Supporting local arts during Halloween season bridges the community together
On Oct. 31, Struts Gallery is hosting a pay-what-you-can, family-friendly fundraising event for the Sackville community to celebrate Halloween and help garner funds for the gallery’s ongoing building renovations at 7 Lorne St.
The event will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and include drinks, snacks, a karaoke station, a haunted house, and other attractions. Donations support the gallery’s efforts to preserve the structural integrity of the building, allowing Struts Gallery to maintain its prominent role in Sackville’s arts community.
According to information published on the gallery’s website, the renovations became necessary after engineering consultants at Heritage Standing Inc. examined and identified rapid regression of the building’s front wall. Engineered shoring, which is a designed temporary support system, was installed in June 2026, while permanent repairs began Sept. 21.
The building’s front side is the main focus during the first phase of the construction. Built in 1912, the historic structure will have its original façade and brickwork restored, and undergo extensive accessibility upgrades. This information can be found on their website, ‘strutsgallery.ca’. Additionally, its signature yellow front door will be made more accessible, by working on its structure and infrastructure.
The gallery estimates that this phase of construction will cost approximately $200,000 CAD. The Halloween fundraiser is part of its efforts to raise the money needed to cover these expenses. Struts Gallery is looking for volunteers to participate in the event and help with setup throughout the week before Halloween. “Want to help decorate? Be a part of the haunted house? Dress up as a scary ghost?” Students and other community members interested in contributing can contact Angie at [email protected] to learn more about volunteering.
When the gallery is not turned into a spooky exhibition, it gives space and opportunities for artists to present their work. The gallery consists of three spaces serving different purposes. Galleries one and two are used by artists-in-residence as studio spaces which they can use for research purposes, production, or exhibitions. Gallery three hosts the START gallery, which is a student-run exhibition space for Mt.A students to showcase their work from October to March. These spaces are also available for alternate events when these exhibitions are not being presented.
Students at Mt.A, from any degree, can submit their work for consideration. Those interested in becoming jury members can find information about the application and interview process on Struts Gallery’s Instagram page, @startgallerymta.
By welcoming families, students, and local residents for Halloween, Struts Gallery provides a chance for visitors to engage with the space in ways beyond just viewing exhibitions. As renovations are in progress, community involvement through donations, attendance, and volunteering can enable the gallery to keep offering artists chances to create, display their work, and connect with audiences in Sackville.