• Published on

    NEWSLETTER - Celebrating Sunsets & Summer

    Celebrating Sunsets & Summer

    Spotlight: Elena Dinissuk & Celina Melo



    This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the Lakeshore Art Trail, and we will feature memorable spotlight stories in our newsletter every month.

    Our goal is to share the rich history and stories of our community of artists and people who continue making the Lakeshore Art Trail so special every year.


    For July, we celebrate Sunset & Summer, as depicted in images by our artistic community.



    We are honoured to spotlight two incredible artists: Elena Dinissuk and Celina Melo, who centre their work on the beauty and mystique of natural Canadian landscapes and summer sunsets.



     Elena Dinissuk




    Island




    Inspired by the lakes, forests, and rugged beauty of Muskoka, Elena transforms the Canadian landscape into vibrant semi-abstract impressions filled with movement, colour, and light. Her paintings invite us to experience nature not only as we see it, but as we feel it.


    As Elena shares:

    "I invite viewers to explore my work and see their own realities reflected in my abstract pieces. Landscapes that I see are transformed in my mind, and brought to life on canvas."


    Working with acrylics, palette knives, and large bristle brushes, Elena layers rich textures and transparent colour to create rhythm, depth, and expressive movement. Whether capturing the golden glow of a summer sunset over a lake or the serenity of a forest landscape, her work celebrates the joy and wonder found in nature.



    Drift of Light

    Elena believes that painting abstractly is an instinctive journey of discovery:

    "For me, painting abstractly is an instinctive process that uncovers wonders: from marine depths and forest wanderings to fantasy scenes."

    Since 2018, Elena has exhibited in group and juried exhibitions across Ontario.

    Instagram

    Artist Spotlight

    Artist LAT Profile

    Website

     Celina Melo





    Tiny Springs

    "The combination of summer and sunsets is just pure magic." 

    Celina draws inspiration from evenings spent at her Georgian Bay cottage with her family. Through luminous layers of colour and pouring medium, working in acrylic and mixed media, she recreates the shimmering glow of sunsets reflected across the water, inviting viewers to experience the same sense of peace and wonder she feels in those fleeting moments.


    The Mini Collection


    As Celina shares:

    "This transparent, vibrant glow and shimmer is what I aim to capture every time I create one of my paintings."

    Celina Melo has been exhibiting her artwork since 2016. She has been the Chairperson of the Lakeshore Art Trail since 2020.


    Instagram

    Artist Spotlight

    Artist LAT Profile

    Website

     

    Looking Ahead to our 25th Anniversary!


    As a valued part of our community, we warmly invite you to

    save the date and join us in celebrating the

    25th Anniversary of

    The Lakeshore Art Trail on

    October 17 & 18, 2026

    at the Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga.




    Be sure to attend our event and visit

    Elena Dinissuk and Celina Melo’s booths to meet them in person, hear more of their stories, and experience their wonderful artwork, alongside an exceptional lineup of many more local fine artists.


    Join us for this special milestone event:


    • Discover inspiring art

    • Meet the artists behind the work

    • Celebrate creativity, community, and connection


    Follow us on Instagram @lakeshorearttrail for more artist stories,

    event updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.


    We look forward to welcoming you on the Trail!


    With gratitude,

    The Lakeshore Art Trail Committee


    Follow us

    In Partnership With

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    1352 Lakeshore Rd E

    Mississauga, ON L5E 1E9 Canada



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  • Published on

    NEWSLETTER: Celebrating Flowers

    Celebrating Flowers!

    Spotlight: Adriana Rinaldi

    & Karen Dedesko



    This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the Lakeshore Art Trail, and we will feature memorable spotlight stories in our newsletter every month.

    Our goal is to share the rich history and stories of our community of artists and people who continue making the Lakeshore Art Trail so special every year.


    For July, we celebrate Flowers!



    Lakeshore Art Trail proudly celebrates creativity, beauty and nature this July through images of flowers by our artistic community.



    We are honoured to spotlight two incredible Artists: Adriana Rinaldi and Karen Dedesko who are two artists that centre their work on the beauty and magic of flowers.


     Adriana Rinaldi




    “Colour Reborn” - Adriana Rinaldi



    For Adriana Rinaldi, painting is a journey of constant discovery. While her artistic foundation was built on the timeless oil glazing techniques of the Old Masters, her work has blossomed into a vibrant celebration of colour, texture, and spontaneity.



    Inspired by the beauty of Canadian landscapes, florals, still lifes, waterscapes, and the mesmerizing patterns of reflections and floating leaves.


     Adriana creates paintings that invite us into a world she describes as being

     "more beautiful and luscious than real life."



    In her own words: "My art is ever evolving from traditional realism to a more expressive and colourful style."


    “Flower Power”- Adriana Rinaldi



    Her rich brushstrokes, luminous colours, and expressive style capture not only what nature looks like, but how it feels.


