FAQs
Couldn’t find what you were looking for on our website? Planning a visit to the space? Looking for something to do? Job searching?
We can help!
Visiting The Space
What are your current hours?
Our current hours are:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11 am to 5 pm
Friday: 11 am to 8 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
Where is the Scugog Arts Space?
The Scugog Arts Space is located at 175 B Queen St, in Downtown Port Perry. Walk down the lane, entrances are located at the side and back of the building.
Is parking available?
Parking is available along Queen St and in the municipal parking lot #5 off Water St. Check out a map of public parking lots, here: https://www.scugog.ca/en/live-and-play/resources/Documents/Maps-Downtown-Port-Perry-Parking-Lots.pdf
Is the Scugog Arts Space wheelchair accessible?
Our backdoor is wheelchair accessible, though it is not automated. That said, there is always someone at the front desk that can open the door. Additionally, we do not have an accessible bathroom in the space.
Are service animals allowed in the space?
Any well-behaved animal is welcome in our space. We even have dog treats on hand for good boys and girls.
Can I bring food or drink into the space?
You may bring food and drink into our space, but we do ask that you do not consume your treats until you exit the space.
Can I take photos?
We would love that! Make sure to tag us if you post your photos online. And check out our Art You Can Sit On Muskoka chairs and mural that are made for selfies.
Where can I eat after visiting the Scugog Arts Space?
Downtown Port Perry is a foodie’s paradise! Discover an array of international dishes, as well as comfort food favorites. See all the dining options, here: https://discoverportperry.ca/restaurant-directory/
What else is there to do in the area?
There is always something to do in Downtown Port Perry from shopping to taking in a scenic stroll along the picturesque waterfront. We are steps away from a number of waterfront trails, a Farmer’s Market on Saturday’s spring through fall, skating on a frozen lake (can you get more Canadian?), the marina with boat docks, an award-winning brewery, and the Kent Farndale Gallery.
Who can I contact for more information about visiting the Scugog Arts Space?
Drop us a line at [email protected] and we will respond as soon as we can.
Buy Art
Do you sell art?
Indeed, we do! We are both a gallery and a retail space for our members and Resident Artists.
Do you have more work than what is on display?
What we have is what you see! That said, if you like a particular artist’s work and would like to see more let us know, and we can make it happen.
Is the work in the arts space from local artists?
For the most part, our artists reside in Durham Region and many within walking distance of the gallery. We also carry works from Indigenous artists from all over Ontario including Toronto and London.
What can I purchase online?
Our online shop is our in-store space just online. Anything you may have seen while visiting the space in person will also be available online. Shop the space, here: https://www.shopscugogarts.ca/
How can I purchase gift cards?
Gift cards are available for purchase in store.
What do you sell that would be a good gift for a visitor?
Art makes a great gift, no matter the size. Discover unique items perfect for those that appreciate original and handmade work.
Looking for something that says, ‘I visited Scugog and loved it!’? Check out the Durham is Home collection! We have hoodies, t-shirts, and hats in both the Lake Scugog and Old Mill designs.
What methods of payment are accepted?
We take it all! At the Scugog Arts Space we do not discriminate against payment methods. To be clear we take cash, debit, and credit card.
What is your exchange/return policy?
Our return policy is simple — we are not Amazon, as such we don’t accept returns. We do not typically accept exchanges either, but if you are not completely happy with your purchase we will try to help as best as possible.
Do you offer shipping?
Yes! We can get you most artwork via CANPAR or PUROLATOR.
Do you offer local delivery?
We sure do! Just enter your address during the online checkout process to find out if we deem you local. We can deliver locally Tuesday evenings, Wednesdays, Thursday evenings, and Fridays. We’ll call you to arrange a suitable delivery time.
Show Your Art
I am new to showing my work, how do I get started/What are all the opportunities for an artist to show their work at Scugog Arts?
We highly recommend that you attend our monthly exhibitions and tour other galleries.
Scugog Arts members can apply for a month-long solo/duo show, become a resident artist, enter our Annual Juried Show, or be a vendor in our Sunday Market in the Mews.
How can I become a member?
Becoming a member is easy! Just click on the BECOME A MEMBER tab above and select the applicable tier. Members all get a page on our website!
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
You get to be a part of an incredible group of arts practitioners and support your arts community! Members also receive a 10% discount on workshops and programs run through Scugog Arts, access to exhibition space, a profile listing on our website, promotion of your events, and social media features.
How do I update member information (address, phone number, email)?
Email us the deets at [email protected] and we will update everything for you. If you need a complete overhaul on your member page, fill out a new member content form, here: https://scugogarts.ca/call-for-entries/members-content/
How long is my membership valid?
Membership is valid for one year. When you pay online by credit card it will be set up to auto-renew each year. You will receive an email notifying you of the renewal. You can sign in after to change this renewal option if you wish.
How can I become a Resident Artist?
The resident artist application process starts with this form: https://scugogarts.ca/resident-artist-application/.
We look for high-quality workmanship and fit for our selection of artists. Once the current group of artists has vetted your application you will receive notice if you have been accepted into the group.
Resident Artists pay a bi-annual fee of $300 and sign a contract upon approval. We will give you specific dates for completing inventory forms and bringing in your work so it can be sold in the space.
Workshops, Programs, and Events
Do you have workshops?
We sure do! Right now, we are offering workshops for youth, teens, and adults on a seasonal basis for both the public and arts practitioners. The best way to know when we are doing a workshop intake is to sign up for our newsletter.
