events calendar

La Fab Art Gallery

La Fab’s visual arts programming includes public exhibition capacity, education programs and artist studios. Through a diverse exhibition program in our three gallery spaces, we offer local and regional creators the opportunity to present their work to the public while benefiting from our expertise in curation, promotion, and professional development.

With over a decade of dedication to the visual arts, La Fab has become a cornerstone of Chelsea’s cultural landscape. We are committed to enriching the cultural fabric of our community and celebrating the power of visual expression.

Exhibitions

Dawn McArthur
In the Footsteps of the Polar Bears

October 17 – December 6, 2026
Vernissage: Saturday, October 17, 13:00 to 16:00
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La Fab presents In the Footsteps of the Polar Bears, a powerful new body of work by award-winning artist Dawn McArthur, inspired by the awe-inspiring yet fragile ecosystems of the high Arctic,

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Through bold acrylic compositions, McArthur captures both the sublime beauty and the environmental vulnerability of the Polar Regions. Her paintings depict Arctic wildlife navigating expansive sea ice, frozen tundra, dramatic mountain ranges, and vast northern skies. Blending realism, Post-Impressionism, and touches of Woodland Art, her work invites viewers to reflect on the shared “wilderness” of our planet—and the urgent need to protect it.
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The exhibition title draws a subtle contrast with In the Footsteps of the Dinosaurs: while dinosaurs symbolize extinction and the distant past, polar bears represent the present moment—calling attention to urgent environmental challenges, while still offering hope for survival and change.


Public Programming & Events Accompany the Exhibition

A series of multidisciplinary events will accompany the exhibition, bringing together artistic, scientific, and cultural perspectives.


Saturday, October 17, 13:00 to 16:00
Vernissage & Artist Talk
More than a traditional art viewing, the opening offers an immersive journey into the fragile beauty of the High Arctic ecosystem, featuring an intimate Artist Talk at 14:00. Guests will be greeted with Arctic-inspired refreshments and invited to participate in the official launch of the “Pathways for Hope” Community Wall – where guests can write their own commitments to protecting northern ecosystems.

Tuesday, October 20, 10:30 to 12:00 
Artist Talk as requested by the Ottawa Artists and Artisans Study Group

Saturday, October 31, 1:00 to 4:00
All-Ages Interactive Day and Arctic Adventures
Explore the High Arctic through immersive activities designed to spark creativity and climate awareness.
Search within the artworks for answers to the Arctic Scavenger Hunt. Special stage activities will run exclusively from 13:00 to 14:30, featuring hands-on Arctic art projects, an interactive display of authentic Inuit clothing and carvings, and the “Blubber Glove” challenge – feel like a polar bear plunging into the icy Arctic waters! Amidst the stage action, a television screening of the award-winning short film “Snow Bear” will be part of the immersive environment.

Saturday, November 7, 13:00 to 14:00
Brushstrokes & Shutter Clicks: Capturing the Changing North 
Baffin Safari founder and expedition leader John Davidson joins Dawn McArthur to share field stories from the frontlines of the changing North. A special featured presentation of photographer Nelson Liu‘s striking Arctic imagery adds to the immersive visual experience. This dynamic event explores how adventure and creative mediums collaborate to give a vital voice to climate conservation.

Friday, November 13, 18:00
An Evening of Art and Science
A cross-disciplinary program, including presentations by Arctic scientist, Dr. Dominique Fauteux of the Canadian Museum of Nature, Dr. Louise Archer of Polar Bears International, and Clive Tesar with Polar Knowledge Canada, exploring storytelling, research, and Arctic conservation. The evening opens with a gallery reception, then transitions into a dynamic presentation weaving storytelling and science together, followed by a joint Q&A session, and a mix-and-mingle with our special guest speakers.

Saturday, November 14, 19:00
The Accidental Canadian stage performance
Celebrated Arctic Adventurer, Storyteller and Bestselling Author (“Ice Walker“), James Raffan entertains with a light-hearted yet thought-provoking stage performance, “The Accidental Canadian.” In collaboration with artist Dawn McArthur.

Sunday, November 22, 18:30 
Film Screening Event, Vanishing Point
Join us for a special screening of the acclaimed National Film Board documentary, “Vanishing Point”. This striking film follows the interconnected lives of two High Arctic communities navigating environmental change. The screening will be followed by a guest speaker and audience Q&A to expand on the evening’s themes. Free admission (donations to La Fab welcome)

Sunday, December 6, 13:00–15:00
Closing Reception: Arctic Basecamp and Reflections
Celebrate the final afternoon by stepping directly into Dawn’s Arctic expedition. Warm up at the “Sea Ice Basecamp” refreshment station, set against dramatic prints of Dawn’s actual High Arctic camp tents. Enjoy hot refreshments and join an intimate gallery storytelling circle at 13:30 for a “Last Look” guided walkthrough and a community discussion on turning Arctic education into lasting advocacy.