Maple Ridge Showcases Local Artists in Summer Exhibition Inspired by Poetry and Song

Maple Ridge, B.C., June 29, 2026 – The City of Maple Ridge is inviting residents and visitors to the opening of A Brush with Poetry, a new summer exhibition at The ACT Art Gallery, featuring artwork inspired by poetry and song lyrics.

Presented in partnership with the Fraser Valley Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists, the exhibition opens with a free public reception from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Canada Day. The gallery will remain open until 8:00 p.m., welcoming visitors attending the celebrations in Memorial Peace Park.

The exhibition features works by 23 Chapter members, including 10 from Maple Ridge with 64 paintings in oil, acrylic, and watecolour mediums, and 6 sculptures. Each piece is displayed alongside the poem or song lyric that influenced its creation, offering visitors a deeper look into each artist’s creative process.

“The exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the inspiration behind each artist’s work.” said Coutney Miller, Gallery Manager and Curator. “By pairing artwork with poetry and song lyrics, visitors are invited to make connections between words, images, and their own creative experiences.”

The Fraser Valley Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists is proud to be sponsored by Opus Coquitlam, whose generous contribution of gift cards will be presented to select juror-nominated artists at the exhibition's opening reception.

Exhibition Details

• Dates: Wednesday, July 1 - Saturday, August 15, 2026
• Location: The ACT Art Gallery, The ACT Arts Centre, 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
• Gallery Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm, Thursday 10:00am - 8:00pm, and other selected evenings.

Admission to the exhibition and opening reception is free.

The Fraser Valley Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists was founded in 1992, with 65 active members, including 21 members based in Maple Ridge. The Chapter’s mission is to bring artists together to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of art making, foster fellowship, and provide exhibition opportunities throughout the Fraser Valley.

The Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) was founded in 1941 by professional working Canadian artists including the Group of Seven luminaries, Lawren Harris, Arthur Lismer, and A.Y. Jackson. The founding members were interested in advancing the importance of art through all regions of Canada. As a Provincially incorporated society and federally registered charity, the FCA is dedicated to the promotion and education of its membership.