New public art exhibition ‘The Art of Summer’ now open

For immediate release (July 4, 2025) – The City of Orillia, in partnership with the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) and the Orillia Opera House (OOH) are pleased to unveil the latest art exhibition, “The Art of Summer”, at both the Stack Gallery in the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West St. S.) and the Opera House Gallery in the Orillia Opera House (20 Mississaga St. W).

The theme pays tribute to the ongoing success of professional summer theatre at the Orillia Opera House. Orillia Summer Theatre is a professional theatre program hosted at the Orillia Opera House, featuring high-quality, in-house productions that entertain both locals and visitors throughout the summer months. Over the past decade, this program has flourished, creating in-house productions in Orillia and touring them across Ontario. With near sold-out performances in 2023 and expanded showtimes in 2024, this milestone marks a defining chapter in Orillia’s rich theatre history. To celebrate this achievement, the Orillia Opera House will have ten years of images from photographer Cole Bennett of Portage Creative on display, while local artists were invited to submit original works that capture the spirit of summer in Orillia. 

“The arts have always been at the heart of Orillia’s identity - it’s part of our brand, our story, and how people know our City,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “‘The Art of Summer’ pays tribute to that legacy and offers a fresh take on the creativity and culture that define summer life in Orillia. I encourage everyone to take time and admire the incredible art on display and reflect on the beauty and spirit of our city.”

Featuring 18 works of art by 11 artists from Orillia and beyond, ‘The Art of Summer’ offers a variety of perspectives that highlight summer life in the Orillia area. From bright depictions of local landmarks to abstract works which reflect the spirit and warmth of summer, the exhibition offers every viewer an opportunity to connect with the beauty of summer in new and meaningful ways.

“Summer Theatre has become a cornerstone of Orillia’s cultural identity, bringing world-class productions to our historic stage and showcasing the talent that thrives in our community,” said Nicole McMurdy, Audience and Visitor Information Services Coordinator at the Orillia Opera House. “We’re thrilled to see this milestone reflected through visual art, as ‘The Art of Summer’ captures the energy, warmth, and creative spirit that fill our theatre—and our city—every summer.”

"The Art of Summer” runs from July 2025 to December 2025 at both locations. The City of Orillia invites the public to explore the gallery at the Orillia Recreation Centre during regular operating hours. Visitors can view the gallery at the Orillia Opera House on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or three hours prior to a scheduled performance. Admission is free.

For more information about the exhibition, visit orillia.ca/PublicArt.

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Contact Information

Allie Bradford 
Culture Coordinator 
705-330-6479 
abradford@orillia.ca 

Ninette Gyorody
Executive Director
Orillia Museum of Art & History
705-326-2159 ext. 101
executivedirector@orilliamuseum.org

Nicole McMurdy
Audience and Visitor Information Services Coordinator
Orillia Opera House
705-326-8011
nmcmurdy@orillia.ca

Keltie Town
Manager of Marketing
705-325-2009
ktown@orillia.ca

Photo Cutline: “Pink Martini” by Julie McGregor