The Town of Collingwood event calendar lists a retrospective exhibition titled “The Last Picture Show | J. David Murphy” opening with a reception on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in the Collingwood Public Library’s Art Gallery (the library’s Art on the Walls program).
The show will present work spanning 54 years of Murphy’s career, featuring oil paintings ranging from Northern Ontario wilderness scenes to urban cityscapes. Murphy is a regional oil painter whose work has been described in artist bios and press notices as notable for vibrant colour combinations and a bold handling of wilderness landscapes and streetscapes.
The exhibition was selected through the library’s Art on the Walls program; applications for exhibits are reviewed by the Collingwood Arts Advisory Council (AAC) and the Collingwood Public Library Board. Town documents and the Arts Advisory Council have suggested that choosing an established local artist for the early‑January slot is intended to help anchor the library’s winter arts programming.
This retrospective follows a trend of milestone exhibits at the library, such as the annual Magic of Children in the Arts. The library’s Art Gallery page currently invites applications for exhibition dates starting in July 2026, underscoring ongoing support for local talent. Some regional listings also associate Murphy’s ’54 Years of Painting’ with the L.E. Shore Gallery in Thornbury.
The exhibit and selection process are documented in town and library materials, and the library’s Art Gallery page lists contact information for exhibition applications and coordination.
