Presqu'ile Waddling Arts Centre
Building Community Through Creativity
When you step into the Presqu’ile Waddling Arts Centre in downtown Brighton, you immediately sense something special: not just a gallery but a thriving, community-driven hub. Founded by the Brighton Arts and Culture Council (BACC) earlier this year, the Centre is quickly establishing itself as a vibrant force in the region’s artistic landscape.
Written by Erika Szabo
Read time: 4 min
“We incorporated as the Brighton Arts & Culture Council in January 2024,” says Des Rodrigues, one of the founding members. “Our long-term goal was to eventually open an art gallery—but even more, we envisioned an art centre.” A space that wasn’t just about viewing art, but about creating it, sharing it, and building community through it.
The Municipality of Brighton shared this vision, emphasizing the importance of having the centre in the downtown core to help revitalize the area. When a storefront became available, it felt serendipitous. “It’s almost like buying a home,” Des laughs. “Maybe a bit early, but we knew it was the right fit.”
Since its soft launch in December 2024 and official opening in February 2025, the Centre has flourished. It offers everything from musical performances to youth day camps and workshops, creating opportunities for artists at all stages of their journeys. “We wanted our ten founding members—and every artist who walks through our doors—to have the confidence to showcase their work,” Des explains. “It’s very therapeutic. That sense of togetherness builds a stronger community.”
That spirit of connection even extends to the building itself: alongside the art centre, a young couple now operates a cozy coffee bar, Parris & Co. Coffee Bar, thanks to a collaboration with the BACC. “It’s all about giving people a chance to live their dreams,” Des says.
The Centre’s name pays tribute to two key inspirations: Presqu’ile Provincial Park and beloved local artist Ronald A. Waddling.
“Ron embodies everything we want this centre to stand for—integrity, honesty, community,” Des shares. “Even though the previous Brighton Arts Council is no longer active, Ron has remained extremely active in the community.” He’s a thespian, an artist, a photographer, an author, and a true pillar in Brighton.
By adding Waddling’s name, the Centre roots itself in a tradition of giving back—a personal touch that reflects its mission.
The Presqu’ile Waddling Arts Centre celebrates a wide range of artistic expressions, from watercolours and photography to metal sculptures. “It shows the diversity in art and artists. For instance, photographic art often isn’t prioritized in traditional galleries,” says member artist Terry Girard, a photographer with decades of experience. Here, every medium gets its space.
Workshops have quickly become a cornerstone of the Centre’s offerings. Led by members and local instructors, workshops range from clay sculpture to woodcarving. These workshops regularly sell out, a testament to the Centre’s growing reputation.
Looking ahead, plans are in motion to build a front patio and portable stage to further transform the space into a social and cultural gathering point. “Our Mayor said it best: without the arts, a town is just brick and mortar,” Des notes. “We want to be a social hub, a gathering space for residents, tourists, artistic people, everyone.”
The Centre is deeply committed to accessibility. New artists are encouraged to get involved through its Facebook page or website, with an open-door approach to memberships and opportunities.
“This is the first place many of our artists have ever displayed their work,” Des says proudly. “It’s a confidence-building space. Art is so subjective—what speaks to one person might not to another—but every piece deserves to be seen.” Terry agrees, “I’ve done fairs and shows before, but this is the first time my work has been displayed in a gallery or art centre type setting.” The affirming feeling of seeing your art on display is undeniable.
Artworks on display range widely in price and medium, from $20 prints to $9,000 sculptures, offering something for every visitor.
While navigating the logistics of establishing a not-for-profit arts organization—leases, insurance, renovations—the Centre has been buoyed by strong community support.
“The community has been so great,” Des recalls. From the moment they started setting up, “people were coming in off the street to see if we were open yet. It’s heartwarming to see the community show such support for the arts.”
The next steps for the Centre include upgrading lighting, installing a sound system, and creating a small stage for live performances. Larger dreams are also taking shape: a network of regional art centres and a potential ‘art tour’ connecting galleries from Cobourg to Belleville. “We want to promote everything going on in this region,” states Terry.
As Des puts it, “Once you get addicted to the arts, you want to promote all the other spaces as well. Come here, go there, make the rounds.” That’s how you build a thriving creative community.
