Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association

Website: https://www.rideaulakesartists.com/

Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association (RLAA) – History

In fall 1993, a St. Lawrence College watercolour class led by local artist Marg Grothier in Westport inspired students to form an art club. On January 12, 1994, ten artists met to establish the Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association (RLAA), electing Shirley Johnson as President, Jody Boyer as Secretary, and Sandra Yaxley as Treasurer. Early goals included organizing exhibitions, workshops, newsletters, and group supply purchases.

That first year, members exhibited at The Cove Inn in Westport and the Old Fire Hall in Perth, held workshops with Martina Field and Ed Cronk, and grew to 49 members.

Over the years, RLAA has hosted workshops by renowned artists such as Jack Reid, Henry Vyfvinkel, Margaret Rosemond, Linda Kemp, and many others, covering diverse media including watercolour, oil, acrylic, silk painting, print-making, and collage. Guest speakers have included artists, framers, gallery owners, and art suppliers.

Members have enjoyed plein air sessions at Rideau Canal lock stations, parks, mills, and private lakeside properties, along with sketching trips to Algonquin Park, Charlevoix, and Val David. Bus trips to the National Gallery and private studios have enriched their artistic experiences.

RLAA has exhibited in numerous venues across Westport, Perth, Smiths Falls, Newboro, Balderson, and Brockville. From 1997–2010, members took part in Art on the Lawn in Perth, supporting the local hospital, before the event evolved into Art in the Barn at the Lombardy fairgrounds in 2011.

For 15 years, RLAA met at the Westport Town Hall Complex before moving to the North Crosby Community Hall in 2009.

Today, the Association continues to thrive with over 100 members who display their work in two annual shows and at eight local venues. RLAA remains dedicated to fostering creativity, education, and community through the arts.