August 31, 2026
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Twenty-five years ago, the arts community in Kincardine was offered space in the old town hall, the former council chamber, for an art gallery.
The group transformed that section of what is now the Kincardine Arts Centre, into the Victoria Park Gallery which celebrated its 25th anniversary, Saturday, Aug. 22.
Gallery president Susan Crawford welcomed everyone to the event, and founding member Sylvia Melinz provided some history.
Melinz credited former mayor, Larry Kraemer, for the vision to see this building become an anchor for the arts groups in Kincardine.
"He offered this space to Visual Arts Kincardine which was a group of artists that organized workshops, outings and shows of members' artwork," said Melinz. "Visual Arts Kincardine had already been in existence for more than 20 years.
"Then-president Bev Meidow was the driving force behind this gallery becoming a reality. She participated in the physical labour required, as well as the organizational aspects needed to start a business, and our local artists had a permanent space to showcase their art."
Melinz also acknowledged Jane Rigby who assisted in dealing with lawyers and other business aspects. "Her expertise was invaluable."
Other gallery presidents since Meidow, included Rigby, Sharon Pike, Joye Hunt, Wilma Michel, Donna Taylor and Mary Faubert, Ruth Nicholson, and the current president, Crawford. Melinz and Jana Mika are the only original members still at the gallery.
"In my opinion, the secret to the success of a co-operative art gallery is having members who don't put their individual interests ahead of the well-being of the collective good, but work together," said Melinz. "Congratulations to all the members who have made this gallery what it is today. Twenty-five years is an achievement to be celebrated."
Kraemer thanked the many dedicated volunteers who contributed to the success of the gallery over the years.
"Twenty-five years ago, we had a diverse number of arts groups with different skills and interests," he said. "The marine photo collection went into the Scougall Gallery, the gallery was located here, and the auditorium became the home of the Kincardine Theatre Guild and the Bluewater Summer Playhouse. We even had the woodturners' guild set up here.
"I can't believe it's been 25 years. My first office as mayor was where the guest gallery is now. I'm pleased that this was developed into an arts centre, fulfilling the needs of all the arts groups in Kincardine."
Mayor Kenneth Craig congratulated the gallery on its 25th anniversary.
"This is such a great asset to the community," he said. "People who purchase artwork from here, take home a piece of the Municipality of Kincardine with them. Thank you for all that you do. You are highly-regarded in the community."
Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig (left) and former mayor Larry Kraemer (right) assist Susan Crawford, president of the Victoria Park Gallery, in selecting prize draw winners at the gallery's 25th anniversary celebration, Saturday, Aug. 22
Jason Munro (left) and Linda Bowers (right) of the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce, present a certificate of recognition to Susan Crawford, president of the Victoria Park Gallery
Sylvia Melinz, one of the founding members of the Victoria Park Gallery, offers some history of the gallery and its location at the Kincardine Arts Centre
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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