The Shadowbox

05/08/2026

05/02/2026

The 2026 Starry Night Studio & Gallery Tour returns on Saturday, August 22 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., transforming Peter Street South into a vibrant pedestrian art walk.

This much-anticipated annual event invites visitors to explore downtown Orillia through a self-guided evening tour of artist studios, galleries and shops. The street will come alive with guest artists, live music, and local food vendors, creating an immersive celebration of creativity and community.

The Starry Night Committee invites members of the Orillia BIA, along with artists who have exhibited in the Peter Street Arts District since August 2025, to apply to participate in this year’s event.

Application deadline for BIA businesses and associated artists is TODAY- May 1st:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdip6GGNGRg_yjD0M3D5MGTIasTnjP81UG7rq80DCgbLl88SQ/viewform Full details and the application form are
available here.

Application deadline for non-BIA business is May 31, 2026.

04/15/2026

Come see what's new in the gallery featuring artwork by:
Kate Grigg
Anita Leeman
Prudence Smith
Catherine Cadieux
Jon Oelrichs
Tim Bilton

03/14/2026

Attention artists! The City of Orillia is seeking artist proposals for a new series of street banners to be installed along Lightfoot Drive.

🌷 Theme: “Art in Nature”
💻 Format: Digital designs to be printed on banners
🎨 Eligibility: Open to all artists, with preference for those living or working in Orillia and surrounding communities
💲Honorarium: $400 will be awarded for each selected design
📅 Deadline: Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 12 p.m. (noon)

Artists are asked to submit a proposed concept only at this time. A total of six final designs will eventually be selected and printed. Learn more and apply at orillia.ca/publicart.

03/13/2026

We have lots of ready-made frames and mat board in stock. 🖼

01/25/2026

12/18/2025

Original art makes a perfect holiday gift. Or, for the hard to buy for - we have gift certificates.

12/16/2025

Thank you for this beautiful photo of our historic building, Deb Halbot ❤️

Lucia will be celebrating 45 years of The Shadowbox in the Arts District in 2026.

Snowy O-town view of the Peter Street Arts District, facing south. Sweet fact - for a brief moment at sunrise, The Shadowbox Art and Framing Shop appears gilded in gold!
I so love the ornate trim on the front of the building and the beautiful cornice work at the roofline. The arts district buildings appear strong and serene, despite the noticeable loss of the historic landmark building that once stood at the corner of Peter and Mississaga Streets.
The building at 15 Peter Street South in Orillia, Ontario, currently home to The Shadowbox, was historically known for housing a popular local restaurant, Don's Fish and Chips, which moved to that location in the late 1960s or early 1970s.
Will and Lucia McGarvey opened The Shadowbox Art & Framing in October 1982, initially at 5 Peter Street South, then later moved to the current location at 15 Peter Street South, where it has been a staple of the Orillia Arts District for over 30 years. The Shadowbox specializes in custom framing, art supplies, and showcasing the work of regional artists.
There is a true vibrancy and sense of community in the Peter Street Arts District that culminates each year with the popular (and magical) 'Starry Night' event!

12/09/2025

Free parking in municipal lots. Come shop downtown Orillia so our stores are still open in the spring.

The gift of free parking is here just in time for the holidays! 🙌🎁

Free parking in all downtown municipal lots is here to make your season brighter. Starting today until January 4, 2026. 🚘🌟

Shop local, stroll under the festive lights, and enjoy the magic of Downtown Orillia BIA. Thank you for supporting our amazing community! 💙

Read the media release ➡️ https://www.orillia.ca/en/news/celebrate-the-holidays-with-free-parking-in-downtown-orillia.aspx

12/07/2025

🎨 Holiday Hours 🎨

Dec 17-19: 10-5pm
Dec 20: 10-4pm
Dec 21: Closed
Dec 22 & 23: 10-4pm

We are open Dec 24 until 2pm, and then closed for the holidays until January 6.

Looking to make arrangements for outside of business hours? Please call us at 705-325-1663.

Thank you for supporting small businesses and choosing to shop local in downtown Orillia this holiday season. Your community spirit truly makes the season brighter!

12/02/2025

Wonderful!