The Hamilton Art Fair is an exciting annual event developed to promote and support Hamilton’s vibrant artistic community. The Hamilton Art Fair hosted by the Cotton Factory is excited to kick off their first annual event developed to promote and support Hamilton’s vibrant art and design community.

Meet artists and designers from Hamilton and surrounding areas at various stages of their careers. Learn about their creative process, purchase artwork, attend life-drawing sessions, receptions, purchase work, attend a talk or presentation and learn more about the business of art and design.

Opening Reception: Thursday September 26th – 7pm to 11pm

Featuring:

1. The Colour of Joy is a curated exhibition by artist Dawn Grant. Featured artists include Abraham Oghobase, Akosua Brown,  Candace Walkes,  Cesar Cordoba,  Clarissa Vásquez, Dawn Grant, Eklipz, Kareem-Anthony Ferreira,  Kamaldeep Kaur, Mayumou,  Melanie Cheung,  Mosa Mcneily,  Queen Dollylama,  Ravinder Ruprai, Sharifa Patrick, Shea Chang, Stylo Starr, Tone Bailey,  Tonya Burke,  Tye Halstead 
2. Celebrations curated by the Women’s Art Association of Hamilton
3. The Art of the Build, a curated exhibition by Annette Paiement (see listing below)
4. Hamilton Studio School – Student Work  curated by Rae Bates
5. Abstract Perspectives, 7 views of the Dyeworks Building.   Featured artists include Lorraine Bissell, Susannah Bleasby, Angela Busse, Karen Klucowicz, Donna Lacka, Laura Roberts, Gayle Yaksich 
6. Visionary Voices, Group Exhibition, Juliana Biernacki, Tom Broen, Emma Enright, Paul Enright, Stev’nn Hall, Sherri Lee Hollis,Tim Kaczmarczyk, Janice Kovar, Patty Lynes, Mel W. Marshall, Lesia Mokrycke, Niniannebast Design, Lynne Ryall, Chris Schaefer, Willie VanCaulart
7. Curated Sculptural Work in Studio 206 (see listing below)
8. Tableau Vivant Art Installation, curated by Cassandra Book and Ashley Shortall  [Thursday Night Only – Main Event Space]
9. Video Works by Hamilton Aerial Group curated by Lori Lemare (see listing below)
10. Beyond the Mural, presented in partnership with the Niagara Underground Railway Museum. Images created by Artist Sara Heidinger and assistant photographers, Kaleigh Day and Janae Gilmer

Creative Convergence: The Art of Design Showcase Talks and Presentations, this showcase explores the fusion of art and design, blending creativity with functionality. It features aesthetically pleasing and practical works, like a beautifully designed chair or a functional, striking building. The exhibition highlights this intersection’s innovative and transformative power through a curated selection of works.

Taking place in CoWork, Studio 301 – 305

Panel Discussion & Presentations: Friday September 27th – 7pm to 11pm

All Galleries are open for viewing. The evening will feature selected artists’ talks and presentations.

The Colour of Joy – Artist Talk  – 7:30 – 9 PM  LOCATION: 2ND FLOOR MILL BUILDING

7:30 – 7:45 PM     Queen Dollylama

7:45 – 8 PM           Ravinder Ruprai

8 – 8:15 PM           Clarissa Vásquez

8:15 – 8:30 PM     Abraham Oghobase

8:30 – 8: 45 PM   Eklipz

Cocktails & Culinary Art Night with a DJ & Dancing: Saturday September 28th – 4pm to 11pm

All galleries are open for viewing.

Join us for Cocktails + Music, Dancing, and Culinary Delights brought to you by Ken LeFebour from Nellie James will cook from his new conceptual cookbook, “I’m Just Gonna F*ing Cook,”  to be released in 2025.

Tickets $30.00 on Eventbrite

Costumed Life Drawing: Live models and long and short poses with Hamilton Aerialist Trish Cook will be set to curated music provided by our host, artist JD Howell. Come draw with us! Bring along your favourite drawing tools, or come to watch the process and enjoy the food, networking, and fun.

NobleWolf iMage Presents the Community Film Festival. Home for original artists. Hosted by ThatDudeFromLupinore.

Creative Convergence: The Art of Design – 4:00 PM  Art, Design and the Environment, A talk presented by OMC landscape architecture.

Panel Discussions & Presentations, Unplugged Acoustics, and Networking – Sunday September 29th – 1pm to 6pm

All galleries are open for viewing.

Creative Convergence: The Art of Design Showcase | Unplugged – Join us for an afternoon of unplugged activities in Studio 301 and Studio 305

• 12 Noon – Mindfulness and Meditation Session: Steve Ferrell @movewellfeelgood [45min] sign up suggested to guarantee a spot, bring your yoga mat.  Sign Up Here

Steve Ferrell is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, and Meditation and Mindfulness facilitator, Therapeutic Counselor, anatomy and movement enthusiast/educator, Author, husband of one, and Father of 2. He teaches locally in the Hamilton and surrounding areas and nationally.

• 1 PM – 2 PM Tech free detox: Relaxation and Self Care. Read, journal, or simply rest. Coffee and tea available Studio 301
• 2 – 3:00 pm Life as Art self reflection activity: Akosua Brown @whatsyourstory.books
• Drop in Unplugged design experience: Disconnect + Design a Wellness Device: Renn Scott @dgdesignlabs Bring your curiosity.
• 3 pm Intro to the life of a craftsperson: Shao-Pin Chu [20min]
• 4 pm Life as Art: Culminating presentation led by Akosua Brown
• Creativity and Healing: Akosua Brown @whatsyourstory.books [40 min talk]

Main Event Space 3rd Floor Mill Building

• 12 Noon – 3 PM     Costumed Life Drawing – Main Event Space
• 1 PM  – 2:30 PM    Blue Water Gold Listening Party (bring a yoga matt + blanket – RSVP HERE)
• 2 PM – 3 PM Drawn Thoughts, a no skills required drawing workshop presented by artist Carolyn Dover, an exercise in understanding the universal language of line through collective consciousness.
• 2:30 PM    Free Concert with the Dundas Valley Orchestra Celtic Ensemble  – Main Event Space 3rd Floor