    Instagram

    Artist Profile

    Website

     Karen Dedesko






    Karen Dedesko’s joyful acrylic paintings are inspired by her enduring fascination with hydrangeas, particularly the way hundreds of individual petals come together to create one elegant, abundant bloom.

    Using acrylic paint and a wet-on-wet technique, Karen simplifies and defines each petal while capturing the fullness, movement, and changing colours of the flower. The result is a vibrant celebration of nature, colour, and the beauty found within intricate details.

    Raised in Richmond Hill, Karen has been painting since childhood. She holds a degree in Studio Art, Art History, and Commerce from the University of Toronto and also studied at OCAD and Three Schools of Art.

    After debuting at the Cabbagetown Art & Craft Show in 2004, Karen exhibited at the One of a Kind Show and other exhibitions. She returned to exhibiting in 2019 through The Artists’ Network and has since participated in events including the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair.

    While hydrangeas remain central to her practice, Karen has recently expanded her work to include large floral bouquets celebrating the universal tradition of giving flowers to mark life’s meaningful occasions. 

    Instagram

    Artist Profile

    Website

     

    Looking Ahead to our 25th Anniversary!


    As a valued part of our community, we warmly invite you to

    save the date and join us in celebrating the

    25th Anniversary of

    The Lakeshore Art Trail on

    October 17 & 18, 2026

    at the Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga.




    Be sure to attend our event and visit Adriana Rinaldi and

    Karen Dedesko’s booths to meet them in person, hear more of their stories, and experience their wonderful artwork, alongside an exceptional lineup of many more local fine artists.


    Join us for this special milestone event:


    • Discover inspiring art

    • Meet the artists behind the work

    • Celebrate creativity, community, and connection


    Follow us on Instagram @lakeshorearttrail for more artist stories,

    event updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.


    We look forward to welcoming you on the Trail!


    With gratitude,

    The Lakeshore Art Trail Committee



  • Published on

    NEWSLETTER: National AccessAbility Week in Canada

    Celebrating National AccessAbility Week

    Spotlight: Options Mississauga and Pixie Blue Studio



    Quick Update: Oops, we got our dates a little mixed up in our last email National AccessAbility Week actually kicks off tomorrow, running from May 31 to June 6. We’ve updated all the details below so you don't miss a single thing. Thank you so much for understanding, and we can't wait to celebrate accessibility and inclusion with you! 


    This year will mark our 25th Anniversary of the Lakeshore Art Trail, and we will feature memorable spotlight stories in our newsletter.

    Our goal is to share the rich history and stories of our community of artists and people who continue making the Lakeshore Art Trail so special every year.



    For May, we celebrate National AccessAbility Week in Canada

    (May 31– June 6, 2026). 


    Lakeshore Art Trail proudly celebrates inclusion, creativity, and accessibility across our artistic community.


    We are honoured to spotlight two incredible organizations

    Options Mississauga and Pixie Blue Studio -  which we support and collaborate with at our annual event to support artists with special needs and help create meaningful opportunities for growth, expression, and belonging.

     Options Mississauga


    Options Mississauga is a community organization that supports individuals with special needs. Through community partnerships, artists are provided with accessible creative spaces where they can participate fully in arts programming. Options takes pride in the meaningful contributions its participants make to the community, including assisting with kitchen operations and supporting lunch programs for artists—fostering genuine inclusion through shared responsibility and collaboration.

    Options Mississauga Instagram

     Pixie Blue Studio



    Pixie Blue Studio, owned and operated by Ann Ivy Male, empowers autistic and neurodivergent artists, along with other creatives, to grow through artistic expression. Its mission is grounded in accessibility, creativity, and fostering confidence and self-expression through art.

    Pixie Blue Website


    At Lakeshore Art Trail, accessibility is more than an initiative—it is a core value. We are committed to sharing the joy, connection, and healing power of art with everyone, regardless of ability or experience.


    Whether as an artist or an art lover, all are welcome to participate in and be inspired by the transformative experience of art.

     We are a MARTYS Finalist:

    Community Arts Group of the Year 2026





    We are also delighted to share some exciting news with our Lakeshore Art Trail community. We have been named a finalist for Community Arts Group of the Year at the prestigious MARTYS Awards, taking place on June 18. This recognition celebrates the dedication of our artists, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and supporters who help bring the Trail to life each year. We are honoured to be recognized alongside so many outstanding arts organizations and are grateful to everyone who continues to champion the arts in Mississauga.

    Learn more

     

    Looking Ahead to our 25th Anniversary!


    As a valued part of our community, we warmly invite you to save the date

    and join us in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of

    The Lakeshore Art Trail on October 17 & 18, 2026

    at the Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga.




