PRESS RELEASE: Atelier Ironwood Launches with “Beyond the Surface” Exhibition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON – April 2026 – Ironwood Cider introduces Atelier Ironwood, its artisan program developed in partnership with Armstrong Fine Art Consulting. The collaboration debuts with the inaugural exhibition Beyond the Surface, opening May 3, 2026.
Atelier Ironwood reflects the vision of Ironwood proprietor Richard Liu. Built around creativity and cultural exchange, Ironwood has developed as both a producer and a platform for artisan exploration. Atelier extends that worldview - through a curated program rooted in the same pursuit of craft.
“Atelier Ironwood is built on a pursuit of true craft. Whether in art, music, or culinary work, we’re drawn to things that are intentional and deeply considered,” says Liu. “It reflects how we think at Ironwood, and the kind of work we believe in.”
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
Since opening in 2021, Ironwood Cider has developed with a clear focus on craft and cultural expression. The introduction of Atelier Ironwood marks a natural extension - expanding into a broader program of curated work rooted in that same pursuit of craft.
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. In addition to developing and producing exhibitions, the firm works closely with collectors to build meaningful collections and assists in placing artworks within the secondary market. Collaborating directly with artists, Armstrong Fine Art Consulting facilitates the placement of works into private and corporate collections, creating lasting connections between artists, collectors, and audiences through well-executed, impactful 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
Exhibition Invite
Installation view of a section of the exhibition
