Written by Ruth Linda Morton, local artist and GAC Volunteer Writer
Imagine a cozy little nook in your neighborhood, a place where creativity blossoms and art thrives. This is the essence of free little art galleries, affectionately known as FLAGs. These charming miniature galleries are not just spaces for displaying art; they are vibrant community hubs where art lovers can exchange their creations. When visiting a FLAG, you’re welcome to take a piece or contribute you own work for others to discover. The only rule is that the art is free and small enough to fit inside the gallery enclosure.
When I encountered this idea on social media, I was immediately inspired to started planning to create a FLAG in my neighbourhood. Between my husband’s craftsmanship and my painting, we created our little gallery and opened it on August 17. The enthusiasm of the Kortright Hills community has been overwhelming and it’s a joy to witness the daily coming and going of art pieces.
The reach of the gallery has even extended beyond the borders of Guelph, connecting us with a global network of FLAG curators and manager. We’ve been delighted to receive art through the mail from Maryland and Michigan. The collection of art that has come through the gallery parallels the diversity of our community: playful doodles of children, refined strokes of professional artists, and heartfelt creations of those who simply love to craft. From traditional paintings to crocheted wonders, from digital art prints to multimedia expressions, our gallery is a testament to the boundless imagination of its contributors.
Visit a FLAG in Guelph:
- Free Little Art Gallery Guelph (curated by Ruth Morton), 5 Ptarmigan Drive
- Home St Gallery of Miniature Art (curated by Mona Kim), 11 Home Street
If you’d like to know more about FLAGs around the world, click on the following links:
