Critical Mass

A Centre for Contemporary Art

Welcome to Critical Mass!

We believe in Art for All!

Critical Mass is a not-for-profit contemporary art organization based in Port Hope, Ontario. We believe that art changes how we see the world and our place in it. We bring contemporary art experiences to Port Hope so that everyone in our community can have the opportunity to see the world anew.

We’re grateful to have 2 exciting Ontario Trillium Foundation funded projects to pilot this year – an Artist in Residence program and a Sound Art Walking App!

Stay connected for updates to our residency line up and programming schedule, artist talks or spotlights, community engagement activities and challenges. Or have a look back on some of our past projects, and check in for artist calls, volunteer opportunities and membership updates.

About Critical Mass

Where to Find Us

What’s On & Featured

2021

Become a Member!

Join us to form a critical mass of support for the arts! Become a member, today!

Starts Nov 27th

Colour Me, Port Hope – Candlelight Festival 2020

Come to Lent Lane this November & December to immerse yourself in the art! Pose in front of the Colour Me, Port Hope illustrated selfie panels or colour your own version of our postcard and send to a friend or loved one that you miss, this winter.

Nov 1

2nd Annual Pumpkin Parade

Bring your pumpkins out to shine one last time at the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Parade on Sunday, November 1st – the day after Halloween!

July 1

#Frommyfrontporch Canada Day Art Challenge

Using items you have around your home, create a display on your front porch, lawn, balcony, or in your windows to showcase what you love most about Canada!

June 11

Makers Night & Artist Talk with Lucas Morneau

All makers, artists, and Granny square aficionados welcome! We’re making Granny squares and chatting with interdisciplinary artist Lucas Morneau from Newfoundland and Labrador. To register…

Dec 8

Critical Massive Adventure: Zine Reveal & Artist Talk

Zine Reveal & Artist Talk with Eli Gibson

Dec 10

Artist Talk and Q&A with David Jacob Harder

Join us on Thursday, December 10th at 7PM (ET) for an Artist Talk and Q&A Session with Critical Mass artist-in-residence, David Jacob Harder. Zoom registration is required.

Oct 3-10

Herbarium & Plant House Making Workshops

We’re making pages of a traditional Herbarium and wax dipped plant houses to showcase Port Hope’s local flora and pave the way for Parisian artist Cecile Hug’s 2021 residency with Critical Mass.

July 7-14

Port Hope Drift: Walking & Drawing Challenge

Show Critical Mass artist in residence, Susan Campbell, your favourite places to walk in Port Hope!

Mar 18 – May 8

#Frommywindow Art Challenge

Critical Mass is calling on the artists, kids, families, and businesses of Port Hope to join the #frommywindow movement to spread hope and joy in our community during this challenging time of the global COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing.

Nov 29, 2019

Port Hope Candlelight Festival

The second annual candlelight festival and Christmas night market. Including two shadow puppet workshops to prepare to light up the night!

Nov-Dec 2020

We Are Here – Community Art Installation

Critical Mass invites you to be in good company this winter. We Are Here is a community art installation made up of the smiling faces of Port Hope and its visitors. Be part of the art. Send us your best selfie!

Aug 10-22

Meet Critical Mass Artist-in-Residence, Jay Dart

Drop by the Little Station on Lent Lane during studio drop-in hours between 2pm to 4pm (Mon-Fri), to see Jay’s work in progress, and chat about your experiences living in Port Hope/Northumberland.

June 18

Crocheted Beer Cozies 'virtual' Workshop

Learn to crochet beer cozies that will keep your hands warm, your beer cold, and your wallet full! Hosted by fibre artist and Critical Mass Artist-in-Residence Lucas Morneau! To register…

May 12 – June 15

#Homebodies Art Challenge

Critical Mass has a fun new challenge for all the artists, families, and roommates sheltering at home right now. We invite you to participate in the #homebodies art challenge while we all continue to spend more time at home during this COVID-19 pandemic.

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