But let's get back to the beginning... The idea grew out of a group show that was put together for a single weekend during Millbrook's annual Maplefest. The energy and enthusiasm generated from that show led the artists to discuss the possibility of setting up a permanent space in which to display their work. Agreement was reached and a month later, after a series of meetings and work bees, The Millbrook Gallery opened its doors to the public on June 9, 1995.

The artists in the gallery collective are: JoEllen Brydon, Valerie Davidson, Angelo DiPetta, Grace Glass, Harald Glass, Emma Hesse, Ted Hodgetts, John Ireland, Bruce Lepper, Esperança Melo, Michael Poulton, George Raab, Bill Rowland, Bill Slavin, Susan Spencley, George Stewart, Barbara Walker, and Jane Wilson.

The range and maturity of talent represented is impressive. A visitor to the gallery has the opportunity to view hand-turned wooden vessels made of rare woods collected from around the world. They can compare the styles and techniques of four different potters, examine hand-bound books, admire painting, sculpture, and works in papier maché. Exquisite award-winning bird carvings, mixed media, etching, drawing, and hand-made furniture round out the display.

The artists took turns tending the gallery and proceeds from the sale of work are reinvested into the gallery, making it a self-sustaining operation. No public money or grants have been invested in the gallery; it has been funded from the beginning with the artists' own resources.

For the artists, the experience has been a very positive one. The Millbrook Gallery allowed the artists to explore new directions in their work and have the venue to display the results. For many of the artists the opening of the gallery has served as a sort of personal renaissance. It has breathed new life into their art with the knowledge that it will be shared with others. It has given them the opportunity to connect with other artists, where previously they had worked in isolation. And finally, the gallery provided a bridge to allow them to share their creative endeavours with their friends and neighbours.

As well, the gallery has served to raise the profile of the arts in the community. The design of the space is inviting, encouraging people to come in and look, even if they have no intention to buy. The diversity of media allows visitors to compare styles and approaches, fostering a deeper understanding of what is "art". It has a popular appeal, removing the arts solely from the domain of the moneyed and cultured, and allowing everyone to share in the experience, to understand it as a local event. The area residents have reciprocated this sharing, giving their whole-hearted support to the gallery and providing the artists with positive feedback.

The artists continually introduced new works and displays. Workshops and multi-media events, as well as reading series, featuring such well-known authors as Rosemary Sullivan, Rick Salutin, Lorna Crozier, Mark Kingwell, and Katherine Govier have been offered.

After more than six and a half years of operating the physical gallery space, The Millbrook Gallery collective decided to take a hiatus to explore ideas and research possibilities for future directions.

The Millbrook Gallery collective remains active, only the physical gallery space ceased. Our website will continue to display our work, provide news of our activities and make available e-mail addresses and other contact information for the members.

The Millbrook Gallery collective encourages you to visit our website on an ongoing basis, where we display our work, provide news of our activities and provide bios and contact information on our artists.

The artists want to thank you for being a part our past successes, both at our former gallery location and online, and for your continued support and encouragement.

The Millbrook Gallery is an artists' collective, operated solely through sales and the financing of its individual members.