Local artist, Barbara Salsberg Mathews’ collection of acrylic paintings - Royal City Gems - features beautifully unique views of Guelph. The collection includes local treasures such as Basilica of Our Lady, Rocky’s, The Petrie Building and Cutten-Kelly Block and many more. Mathews also created a food art portrait as she calls , Meat Head.

Mathews received several requests to buy prints of her paintings, so she decided to open an online store and donate her commissions to the Guelph Arts Council (GAC) of which she is a board member.

“When I wore the ‘Meat Head’ T-shirt, strangers approached me to ask where they could get one. I’ve also had many people ask if I would sell prints of my Guelph paintings. I found a Canadian company that produces customized orders and ships them directly to the customer. With all the recent provincial government cuts, I wanted to raise funds to help local artists.” says Mathews.

Mathews got this idea by seeing how GAC’s Jane Graham Memorial Fund has benefitted countless artists year after year. Jane Graham was a much-loved and respected artist living and working in the Guelph area prior to her untimely death. Donations to GAC in her memory made this fund possible. 

Mathews was also inspired by Steve Graham, who coordinates the Facebook site, ‘If You Grew Up In Guelph Do You Remember?’ This summer Steve organized a corn roast as a fundraiser for the local hospice. These initiatives inspired Mathews to pay it forward by making the world a shade more beautiful. 

Patti Broughton, Executive Director of Guelph Arts Council said, “On behalf of GAC, thanks to Barbara for her support, through this initiative and her volunteer service, of our mission and programs.”

People can go to http://artofwhere.com/artists/salsbergmathews to order printed art, note cards, or T-shirts. 

Wall Art options include: Poster, Art Print, Wood Print, Acrylic Print and Canvas.

 About Guelph Arts Council: For over forty years, Guelph Arts Council has been dedicated to supporting, stimulating and promoting arts and culture in Guelph. Guelph Arts Council is funded in part by The Guelph Community Foundation and City of Guelph. We also acknowledge the support of the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

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