Wayzgoose and Special Events
Events held at the Gallery allow visitors to experience art in many ways and often provide the opportunity to interact directly with artists and creators. Community art-making projects encourage direct participation. Lectures, discussion groups and workshops are both educational and enjoyable.
Gordon Rose Memorial Art Auction
We are pleased to announce the Gordon Rose Memorial Art Auction in support of the Grimsby Public Art Gallery.
Phil Rose, Gordon’s son, has generously organized this special auction featuring a selection of his late father’s original artwork. The collection includes works in watercolour, pastel, acrylic, scratchboard, and photography, with many pieces reflecting Gordon’s love of nature, animals, and the beauty of the world around him.
* Bidding is now open! https://app.galabid.com/grimsby-art-gallery/items
* Bidding closes November 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
About Gordon Rose
Gordon Humphrey Rose was born in Manchester in 1933. After serving as a draftsman with the British Army in Germany and later Ghana, Gordon moved to Canada with his wife, Barbara, in 1963. They made Grimsby their home in 1965.
Gordon was deeply involved in his community and dedicated decades of service to organizations including Big Brothers and Scouts Canada. In recognition of his significant contributions to his community and to Canada, he was awarded the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Commemorative Medal in 1992.
Gordon was also a passionate artist and served as President of the Grimsby Lakeside Pump House Artists from 2006–2008. He worked in a variety of media, including acrylic, watercolour, pastel, and scratchboard, with natural scenery and animals among his favourite subjects.
Gordon passed away in Grimsby in 2015, leaving behind not only a legacy of community service, but also a wonderful collection of artwork.
We are grateful to Phil Rose for making this special auction possible and for helping share Gordon’s artwork with the community.
Good luck and happy bidding!
Bid online: https://app.galabid.com/grimsby-art-gallery/items
WAYZGOOSE - Annual Book Arts Fair
Saturday April 25, 2026 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. FREE admission!
Always held on the last Saturday in April, the GPAG's Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair is an annual gathering of private press printers, bookbinders, print makers, paper marblers and other artisans celebrating the art of the hand-made book.
Wayzgoose History
Started in 1979 by the Grimsby Public Art Gallery's founding Director Bill Poole, Wayzgoose was a small gathering of friends and colleagues that attracted about 300 visitors. Since then it has grown into an eagerly awaited annual event with an attendance of between 2000 and 2500 people. Participants and visitors come from across Ontario, from Quebec and from the North Eastern states.
Wayzgoose Anthologies
It has become part of the Wayzgoose tradition to produce an Anthology of work by the various participants. Sections, known as signatures, are hand bound into a volume that is sought after and cherished by many. Produced in a limited edition of 115, the Anthology is an original and lasting keepsake and also a means by which book artists that cannot come to Grimsby for the event are able to have a presence. The sale of these anthologies helps to offset the costs associated with Wayzgoose.
The 2026 Wayzgoose Anthology, as well as many back issues, are currently available to purchase for $80 (includes HST). Shipping is extra and is dependent on where you live. If you would like to purchase this unique work of art, want to know what years are still available, or would like a shipping quote, please contact the Gallery gpag@grimsby.ca or 905-945-3246.
How To Become An Exhibitor
If you are an artisan who specializes in the bookarts and are interested in participating in the next Wayzgoose, please contact the Gallery to be added you to our mailing list to receive application notices, which are typically sent out mid-December. Interested participants are given about a month to submit their application for review by the Wayzgoose Committee and will be notified of the Committee's decision in the beginning of February.
Applicants who will be actively demonstrating their book art, or in some other way directly engaging the public, are particularly encouraged. Book arts and related practices exhibited at Wayzgoose include, but are not limited to:
- bookbinding
- letterpress
- original printmaking
- paper making
- paper marbling
- calligraphy
Table fees are $45 (fee is subject to change)
Wayzgoose 2024 Images
Virtual Presentation of Wayzgoose
Both the 2020 and 2021 Wayzgoose events were held virtually, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please visit the following links to enjoy the virtual content:
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