Spencerville’s Art Explosion is a celebration of Spencerville’s richness and diversity of culture and creativity. Join us for a weekend filled with a variety of contemporary and traditional art forms — dance, music, theatre, arts and crafts.
Thank you!
We are proud of our community, businesses, sponsors, supporters, and volunteers who made our first Spencerville’s Art Explosion event a success!
Get your Art Explosion 2023 Passport!
Make sure to pick-up your Art Explosion 2023 passport at businesses in town. You can view the passport on our website, but you’ll need a printed passport to participate in the Spencerville Art Explosion 2023 Scavenger Hunt.
Featured Activities
Spencerville’s Summer Market
Saturday July 22, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Spencerville Arena
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Saturday July 22 & Sunday July 23
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Spencerville Mill & Museum
Meet local photographers + register for $10 to get your kit for the Spencerville photo hunt, and return by 4pm at The Odd Spot with your photos for a chance to win prizes!
Cost: $10 / teams of 2
Songwriting Contest
Saturday July 22, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
The Odd Spot (Registration)
Sunday July 23, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
SpencerCity Bar & Grill
Singer Songwriters – you are invited to participate in
our first annual Song Writing Contest.
FREE to participate and open to all, any genre.
Come to The Odd Spot at 10 AM Saturday morning on July 22 to register and receive your instructions. Prizes include a professional sound recording at Blackwind Studio, plus $50 to each of 3 top winners, sponsored by J.A.M. Productions. We are pleased to announce Pat Moore, an accomplished Ottawa Singer-Songwriter, and Arthur McGregor, Singer/Songwriter, Artistic Director for Upper Canada FolkFest, will be our judges. All entrants will have the opportunity to present their song at the Amanda Keeley Open Mic at Joe’s SpencerCity Bar & Grill on Sunday, July 23, from 4:00 – 7:00.
Contact Mary Moore at 613-294-0373 or by email for details.
Sponsored by
Paint the Town by Plein Air Ensemble (PAE)
Saturday July 22, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (Painting)
Reception starts at 4:00 pm
Sunday July 23, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (Gallery)
Spencerville Legion
Cost: $10 | Paid at on-site registration
Painters will gather at the Spencerville Legion for an 8:00 info session. Maps and directions will be provided, plus coffee and muffins. At Plein Air events, all levels of artists work side-by-side and enjoy the fellowship and skill sharing. The day will end with a “finger foods” reception and viewing by invited guests and participants, starting at 4:00 pm at the Legion, with the bar available.
The Legion will be open all day for washrooms or indoor painting.
Paintings will be on display/sale throughout Sunday until 4:00 pm for judging and prizes, and can then be taken home.
Prizes: A special category judged by SBCC Executive for “Best in Show” representing the village artwork may be used on tourism promotional products (e.g. mugs, or bags), royalty percentage of sales to the artist. Best in show: $100; and runner up: $50.
Contact Mary Moore at 613-294-0373 or by email for more details.
What is going on at
Water Street, Riverside Park, The Spencerville Mill & Museum, and The Mill Park
Bring your imagination & dance with us!
Saturday July 22, from 10:30 am
Water Street
Lead by local teacher Andrea Gaw (The Academy of Expressive Dance) and students, come and join them in some fun creativity and movement. Perfect for any age and ability.
Sound of [Ukulele] Music
Saturday July 22, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Riverside Park
Join The 4 String Trio for a play & sing along with
songs from The Sound of Music and much more!
Children’s Art Tent
Saturday July 22 & Sunday July 23, 10:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Riverside Park
Join us for fun art & craft activities!
This year we are working on a rock snake and
a mural for the Spencerville Library – fun for all ages!
Magic Show @ The Mill
Saturday July 22, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm
The Spencerville Mill & Museum
Mix one magician with a bunch of kids, sprinkle some silliness and add a cup of magic. Bake for 60 minutes and you get a whole assortment of tricks. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Tickets: $5 for kids, $10 for 12+
Mini Barn Quilt Workshop
Saturday July 22, 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm, or Sunday July 23, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Spencerville Mill & Museum
Mini Barn Quilt Workshop create a 12”x12” framed, wooden quilt block while enjoying an antipasto box & wine or beer. Hosted by Swamp Doll Studio and Little Sisterz. Tickets: $86.53 includes materials & dinner
Kids Fun Photo Shoot
Saturday July 22, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
The Spencerville Mill & Museum
Photographer Jennifer Connell is offering Kid art themed photos for $20 and $5 for additional children. Book with Jennifer on Facebook. Cost: $20 and $5 for additional children
Spencerville Street Scenes
Photography Exhibit
Saturday July 22 & Sunday July 23
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Spencerville Mill & Museum
Explore the exhibit from the Spencerville Mill Foundation’s Photo Archives. Photo restoration, printing and framing by Barry Fawcett.
