WHO WE ARE

The Burlington Fine Arts Association (BFAA) brings together aspiring and accomplished visual artists for mutual inspiration and encouragement in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. We seek to build a vibrant community arts environment that promotes and supports creativity and growth.  

Exhibiting, teaching and learning, and exchange of art ideas are available for all artists – from beginner to professional!  The BFAA offers a range of informal and skill-enhancing experiences including plein air, sketching and life-drawing sessions, print-making and collage, classes in assorted media, professional artist talks and demonstrations, workshops, and art-appreciation presentations.  

VALUING OUR HISTORY

Out of a passion for the fine arts, a group of Burlingtonians joined together in 1966 to establish the BFAA and in 1975, our grassroots organization found a permanent home in the new Burlington Arts Centre (now the Art Gallery of Burlington) that its members helped establish.

MEETING & LEARNING

BFAA has a commitment to positive interactions. We are rooted in the belief that our members can support and spark one another’s artistic evolutions. We see our Guild as a source of meaning in our daily lives.

We conduct General Meetings regularly from 7:00- 9:30 p.m. in AGB’s Rotary Room on the 3rd Tuesday from September through June. These get-togethers include time to socialize and network, to borrow materials from our library, to gain updates on Guild activities and members’ openings outside the AGB. Except for our Potlucks in June and December, renowned Artists speak for about an hour, thereafter demonstrating aspects of their work. These art lectures by professionals in the field are free and open to the public!

Abstract painting
Last Wed of the month, 1-4pm in the Fine Art Studio (mentoring available)
Sketch Group takes place in the Fine Art Studio
Wednesday mornings, 9am-noon. (1st Wed., Life Drawing/Painting, 2nd Wed. Still Life, 3rd & 4th Wed. Portrait)

Monday Evening Life Drawing
4th Monday of each month, 7-10 pm Wed

Studio Access
Besides Wed. Organized activities, Mondays and Fridays 1 - 9 pm at the Art Gallery of Burlington, Fine Arts studio. It is an excellent opportunity to work on your latest painting. No instruction or structure is available.

Plein Air
Thursdays - May to October
Meet at 9 am (see schedule for times & locations)

EXHIBITING, SHARING AND LEARNING 

Membership in BFAA and AGB offers access to diverse activities and include chances to exhibit and sell. Here are some examples:

  • September Entry Call for Solo and Small Group Exhibits in three locations provide all members with a clear process for accessing exhibit opportunities

  • BFAA’s Fireside Shows, six months a year for solo, small and large group exhibits

  • BFAA’s Juried Show, The Artist's Mark, is a partnership with the City of Burlington, the Burlington Centre (RioCan), the AGB and in 2020, the HDSB as student participation is being piloted for the first time. Members find the juror’s commentary of accepted works to be very informative and encouraging to all.

  • BFAA’s Workshops, three per year based on member interest and providing expert instruction

  • BFAA’s Art Appreciation Discussions, 2nd Weds, 1 p.m.

  • BFAA’s Members’ Gallery, on our Website

  • Jurors’ Critiques of Our Works

  • BFAA’s Newsletter, Sept. through June

  • Arts Burlington’s Kaleidoscope Show & Sale, each Spring

  • Arts Burlington’s November Christmas Sale (coincides with AGB’s Soup Bowl Event)

  • Participation in the annual AGB All Guilds Show

Guild membership is a sharing experience. All members volunteer some time to the Guild’s management, its activities, AGB fundraising events and to the maintenance of the studio. 


LEARNING MORE

For more of a flavour of our Guild, check out burlingtonfinearts.com