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.
BIRTHDAY PARTY - Celebrating GPAG's 50th Year!
Saturday, May 31, 2025
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
FREE Admission!
The Grimsby Public Art Gallery is turning 50 this year and to celebrate we are hosting a big birthday bash! All are welcome to join for a fun afternoon of music, activities and cake.
WAYZGOOSE - Annual Book Arts Fair
Saturday, April 26, 2025
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 - 2025 Special Events
Drop-In Printmaking Workshop
Saturday, April 26, 2025
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
FREE Admission!
Located in the Carnegie Commons, as part of the 2025 Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair GPAG is offering a drop-in printmaking workshop!
Artist Talk with Alan Stein
Saturday, April 26, 2025
1 p.m.
FREE Admission!
In the Carnegie Commons a celebrated artist and longtime Wayzgoose contributor Alan Stein will lead a talk about his arts practice.
Alan Stein is an elected member of The Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, Ontario Society of Artists, and The Canadian Ssociety of Painters in Watercolour. Alan has exhibited his books and paintings in public galleries across Canada, and his books are collected internationally. he has received many awards for his work, including a First Prize for Book Design in Canada. His archives are at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library at the University of Toronto.
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 2024 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)
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:
Contact Us
Town of Grimsby
160 Livingston Avenue
Grimsby ON, L3M 0J5
Phone: 905-945-9634
Fax: 905-945-5010
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