your money into the hands of real people and a great way to do that is shop at the many artisan shops in downtown Stratford. You’ll come away feeling like you used your money wisely and have a unique or one-of-a-kind piece as a souvenir or gift.
Meet Your Maker
One of my favourite shops in Stratford is Meet Your Maker. This gem of a shop sells unique artisan goods that span the gamut, there’s everything from fun Shakespeare inspired merchandise to creative jewelry. And be sure to wander into the back to discover Canada’s smallest movie theatre.
Location: 62 Wellington Street
Distill
If you’re looking for interesting pieces made by Canadians as well as ethical and sustainable fashions, home décor and unique jewelry then head over to shop at Distill in Stratford. The light streaming into the shop seems to spotlight the incredible, well-made and curated collection.
Location: 96 Downie Street
Got it Made
Another fun and wonderfully displayed shop is Got it Made. Here you’ll find an array of things made by over 50 outstanding artisans from both Stratford and South Western Ontario. The soy candles make great gifts, the jewelry is hard to not pass up and the decorative pieces and art for your home will make people talk.
Location: 27 Ontario Street.
Stratford Food Art
Food in Stratford is a work of art itself. Many of the restaurants, cafes, Bed & Breakfasts and businesses in Stratford use local produce and local meats. But there is something about the city’s food scene that takes it to the next level, maybe it’s the Chef’s School or the high caliber of restaurants. But whatever it is make sure to test out as many restaurants, cafes, and markets as you can.
Bijou Restaurant
One restaurant that really blew me away with not just their food but their artful presentation of it is Bijou Restaurant. This year they’re celebrating 20 years of farm to table dining and were Stratford first to offer a farm to table menu. Bijou has French bistro-style cuisine that is inspired by fresh, in-season ingredients, and have multi-course prix-fixe blackboard menu options or sharable food flights.
The food is divine and their presentation – especially with the sharable food flights will definitely have you photographing the work of art that is before you. The Simple Greens Board is served on a cutting board with colourful greens, vegetables, hummus and pistou and looks like painter’s palette. Other dishes are served in delicate blue and white bowls and no matter what is topped with a pop of green. Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere and return for the art of display!
Location: 76 Wellington Street
Street Art
This artful city is also home to some expertly located street art. All around downtown you’ll spot hydro boxes adding pops of colour to the streets and all represent Stratford in one way or another. There’s one with swans, one with the man himself – Shakespeare, and many more.
O’Higgins Alley
A must stop for theatre lovers is O’Higgins Alley. Located just south of Ontario Street off of Downie Street, you’ll find portraits of some famous actors who have graced the stage in Stratford, like Sir Alec Guinness and William Shatner.
Allen’s Alley
A fun alleyway dedicated to the arts is Allen’s Alley. You can easily find it on Google Maps, off Wellington Street. This alley pays tribute to some of Stratford’s famous musicians.
If you’re looking for more things to do in Perth County there is a wealth of outdoor activities, small towns to explore, tasty farm gates, and something for everyone – from solo travellers to families!
Where to Stay in Stratford for Art Lovers
Mornington Rose Bed & Breakfast
It’s only fitting for your weekend of art in Stratford to stay somewhere that exudes art too. Look no further than Mornington Rose Bed & Breakfast. Located only a ten minute walk to downtown Stratford, you’ll love this B&B’s central location. Set in a beautiful century home with an inviting porch, the Morning Rose B&B is also full of art.
Both of the owners are artists, Victoria indulges in glass and wirework while Murry creates incredible wood, acrylic and gemstone pens that are available for purchase. Be sure to also ask for a tour of Victoria’s Glass Studio, located next door.
The entire home is adorned with eye-catching art and even your breakfast is artfully done, with fresh fruit salads topped with eatable flowers and desserts nearly too pretty to eat – though you will devour it! You’ll love dining and staying in this perfect Stratford accommodation that was made for art lovers.
I was hosted by Visit Stratford for my trip but as always all opinions expressed are my own.
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