Belonging Artist in Residence and Community Exhibitions 2026

Presented by Cambridge Art Galleries

Image courtesy of Alisa McRonald.

Belonging 2026

Cambridge Art Galleries and Cambridge Public Library are delighted to announce the Belonging Artist in Residence and Community Exhibitions, a project made possible through the generous support of the Keith and Winifred Shantz Fund for the Arts held at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

The Belonging Artist in Residence and Community Exhibitions are juried by Glodeane Brown (curator, writer, arts management professional), Judy Major-Girardin (artist, Professor Emerita, McMaster University), and Cambridge Art Galleries staff. After a thorough selection process, Alisa McRonald was chosen as the Artist in Residence and eight regional artists were chosen to have their work presented in solo exhibitions at Cambridge Public Library, Old Post Office throughout 2026.

Alisa McRonald, Lady Leprechaun, punch needle with reclaimed yarn on burlap with cotton back, 2023. Image courtesy of the artist.

Belonging Artist in Residence: Alisa McRonald

January 5 – March 13, 2026
Cambridge Art Galleries, Preston

“This winter, I’ll be working as the Artist in Residence at the Cambridge Public Library and Gallery, transforming the gallery into a cozy, open studio where everyone is invited to make art with me. Together, we’ll explore and experiment with textile techniques such as knitting, crocheting, weaving, punch-needling, quilting, sewing, and even reclaiming yarn from old sweaters and clothing. Through drop-in making sessions and hands-on workshops for all ages, we’ll create a collaborative installation that celebrates community, creativity, and connection.” – Alisa McRonald, 2026 Belonging Artist in Residence

About the Artist

Alisa McRonald has exhibited nationally and internationally, including at El Room in Mexico City (2025), The Artist Project (2025), Drey Gallery (2024), the Toronto Reference Library, the Interior Design Show, CAFKA (2023), Craft Ontario (2022), and the Drake Hotel (2021). Her work has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar Japan, Untitled Magazine, and the Toronto Star. She received the 2024 Craft Ontario Rich Foundation Residency, was a 2023 Ontario Culture Days Creative in Residence, and has won awards from DesignTO (2023) and the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (2020). Passionate about reclaimed textiles, she rescues handmade items, honouring the labour, love, and memory embedded in their fibres.

Work by various artists in Belonging Community Exhibitions at Cambridge Public Library, Old Post Office.

Belonging Community Exhibitions

February 17 – December 4, 2026
Cambridge Public Library, Old Post Office

Artists: Jude Akrey, Anna Boehnke, Rafa Cavalheri, Laura Cook, Yan Gong, Amanda Tkaczyk, Eekta Trienekens, Mina Vedut

Throughout 2026, eight regional artists present solo exhibitions engaging with the concept of belonging. Ranging from experimental photography and abstract painting to figurative ceramics, the artists’ chosen mediums are as varied as their interpretations of the theme.

Visit the website for the full schedule of Belonging exhibitions.

Cambridge Art Galleries
cambridgepl.ca/cambridge-art-galleries
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Cambridge Art Galleries, Preston
435 King Street East
Cambridge, ON N3H 3N1

Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday, 10:00am – 8:30pm
Friday, 10:00am – 5:30pm
Saturday, 9:30am – 5:30pm
Sunday, 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Admission is free. All are welcome.

Cambridge Art Galleries is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral peoples. We recognize that this land is part of the Haldimand Tract, extending 10km on either side of the Grand River.

Cambridge Art Galleries presents contemporary art from two galleries in the City of Cambridge: Queen’s Square and Preston. We serve our regional and broader communities through the delivery of contemporary art programs that foster critical cultural dialogue. Our artistic activities engage, embrace, and empower people of all ages and abilities from diverse backgrounds.

Accessibility:
Cambridge Art Galleries, Cambridge Public Library is fully accessible. For more information: cambridgepl.ca/about/accessibility

Media Contact:
Karly Boileau
Senior Curator
Cambridge Art Galleries
kboileau@cambridgepl.ca
519.621.0460 x160

Cambridge Art Galleries gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the City of Cambridge, Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the Government of Ontario, and the Keith and Winifred Shantz Fund for the Arts held at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.