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.
What’s On & Featured
2021

Become a Member!
Join us to form a critical mass of support for the arts! Become a member, today!
Read moreStarts 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.
Read moreNov 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!
Read moreJuly 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!
Read moreJune 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…
Read moreDec 8

Critical Massive Adventure: Zine Reveal & Artist Talk
Zine Reveal & Artist Talk with Eli Gibson
Read moreDec 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.
Read moreOct 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.
Read moreJuly 7-14

Port Hope Drift: Walking & Drawing Challenge
Show Critical Mass artist in residence, Susan Campbell, your favourite places to walk in Port Hope!
Read moreMar 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.
Read moreNov 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!
Read moreNov-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!
Read moreAug 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.
Read moreJune 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…
Read moreMay 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.
Read more Find us on Instagram!
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