Residents in Pembroke, Ontario, can pick up free art supplies to take part in this year’s Community Art Walk. The Pembroke Business Improvement Area is giving away canvases and primer, with a request deadline of June 1, 2026. Anyone can join in — community groups, school classes, artists, and families — and see their work put on display downtown.
The Pembroke Business Improvement Area launched the Community Art Walk in 2023. That first year, 35 pieces were shown downtown. Now in its fourth edition, the program hands out free materials so everyone has a chance to add some colour to local streets, parks, and storefronts.
Participants can grab a blank canvas and primer at no cost, then create whatever they like. Finished artwork will be placed throughout the downtown, including spots like Coronation Park and along Pembroke Street West. Bethea Summers, executive director of the PBIA, says the project brings a “wonderful vibrancy” to the area.
Local businesses are key to making the art walk happen. Mike’s Hardware, a fixture in Pembroke for more than 50 years, donates the wooden canvases. Dulux Paints provides primer, and HAS Farms is also a presenting sponsor. Their support means the only thing residents need to bring is creativity.
The 2026 program coincides with the PBIA’s 50th anniversary. With free supplies and an open call for works of all sizes, organizers hope to see record participation this summer. Anyone who wants to take part can request a canvas at the PBIA website by June 1.