You can also view our programs page to see what is currently available, here: https://scugogarts.ca/programs/
What activities are available for children and families?
We host a handful of programs and festivals throughout the year. Sign up for our newsletter to always be the first to know what’s happening or when registration opens.
Some of our family-friendly programs include: Culture Days, small town BIG, Art in the Alley, and regular art demos.
Are any events planned for the upcoming year?
Scugog Arts acts as the community organizer for Culture Days, an annual celebration of arts and culture that takes place in communities across Canada.
We also annually organize small town BIG and the Lake Scugog Studio Tour.
How do I find out about upcoming events, programs, and workshops?
The best way to find out about anything happening at the Scugog Arts Space is to sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page.
We share everything in our newsletter so you won’t miss a beat!
Jobs and Opportunities
What positions are currently available at the space?
Paid positions at the Scugog Arts Space are made possible through various government grants.
Whenever we have this type of opportunity to take on staff, we post it on social media, in our newsletter, and on our website. In the past, we have been able to take on summer staff through the Canada Summer Jobs program. These positions are typically posted in April.
Also, look out for volunteer opportunities as they help us get to know you!
How can I apply for any open positions?
All job postings will have instructions on how to apply.
Can I send my resume for future consideration?
Absolutely! Email [email protected] with a general cover letter and resume. We will keep it on file for future hiring.
Do you have volunteer opportunities?
Always! Scugog Arts is run on volunteers. Whenever we have an opportunity we post it on our social media, but if you would like to get on our radar drop us line or just stop in. We will add your info to our handy volunteer contact list and be in touch when an opportunity arises.
High school student? We can provide the hours you desire. Just let us know so we can sign any required documents.
More About The Space
Who operates the Scugog Arts Space?
A board of dedicated volunteers, along with seasonal staff acquired through various grants.
Does Scugog Arts work with other organizations?
We work with a number of local and provincial partners such as the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, Central Counties Tourism, and Durham Tourism. We are also members of the Port Perry BIA and The Scugog Chamber of Commerce.
Is the space available for rental?
Make us an offer if you would like to hold a workshop, party, retreat, or reception in our space.
How can I support the arts space?
The ways to support the arts space are endless! First and foremost, we accept donations, with no amount being too small. With your support, Scugog Arts can continue to create lots of art-focused events and programs that will inspire and connect our community. Donations can be made in person or online, here: https://scugogarts.ca/donate/
Another way to support us is to participate in our programs and events. We love seeing locals and visitors experience art and culture at our programs.
Can I follow you on social media?
Another great way to show your support for Scugog Arts is to follow us on social media. We are on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScugogArts and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scugogarts/
Annual Juried Show
What is a Juried Show?
A juried show is a curated exhibition of visual art from a wide range of artists, displayed in a gallery typically for a 10-day to 2-month period. Shows may be themed or have a limit on the mediums accepted. Most juried shows are held annually.
Artists will pay a fee to be a part of a juried show with no guarantee that their work will be accepted.
Currently, juried show applications are online and require well-photographed, high-quality images that are properly labeled. Additionally, the work must be for sale to be accepted.
The organizer of the show reviews all the entries before the juror sees them. If you missed a key part of the submission process you are likely to be disqualified and will not receive a refund.
The juror also known as the curator will then review the work for the exhibition. The juror will be limited by the space and only look for high-quality work and how various pieces can work together.
The juror will be a professionally trained curator that currently works as a curator in a public or private gallery.
Our best advice is to check out some juried shows before entering to see how they work!
Juried shows award prizes for the Juror’s Choice and Honorable Mention. Organizers often add in a Viewer’s Choice award so viewers can vote for their favorite.
Literary Contest
What is a Literary Contest?
A literary contest is an opportunity for writers to get their work read by a jurist and win prizes. Works may also get published, typically digitally.
Most literary contests held by arts organizations are held annually and have them to inspire writers. Entrants pay a fee to apply to be considered for prizes, with no guarantee that their work will win.
The organizers hire one or more jurors that are typically professional publishers or published authors. The juror(s) are the ones that will read the entries and select the winners.
Most literary contests have a word count or line limit, theme, and categories such as poetry, short story, and literary non-fiction. Our fee allows writers to enter up to 3 pieces and is non-refundable.
The organization process is called a call for entry and is usually done entirely online. Please ensure you read all the guidelines carefully and make note of the deadline. The juror(s) will need time to read all the entries before making a decision.
Extra Extra
Do you sell art supplies?
Nope, check out META4 Gallery: 200 Queen St, Port Perry.
Do you frame art?
Nope, check out Framer’s Gallery: 233 Queen St, Port Perry.
How is Scugog Arts funded?
Scugog Arts (Scugog Council for the Arts) is a registered charity. Many of our programs are sponsored by local businesses and organizations like MSIFN and Old Flame Brewery.
We also apply for and get grants through Ontario Trillium Foundation, Central Counties Tourism, Ontario Council for the Arts, and the FedDev Ontario Tourism Relief Fund.
For The past 12 years we have also been able to hire summer staff through the federal Canada Summer Jobs program.
Personal donations also help!
I play and teach music, can I become a member?
Absolutely! We can create a member page on our website like any other member. The page can be used to help promote your services.
You can also list gigs on our event calendar. This is also a great way to get on our radar when we are looking for live entertainment.
I'm a performer in music and/or theatre, can I become a member?
Yes! We can create a member page on our website like any other member. The page can be used to help promote your music.
You can also list gigs on our event calendar. This is also a great way to get on our radar when we are looking for live entertainment.