PRESS RELEASE: Atelier Ironwood Launches with “Beyond the Surface” Exhibition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON – April 8, 2026 – Ironwood Cider House is proud to announce the evolution of its second-floor gallery into Atelier Ironwood, launching in partnership with Armstrong Fine Art Consulting. This new curatorial collaboration debuts with the inaugural exhibition Beyond the Surface, opening May 3, 2026.
Located at 1425 Lakeshore Rd, Atelier Ironwood brings to life the vision of owner and artisan cider maker Richard Liu. A pioneer in Canada’s modern cider movement, Liu has built Ironwood around creativity, inclusivity, and cultural exchange. Having immigrated to Canada at a young age, his perspective reflects the diverse cultural narratives that shape the country today. Atelier Ironwood extends that vision—creating a space where art, community, and conversation intersect.
“Atelier Ironwood is more than a gallery; it’s a meeting point where culture and community come together,” says Liu. “It reflects the spirit that makes Niagara and Canada so unique.”
Curatorial direction for the space will be led by Armstrong Fine Art Consulting, headed by Paige Armstrong and Margie Galita. Since 2019, the duo has played a key role in Niagara’s arts community, producing over fifty exhibitions during their tenure at the John Mann Gallery. Their work at Atelier Ironwood marks the next step in establishing a dynamic, professional exhibition program in the region.
“We’re excited to bring this vision to life,” say Armstrong and Galita. “This partnership allows us to foster cultural dialogue through art while enhancing the visitor experience with thoughtful, engaging exhibitions.”
Inaugural Exhibition: Beyond the Surface: Finding the Authentic Voice
We live in a world shaped by contradiction—competing ideas, tensions, and uncertainty that often leave us searching for clarity.
Beyond the Surface brings together ARO, Angela Bontempo, and Patricia Gagic—three artists who turn inward to find that clarity. Each has faced personal challenges, transforming pain and uncertainty into creative expression. Through this process, their work reveals something enduring: an authentic voice shaped through experience, not circumstance.
In a time of global unrest, their work reminds us that true balance begins within. By moving beyond the surface, these artists offer a path toward personal grounding—and, ultimately, a more connected and harmonious world.
Event Details
Exhibition Dates: May 3 – June 30, 2026
Opening Reception (“Meet the Artists”): Sunday, May 3 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Atelier Ironwood (Second Floor), 1425 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Artist Talk with Patricia Gagic: Sunday May 17, 2026 1pm to 2:30pm
Artist Talk with ARO: Sunday May 24, 2026 1pm to 2:30pm
About Ironwood Cider House
Since opening in 2021, Ironwood Cider House has become a destination for artisan cider and local culture in Niagara-on-the-Lake. With the launch of Atelier Ironwood, it continues to grow as a hub for creativity, diversity, and community.
About Armstrong Fine Art Consulting
Armstrong Fine Art Consulting specializes in curatorial services and exhibition management, with a focus on thoughtful storytelling through the visual arts. The firm is committed to connecting artists and audiences through meaningful, well-executed programming.
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Media Contact: Margie Galita, Curator.
Email: margie@armstrongfac.com
phone: 647 286 1207
Director of Armstrong Fine Art Consulting, Paige Armstrong and Curator, Margie Galita at Atelier Ironwood in Niagara on the Lake
Atelier Ironwood Logo
Ironwood building located at 1425 Lakeshore Rd. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
