I started going to the Art Gallery of Burlington in 2004.
We had just moved to Burlington, and I was a new Mom in a new place. I hadn’t even thought of painting at that point. I didn’t realize I needed a community, but when I started going to the AGB, I instantly found one that was welcoming and encouraging.
My children, Sterling and Henry, genuinely loved coming here as they grew up. The Art Gallery of Burlington is one of those magical places for kids and adults alike, with the conservatory, studios, and exhibition spaces.
In AGB camps, my children felt their individuality and found opportunities to explore and be messy in ways they couldn’t at school or at home. That kind of support changes how children see themselves.
Even now, as adults, when Sterling and Henry walk into the Art Gallery of Burlington, they say the smell brings back core memories for them. I can’t express enough how much this place has meant for our family and community.
I hope you will join me and consider the Art Gallery of Burlington in your holiday giving this year.
Please make a gift today to rediscover the joy of play this holiday season.
Your gift creates a safe, welcoming space for residents and visitors to grow and explore. You can be two or ninety-two and find a place at the Art Gallery of Burlington.
When I turned 40, I was feeling unhappy, contained in my house with two small children and a smaller social circle, and I started painting. Creativity is less about technique, more about exploration. It felt fun!
The AGB supports artists and art lovers at all stages to gather and learn together. When I started painting in the AGB studios, I felt the same encouragement my children felt here.
As adults, we get trapped in our structured lives – it can be a foreign concept to play for the sake of playing.
Spending time at the Gallery brings you back to that sense of play and freedom to explore your interests, creativity, and well-being.
Reflecting on who I was when I first came here – I am thankful for the Art Gallery of Burlington. My children have grown up, but we still make time to visit the Gallery. They use many of the skills they learned here in their careers, and it is a place where I can do what I love (and feeling seen as an artist in the AGB Shop was a gift).
By donating, you’re not just giving to the Art Gallery of Burlington. You’re supporting our entire community. You are giving back to yourself, your neighbours, local youth, and living artists. Please, while you have my letter in your hand, complete your reply form with a gift or scan the QR code to donate online.
A generous anonymous donor in our community is matching all donations made this December up to $18,000! When you give today, your impact will be doubled.
Even a small donation is greatly appreciated and can contribute to the depth and richness
of Burlington.
With Gratitude,
Briar Emond
Burlington Mom and Artist
