Dragonfly Arts on Broadway: A Hub of Creativity and Community in Downtown Orangeville | Written By: Lindsay W. (Dufferin Board of Trade)
Along Orangeville’s downtown strip is Dragonfly Arts on Broadway. It’s not just an art store housing various Canadian-made pieces, it also serves as a live studio space where local artists create their works on-site. Owned and operated by Joan Hope, an experienced artist currently working in stained glass beadwork, Dragonfly Arts on Broadway invites a personal shopping experience for customers to explore the arts in Dufferin County.
Dragonfly Arts on Broadway features art pieces from various disciplines and showcases local and Canadian artists for months at a time. “What I’ve tried to do is get as much art as possible” says Joan, they have dozens of potters, over a hundred painters, twenty jewelers and more. “When people come in, it’s important for them to see the best of the art as possible,” emphasizes Joan, “In supporting Dragonfly, you are supporting local artists.”
“I’ve done almost every craft around, and I believe that every experience you have informs the next one”
With five studio artists in residence, Dragonfly Arts provides a space for local artists to create and connect with their work and others. “I knew there was a need for artists to have a permanent space,” explains Joan. Rosemary Armstrong works with oil paints creating dramatic storm ocean scenes, Andrea Trace, distributor of archival ink, works in mixed media, and Roslyn Levin captures motion through minimal brushstrokes with Sumeya. There’s also Kara Dara, who works in abstract acrylic inspired by the elements, and Beth Grant, who handcrafts intricate glass beads. “Learning about in-house handmade art and speaking to the artist, customers walk out with their eyes widened to everything else that’s in the store” says Joan, highlighting one of the benefits of having this studio space.
Each carefully crafted display window exhibits a solo show from one of the resident artists and a themed display of other pieces available in the store. “Most people pass by, and they don’t come in, but if they see something in the window they might” explains Joan. The window’s theme changes each season, sometimes focusing on a certain material or discipline. “I try to feature every artist that I show in store” shares Joan.
“It’s really gratifying to see when the person who is buying a simple card knows the story behind the piece”
“I think we have the most vibrant community ever” exclaims Joan, who tries to attend and participate in different events in Dufferin County. This includes donating pieces for silent auctions or simply staying informed about the community, “It’s important to serve the community in that way,” says Joan. If customers come in with questions about where to find a place or event in town, she can easily help them out, and looking ahead, “We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing.”
Dragonfly Arts is a unique art studio compared to others in Dufferin County, “I love the fact that you can come in, look at their work, and then I can tell you all about it” exclaims Joan. “You’ll know the quality of what you’re getting, and learn more about the artist,” she continues, emphasizing the constant care she takes with customer service.
Arts and culture play a significant role in the change and growth of the community. “I wanted the studios to be open to the public for educational purposes,” explains Joan. By encouraging art to be shared throughout Dufferin County, she aims to broaden people’s perceptions and experiences in their daily lives.