RISE: Give to Gain

Quinte Arts Council Cultural Hub 36 Bridge St E, Belleville

RISE is a space for women to be seen, heard, and honoured. This annual exhibition is an invitation to all who identify as women to share their artistic voices—bold or quiet, emerging or established—across painting, illustration, photography, mixed media, textiles, sculpture, and ceramics. Aligned with International Women’s Day 2026 and its theme Give to Gain, RISE explores what grows when we offer our time, our stories, our care, and our creativity. What do we gain when generosity becomes a practice? When women lift one another, what becomes possible—for ourselves, for our communities, for the future? RISE is more than an exhibition—it’s a gathering of voices, a shared platform, and a declaration that women’s creativity shapes culture. Exhibition: March 6th-27, 10:00am – 4:00pm (closed Mondays, Weekends) Featured Artwork: Angela Wiggins, “I Am Here”

Carto/Topo/Geo/Graphic: Rediscovering Lost Maps by Carl Wiens

Quinte Arts Council Cultural Hub 36 Bridge St E, Belleville

Exhibition Dates: April 2 – April 30 The Quinte Arts Council invites the public to experience Carto / Topo / Geo / Graphic: Rediscovering Lost Maps, a captivating new exhibition by artist and illustrator Carl Wiens. This body of work represents the culmination of a year of collecting, clipping, collaging, and painting, drawing inspiration from vintage maps and atlases. Through layered compositions and intricate details, Wiens transforms historical cartographic materials into contemporary artworks, revealing new narratives and visual landscapes. Maps become both medium and metaphor—charting journeys through imagination, memory, and discovery. Carl Wiens has enjoyed a successful career in the arts spanning more than 30 years. His work is deeply inspired by science and the natural world, with a particular fascination for robots, insects, and the universe. In addition to his studio practice, Carl teaches science and technology–based illustration at Sheridan College, where he continues to be inspired by the creativity and dedication of emerging illustrators. His work has received international recognition from organizations including the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, 3×3 Magazine, and the Applied Arts Awards. His illustrations have appeared in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time, Forbes, Barron’s, and Esquire. His book projects include The Science of Song, Wild Buildings and Bridges, and FINNA. When he’s not creating illustrations, Carl enjoys cycling, kayaking, stargazing, chopping wood, and playing hockey. Time spent outdoors and surrounded by nature continues to fuel his creativity. Featured Artwork: Night Swimmer 12 × 12″ collage on panel Join us for the opening reception on April 2 from 4–6 PM and explore a unique artistic journey where geography, memory, and imagination intersect.

Free

Free Crochet Circle with Emebet Belete at the Parrott Gallery

JOHN M. PARROTT ART GALLERY 254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville

The Parrott Gallery invites you to a Free Crochet Circle on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Third Floor Meeting Room. Join artist Emebet Belete for these fun, instructional crochet circles. Everyone welcome, beginners and experienced artists alike! This gathering is in association with our upcoming exhibition Stitched Stories, Bridging Communities on display between June 20 and July 25, 2026 in Gallery 1. All materials supplied – registration requested – drop-ins welcome.

Free

Girl Dinner Thursdays at The Local Social House

The Local Social House 211 Coleman St, Belleville

Girl Dinner Thursdays at The Local Social House – Grab your girls and make The Local your weekly meet-up spot. Girl Dinner for Two — $55 – Includes: • A shareable Caesar salad • A shareable truffle fry • A 6 oz glass of wine each Got a third joining? No problem. Upgrade to the “Executive Girl Dinner” for three for $75. Because sometimes the best nights are simple – great wine, fries on the table, and catching up with your favourite people. Tell your friends, grab your coworkers, tag your girls and make Thursday your new tradition. Fries. Wine. Friends. Every Thursday.

Parlour Talk: How a delayed train brought a museum to Belleville

Glanmore National Historic Site 257 Bridge Street East, Belleville

Join museum manager Jennifer Lyons as she shares the fascinating story of how a delayed train brought a museum to Belleville. Glanmore’s Couldery Collection will be highlighted in this Parlour Talk! General museum admission applies.

The Story of My Life: a one-woman play by Peter Paylor

Theatre in the Wings 30 Bridge Street East, Belleville

Come fall in love with Miriam in the world premiere production of a heartwarming new play by Peter Paylor. She’s a young librarian with eclectic reading habits. She likes Austen and Shakespeare and Dickens. She knows the Dewey Decimal System by heart. She plays pub trivia on Thursdays and flag football on Sundays. She’s bright, she’s charming, she’s lovable. She’s interested in just about everything. Except hope. She can’t seem to get her head around hope. Not until she meets Linda Louise Montgomery, who’s twelve, and Linda Louise’s father. He’s a seismologist. “The Story of My Life” will make your soul feel good. You’ll leave the theatre believing in hope. Starring Alexandra Bell as Miriam. Directed by Lisa Spence. Tickets are $25 each from Eventbrite or call (613) 403-7329 to reserve.

$25