Next-Level Knowledge: Step into Niagara Art, Culture and History Like An Insider
Niagara’s storied battlefields, world-renowned theatre, and celebrated artists are easy enough to spot. Venture off the beaten path, however, and there’s a lesser-known network of off-the-radar historic sites, talented artisans, and interactive events that form another square on the region’s cultural quilt that’s equally as interesting. Follow that path to Niagara Benchlands this fall to find unexpected experiences that will take your knowledge of Niagara history, art, and culture to the next level.
Harvest a Sense of Niagara’s Heritage
From a fascinating talk this fall about Black Walnut trees’ surprising impact on Niagara to fun workshops focused on Bob Ross-style painting, the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre is a hometown hub for hands-on history, art, and cultural experiences. The beautiful building in downtown Jordan is also home to some really fascinating collections, including early-Ontario pottery, Fraktur folk art, and a painting by Group of Seven artist A.J. Casson.
While in Jordan, be sure to borrow this self-guided walking tour for a stroll through the centuries. The guide includes the fascinating histories of many of the homes located on Main Street.
From there, Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, just a short drive away, is a natural next step for guests wanting an even greater sense of Niagara’s fascinating evolution. Set amidst a historic industrial hamlet, visitors can see the original Ball family home, an operating flour mill, a lime kiln, a church, a blacksmith shop, a carriage shed and more.
This October, Ball’s Falls Conservation Area will host two can’t-miss cultural events. Reawakening: Sounds From The Forest will feature a 90-minute Sonic Trail Walk on October 6th along the ancient Forest Frolic Trail. The interactive experience will showcase the sounds of the land and stories that connect us to Indigenous histories and future generations
The following weekend, the Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival returns for its 50th year! Set against the colourful backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment, the Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival has become a treasured Thanksgiving weekend tradition because it really does offer something for everyone. In addition to stepping back in time with fascinating historical demonstrations, guests can get to know the work of over 150 craft and artisan vendors, enjoy live music, and snack on delicious local food and drink.
Engage With Niagara Art & Artists
A quick scroll on the Art Lives Here website is an excellent way to grow a greater appreciation for the vibrant community of artists who call Niagara Benchlands home. Local talent includes textile and fibre artist Wendy Anderson, painter and sculptor Kim Collins, and a diverse collection of artists whose work can be found at the Jordan Art Gallery, including Lisa Skog, George Langbroek, Greta Hildebrand, Joe Speck, and Gail Higenell. Vineland’s Grevpode Gallery is home to another diverse collection of artists and their folk art treasures.
Niagara Benchlands also boasts some impressive outdoor art for visitors to experience on their travels, including the Downtown Bench Beamsville Alleyway, showcasing the work of Dan Kozina, and the Val Fleming Butterfly Garden’s towering metal sculpture.
In addition to the artisans and crafters who showcase their work at Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival, dozens more make their way to the Vineland ArtFest on Thanksgiving weekend. This free juried show features art, fashion, food, and music.
Create Your Very Own Niagara Art
Travellers to Niagara Benchlands looking for interactive experiences that feed their creative side will have no trouble finding workshops and activities to enjoy on their trip. Urban Tractor Farm Winery, in Beamsville, offers stained class classes that invite guests to sip wine and listen to music as they create something beautiful. The Watering Can hosts a range of hands-on workshops where guests can use flowers, mosses, and succulents as their medium to create centerpieces, urns, framed art, and more. You & I Paint regularly hosts hands-on painting events at Niagara Benchlands venues. Events this fall include a Canvas Paint Nite at Bench Brewing, and a Wine Tasting and Paint Experience at Vieni Estates.
Snap Your Best Fall Photos Yet
While out and about on your Niagara Benchlands wander, be sure to take advantage of three new harvest-themed installations to get that perfect fall photo. The Insta-worthy photo backdrops include a cascade of grape vines, corks, and fall flowers tumbling from a waterfall of wicker baskets in Jordan Village, a twinkling arch of pumpkins and gourds in Downtown Bench Beamsville, and a farm’tastic vignette at Cherry Lane Farms in Vineland. Follow @niagarabenchlands on Instagram and Facebook for all the details.
