New Maple Ridge exhibit pairs paintings and poetry

Published 8:00 pm Tuesday, June 30, 2026

By Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News Staff

“A Brush with Poetry” opens on Canada Day, July 1. (City of Maple Ridge/Special to The News)

A new summer art exhibition inspired by poetry and song lyrics is coming to The ACT Art Gallery in Maple Ridge.

The exhibition called “A Brush with Poetry” will feature the works of 23 members of the Fraser Valley Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists, including 10 members from Maple Ridge.

Each of the 64 oil, acrylic, and water colour paintings, and the six sculptures in the exhibit will be displayed alongside the poem or song lyric that inspired its creation.

“The exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the inspiration behind each artist’s work,” said Courtney Miller, gallery manager and curator.

“By pairing artwork with poetry and song lyrics, visitors are invited to make connections between words, images, and their own creative experiences,” noted Miller.

The exhibit opens on Canada Day with a free public reception from 1-3 p.m. in the gallery. The gallery will remain open until 8 p.m. to welcome visitors celebrating Canada Day in the park.

Gift cards sponsored by Opus Coquitlam will be presented to select juror-nominated artists at the exhibition’s opening reception.

“A Brush with Poetry” will run until Saturday, Aug. 15, at the gallery at 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge.

The gallery is open Monday to Wednesday, and then on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and on Thursday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and other selected evenings.

Admission to the exhibition and opening reception is free.

The Fraser Valley Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists was founded in 1992, and has 65 active members, including 21 members based in Maple Ridge.

The Chapter’s mission is to bring artists together to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of art making, foster fellowship, and provide exhibition opportunities throughout the Fraser Valley.

The Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) was founded in 1941 by professional working Canadian artists including the Group of Seven luminaries, Lawren Harris, Arthur Lismer, and A.Y. Jackson, to advance the importance of art through all regions of Canada.

The ACT Art Gallery is owned and operated by the City of Maple Ridge and is located within The ACT Arts Centre.