    Be sure to attend our event and visit Options Mississauga and Pixie Blue Studio’s booths to meet them in person, hear more of their stories, and experience their wonderful artwork, alongside an exceptional lineup of many more local fine artists.


    Join us for this special milestone event:


    • Discover inspiring art

    • Meet the artists behind the work

    • Celebrate creativity, community, and connection


    Follow us on Instagram @lakeshorearttrail for more artist stories,

    event updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.


    We look forward to welcoming you on the Trail!


    With gratitude,

    The Lakeshore Art Trail Committee


    Follow us

    In Partnership With


  • Published on

    NEWSLETTER: Celebrating Pride Month

    Celebrating Pride Month

    Spotlight: Leo Dias



    This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the Lakeshore Art Trail, and we will feature memorable spotlight stories in our newsletter every month.

    Our goal is to share the rich history and stories of our community of artists and people who continue making the Lakeshore Art Trail so special every year.


    For June, we celebrate Pride Month!



    Lakeshore Art Trail proudly celebrates creativity, identity, and community this June as we recognize Pride Month within our vibrant 2SLGBTQI+ artistic community.



    We are honoured to spotlight LAT member Leo Dias, a Mississauga-based multidisciplinary artist whose work reflects a deep emotional connection to the natural world.

     Leo Dias



    Through expressive and vibrant landscapes, wildlife, and abstract compositions, Leo explores themes of conservation and the quiet dialogue between people and place.

    Working in an impressionist and expressionist style, Leo’s practice spans acrylic painting, mixed media, and intuitive mark-making. His layered approach to colour and texture creates work that feels both grounded and fluid, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on their relationship with nature and the environment. At the core of his practice is a profound sense of care for the land, for living beings, and for the stories that shape them.

    Beyond his studio work, Leo is deeply committed to building artistic community. He is the founder of the Sauga Plein Air Group, a collective that gathers weekly in parks and heritage sites along the Credit River. These sessions celebrate Mississauga’s natural and historical landscapes while fostering connection, shared learning, and creative exchange among artists of all backgrounds.

    A recent focus of Leo’s practice is his Animal Portrait Series, an ongoing body of work that captures the spirit, individuality, and presence of wildlife. Through bold colour, gesture, and texture, these paintings move beyond representation to convey emotion and character, encouraging viewers to see animals as beings with dignity and presence.

    The series reflects Leo’s commitment to conservation and serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the ecosystems we inhabit.



    As we celebrate Pride Month, we also recognize the importance of visibility, authenticity, and belonging within our arts community.

    Artists like Leo remind us that creative expression is deeply intertwined with identity, environment, and the spaces we share, both natural and social. His work and community leadership embody the spirit of inclusivity and care that continues to shape the Lakeshore Art Trail.


    Instagram

    Website

     MARTYS Awards Gala Finalist: Community Arts Group of the Year 2026





    Members of our Executive Committee (image from left to right): founding member Gabby Tutak, and current executives Leslie Buckle, Sue Archibald, Melina Cossío, Celina Melo, and Mina Vancardo.

    We are honoured to have been named a finalist at the 2026 MARTYS Awards Gala in the Community Arts Group of the Year category on June 18,  thanks to Mississauga Arts Council. 

    Being recognized among such outstanding organizations is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Lakeshore Art Trail. This milestone recognition reflects the strength, passion, and dedication of our creative community.

    The evening offered a wonderful opportunity to connect with and celebrate Mississauga’s vibrant arts community, highlighting the individuals and organizations that enrich our city through creativity and culture. We are proud and grateful to be acknowledged for our ongoing commitment to supporting local artists and fostering meaningful community engagement through the arts.

    The Lakeshore Art Trail is a non-profit organization led by a cooperative Executive Committee of participating artists who organize the event through volunteer efforts and community partnerships. Their leadership, along with the dedication of our volunteers, artists, sponsors, and supporters, continues to make the Trail a valued and cherished community event.

    Thank you to everyone who has supported the Lakeshore Art Trail over the past 25 years. We look forward to continuing to celebrate creativity, connection, and community for many years to come.


    Learn more

     

    Looking Ahead to our 25th Anniversary!


    As a valued part of our community, we warmly invite you to

    save the date and join us in celebrating the

    25th Anniversary of

    The Lakeshore Art Trail on

    October 17 & 18, 2026

    at the Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga.




    Be sure to attend our event and visit Options Mississauga and Pixie Blue Studio’s booths to meet them in person, hear more of their stories, and experience their wonderful artwork, alongside an exceptional lineup of many more local fine artists.


    Join us for this special milestone event:


    • Discover inspiring art

    • Meet the artists behind the work

    • Celebrate creativity, community, and connection


    Follow us on Instagram @lakeshorearttrail for more artist stories,

    event updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.


    We look forward to welcoming you on the Trail!


    With gratitude,

    The Lakeshore Art Trail Committee


    Follow us

    In Partnership With