Geocaching in Spencerville
Saturday July 22 & Sunday July 23, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Spencerville Mill & Museum / The Odd Spot
Learn about Geocaching at the Spencerville Mill & Museum, and explore the caches hidden in Spencerville, then join the Geocaching party at The Odd Spot on both days at 2pm.
Art of the Ages Classic Car Show
Saturday July 22, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Mill Park
We invite you to take a stroll through the ages and appreciate a different form of art – classic cars.
Hosted by The Boneyard
Be a part of the art!
Saturday July 22, from 10:00 am
The Mill Park
The Eastern Ontario Boneyard will be offering local artists (of all ages and skill levels) to make their mark on this beautifully white Volvo Truck hood. Take the time to paint a scene…or just stop by quickly to sign your name…everyone welcome. Use our supplies or bring your own. After the event, the hood will be clear-coated and placed on permanent display in our yard.
Hosted by The Boneyard
Games Pavilion
Saturday July 22 & Sunday July 23, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Mill Park
Come challenge your family and friends to any garden games from giant chess, checkers, janga, connect 4 and much more!
Hosted and facilitated by The Odd Spot
What is going on
Downtown Spencerville on South Street & Spencer Street
Diablo Emporium
+ Fire performers, Tarot Reader & more
Saturday July 22 & 23, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Diablo Manor
The Diablo Emporium celebrates every form of Art! Take a trip down the rabbit hole and see experience Wonderful Hand-Made Toys, Strange and Unusual Paintings and Whimsical Sculptures created by Scott McClelland!
Come ride the Carousel, have your Tarot Read and enjoy some LIVE Entertainment featuring PoiSin Fire all day long!
You can also book an Evening of Enchantment at the Diablo Manor!
Saturday July 22, 7:00 pm or Sunday July 23, 7:00 pm
Hobbyists Display & Buskers
Saturday July 22 & Sunday July 23, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Clock Tower Square
Enjoy throughout the day busker performances along with a variety of art installations.
Pet Costume Party!
Saturday July 22, 8:30 am
Clock Tower Square
Call Spencerville Mill & Museum to register
613-658-5885 before 4pm on July 21.
$5 entry fee per animal, cash at event. Treats & prizes to everyone, including the hoomans! PAWtipicate in: Best Costume; Best Pet-Owner Look a Like Costume; Show us your Tricks; Attempt the Egg Spoon Race with your fur baby.
Cats & Dogs only please. Pets must be leashed at all times. If your animal displays aggressive behavior, you may be asked to leave the party. Consider a muzzle if this is the case. Please bring poop and scoop supplies with you.
Introduction to Art Journaling
with Christine Thompson
Saturday July 22, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday July 23, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Spencer Street Muse
Cost: $40 + HST
This short Introduction to Art Journaling is sure to awaken your inner creative! Art Journaling is a process of freeing your creative energy to express without fear of judgement while also allowing you to explore deep thoughts and emotions through a range of expressive techniques. Materials will be supplied for use during the class.
All materials are supplied, just bring yourself and an open heart. Class size is limited so please pre-register to ensure a spot by emailing info@spencerstreetmuse.ca with your name and contact information. More information available on our website.
Creative Mindfulness Mandala Art
with Victoria Lynes
Saturday July 22, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Spencer Street Muse
Cost: $85 + HST
Join Victoria to create your own natural mandala stone! This workshop will introduce you to the healing qualities of the mandala using the dotting art technique. This is a unique experience, a relaxing journey – and a practice in creative mindfulness.
Also, super fun!
All materials are supplied, just bring yourself and an open heart. Class size is limited so please pre-register to ensure a spot by emailing info@spencerstreetmuse.ca with your name and contact information. More information available on our website.
Henna Body Art
Saturday July 22, by appointment
Trinkets Boutique
Cost: $10 – $25
Flaunt It By F will be offering Henna body art with designs starting at $10 to $25. Contact Trinkets Boutique on Facebook to make an appointment.
Book Sale @ the Public Library
Saturday July 22, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Spencerville Public Library
Fill a bag of books for just $1.
Hosted by the Spencerville Friends of the Library.
What else is going on in the area
Doodle with Alpacas
Saturday July 22, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Sunday July 23, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
The heart of the willow
10304 Sandy Creek Road
Brinston Ontario K0E1C0
Cost $40/participant
Melissa from Missi Bee Canvas will guide you in a doodling session while the alpacas roam around you🦙. In a beautiful farm setting, learn about alpacas, reconnect with nature and express your artistry 🎨 No experience required, 12+ yrs. Reserve your spot today !!!