For nearly 20 years, the Marianne van Silfhout Gallery (MVS Gallery) has been a cornerstone of the visual arts in Brockville and the surrounding region. As the only community gallery in the area, it has proudly showcased the work of local, regional, national, and international artists—bringing diverse creative voices to our doorstep.

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Originally housed in the front atrium of St. Lawrence College’s (SLC) Brockville campus, the Gallery was made possible through the generous estate of Marianne van Silfhout, a former arts student at SLC. Her legacy not only created a stunning, state-of-the-art exhibition space but also funded bursaries for students in the Visual & Creative Arts – Fine Arts program. Each spring, MVS hosted the program’s graduate exhibitions, giving students an exceptional, hands-on opportunity to plan, promote, and present professional shows—a rare experience in college-level arts education.

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Over the years, the Gallery has become much more than an exhibition space. It has been a gathering place—a venue for artist talks, community fundraisers, poetry readings, theatrical performances, and creative collaborations that have brought people together and enriched our cultural landscape.

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However, with the recent suspension of SLC’s Fine Arts program due to broader sector underfunding, the MVS Gallery will soon say goodbye to its current home. The final public exhibition in this space will take place in early spring 2025.

But this is not the end—far from it.

Marianne’s adventurous spirit and vision of supporting the arts will continue. The MVS Gallery is embracing this moment as an opportunity to evolve and reimagine itself. While the location may change, the MVS Gallery’s commitment to showcasing meaningful, thought-provoking, and inspiring art will remain steadfast.

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We invite the community to celebrate the legacy of the MVS Gallery and join us in shaping its future. Together, we will ensure that this vital creative space continues to inspire, engage, and bring people together for years to come.