First-Ever Canadian Encaustic Conference Comes to Owen Sound Sept. 5–7
The first-ever Canadian Encaustic Conference is happening in Owen Sound from Friday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, bringing artists, educators, and visitors from across Canada to the city.
The first-ever Canadian Encaustic Conference is happening in Owen Sound from Friday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. The three-day event brings artists, educators, and visitors from across Canada and abroad into the city.
Amelia Kraemer of Upwards Art Studio is part of the conference’s founding team, building on her role as a leader in Owen Sound’s arts community. Sessions take place at the Bayshore Community Centre, while studios and galleries across the city host workshops and exhibitions.
A full weekend of encaustic art
The Canadian Encaustic Conference features presentations, demonstrations, a vendor room, daily buffet lunches, and morning yoga. Attendees can also register for the Connect Banquet on Saturday evening, Sept. 6 — a networking event and community celebration.
Workshops extend the conference beyond its three core days. Pre-conference sessions run Sept. 1–4 and post-conference workshops run Sept. 8–14 at seven art studios across five Owen Sound locations.
Artists will cover topics from basic encaustic techniques to advanced collage, cold wax, and mixed media.
Keynote and organizers
The theme of the first Canadian Encaustic Conference is Connect + Create. The keynote speaker, David Gauntlett, serves as Canada Research Chair in Creative Innovation and Leadership at Toronto Metropolitan University. He speaks on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 1:15 p.m.
Kraemer organized the event with a team of Canadian encaustic artists: Ruth Maude of Toronto (founder of All Things Encaustic), Terry Gregg of Fergus, Denise Callaghan of Georgian Bay and Florida, and Jane Cousens of Toronto.
The organizers first met while attending encaustic and creativity workshops with artist Andrea Bird, whose teaching continues to influence their own practice.
Grey Gallery to host Opening Reception and juried exhibition
Grey Gallery on 2nd Avenue East presents a juried exhibition of encaustic figurative works by conference participants. The gallery hosts the opening reception on Friday, Sept. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., and welcomes the public.
“We are thrilled to participate in the first annual Canadian Encaustic Conference, and we welcome all delegates and visitors to Owen Sound,” said Anne Dondertman, Grey Gallery co-owner.
Banquet dinner honouring Andrea Bird
One of the highlights of the weekend is the Connect Banquet, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Best Western Inn on the Bay. The evening includes dinner, award presentations, and a tribute to Andrea Bird, the late artist and teacher who inspired the creation of the conference.
Tickets for the banquet are sold out, reflecting strong demand for this inaugural gathering.
Event details
Canadian Encaustic Conference
Dates: Friday, Sept. 5 – Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025
Venue: Bayshore Community Centre, Owen Sound
Workshops: Sept. 1–4 (pre-conference) and Sept. 8–14 (post-conference) at studios across Owen Sound
Juried Exhibition: Grey Gallery, opening reception Friday, Sept. 5, 5–7 p.m. (open to all)
Keynote: David Gauntlett, Saturday, Sept. 6, 1:15 p.m.
Info & registration: canadianencausticconference.com