The Lakeshore Art Trail is celebrating its 25th anniversary in October 2026. After taking a two-year hiatus due to Covid, with the hard work and dedication of the volunteer committee and in partnership with CreativeHub1352, the show was refreshed in 2022 and it has since become one of Mississauga’s most vibrant, thriving and successful arts events.
HOW IT STARTED
Founded in 1999 by Maureen and Bill Templin in collaboration with Gabby Tutak of the Springbank Art Centre (now Visual Arts Mississauga), the Trail was created as a grassroots initiative to support local artists and connect them directly with the public. The founders envisioned an event where residents could explore neighbourhoods along the Lakeshore while discovering and purchasing original artwork created by local artists. Over time, the Lakeshore Art Trail expanded to nearly 20 exhibition stops across the communities of Clarkson, Port Credit, and Lorne Park. Artists displayed their work in studios, galleries, and local businesses, creating a unique cultural experience that encouraged visitors to engage with art in accessible community spaces.
Founded in 1999 by Maureen and Bill Templin in collaboration with Gabby Tutak of the Springbank Art Centre (now Visual Arts Mississauga), the Trail was created as a grassroots initiative to support local artists and connect them directly with the public. The founders envisioned an event where residents could explore neighbourhoods along the Lakeshore while discovering and purchasing original artwork created by local artists. Over time, the Lakeshore Art Trail expanded to nearly 20 exhibition stops across the communities of Clarkson, Port Credit, and Lorne Park. Artists displayed their work in studios, galleries, and local businesses, creating a unique cultural experience that encouraged visitors to engage with art in accessible community spaces.
THE TRANSITION
In 2020, the Lakeshore Art Trail Executive Committee — Celina Melo, Sue Archibald, Gabby Tutak, Wendy Bowe, and Joseph Samson — made the strategic decision to transform the event into a centralized exhibition at the Small Arms Inspection Building.Through a partnership with CreativeHub1352, the organization broadened its reach and increased its capacity to support Mississauga artists and community programming.
Adriana Rinaldi, Gabby Tutak and Sue Archibald during the first year in the Small Arms Inspection Building
WHERE IT IS TODAY
Today, the Lakeshore Art Trail features more than 40 artists and has grown into the largest and best-attended fine arts show in Mississauga. The Lakeshore Art Trail’s impact has been further strengthened through important community partnerships and support to enable them to include sponsored booths for artists with special needs, participation from arts-focused community groups, student artist opportunities, artist-led workshops, and live musical performances. The event is a recipient of the Hazel McCallion Endowment Fund, recognizing its meaningful contribution to Mississauga’s cultural landscape. In addition, Mississauga Arts Council supports the Trail by funding its Saturday programming, helping to expand opportunities for public engagement through artist demonstrations, workshops, and live performances.
WHERE IT IS TODAY
Today, the Lakeshore Art Trail features more than 40 artists and has grown into the largest and best-attended fine arts show in Mississauga. The Lakeshore Art Trail’s impact has been further strengthened through important community partnerships and support to enable them to include sponsored booths for artists with special needs, participation from arts-focused community groups, student artist opportunities, artist-led workshops, and live musical performances. The event is a recipient of the Hazel McCallion Endowment Fund, recognizing its meaningful contribution to Mississauga’s cultural landscape. In addition, Mississauga Arts Council supports the Trail by funding its Saturday programming, helping to expand opportunities for public engagement through artist demonstrations, workshops, and live performances.
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For over 25 years, the Lakeshore Art Trail has strengthened the local arts, supported artists at all stages of their careers, and created meaningful opportunities for the community to experience and celebrate the visual arts. |
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