Festive creativity is the focus during and after the holiday season at the St. Marys Station Gallery

Duncan MacDonald, curator/director at the St. Marys Station Gallery.

By Alex Hunt

Holiday-themed programming, soirees and a new art exhibition will keep art lovers entertained until Christmas, followed by a unique 2026 chapter for the St. Marys Station Gallery.  

Curator and director at the St. Marys Station Gallery Duncan MacDonald is excited to bring “A Light in the Dark,” a new exhibit featuring the works of London-based artist Paul Nicholson. The exhibit will run from Nov. 29 to Jan. 17, 2026, giving locals a chance to explore Nicholson’s trademark style of colour, nature and beauty. 

MacDonald promises the exhibit will transport visitors into a world of colour and playfulness, where attendees will have a variety of inexpensive pieces to purchase from. 

A festive soiree will take place at the gallery on Dec. 19 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., allowing community members to immerse themselves in Nicholson’s exhibit while socializing and enjoying refreshments. 

Holiday-themed programming is also a focus for MacDonald, who runs five classes a week

“I plan our programs around what’s happening in the community. For Remembrance Day, we focused on that, and we did the same for Thanksgiving,” said MacDonald. “We’ll be continuing that approach over the holidays as well.

“What I’ve found fascinating about these programs is that the kids can focus on something for two or three hours without a screen in front of them or the influence of their peers. In a world so dominated by technology, it’s really helping them build confidence in themselves.

For the adults, MacDonald says creating art provides them an opportunity to slow down, socialize and build friendships, which culminate in a rewarding and cost-friendly experience. 

From Jan. 17 to March 7, 2026, MacDonald will run the gallery’s next show called, “The Art Olympics,” which will feature pieces by local children who participated in the gallery’s 2025 programming.

“With the Art Olympics, I’ll be inviting a jury of people to judge and rank the work; it’s meant to be a playful show,” said MacDonald. “There’s been so much amazing art created in this space, and it’s incredible to see how far people have come since they first started. It’s really a group show that celebrates their growth.”