By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Belfountain Heritage Society (BHS) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Belfountain, and their newest endeavour enables them to continue doing so for years to come.

June 6 marked the official opening of the Olde Forge Gallery, a local art and heritage gallery located in the heart of Belfountain, run by the BHS and dedicated to keeping the community's heritage and history alive.

Throughout the gallery, various artworks and pieces of Belfountain's history can be seen.

The building itself even stands as an ode to the hamlet's heritage. 

A small framed picture of Roy Trimble, otherwise known as “Mr. Belfountain,” hangs inside the gallery, which once operated as Trimble and Sons Blacksmith and Garage, originally opened in 1924.

President of the BHS, Sarah Bohan, says the idea began during the Belfountain Bicentennial this past October.

During the celebration, an art and heritage display was held at the Belfountain Community Hall.

Curated by local artists, they were invited to create a piece that represented a local heritage feature.

Bohan says when it was time to take it all down, it was hard to imagine not having a permanent place for the installation.

“The artists created such a phenomenal show and wove into those heritage pieces. When we were taking it down, I cried because it was such a beautiful installation and well-curated by all the artisans,” says Bohan. 

“Then I realized the new project, the new vision project for the BHS, was to get a space for us,” she adds. “For Belfountain and local artists to conduct workshops, to show their work and display heritage.”

And now, the space has come to life.

The gallery is centred in the heart of Belfountain, in the old Trimble building, which Bohan says wouldn't have been possible without Belfountain Cafe owners Simon and Erin Shahin.

The space was donated to the BHS for use as a gallery to continue celebrating the community's history and heritage.

As they walk through the gallery, attendees will see work by local artists Sarah Bohan, Madelon Stevenson, Glenn Huckvale, Kayla Jackson Doolan, Wendy Mitchell, and Cindy Leeman.

“It was really important that Belfountain artists had a space to tell Belfountain stories in Belfountain,” says Bohan.

For local artists to have this space, Glenn Huckvale says, is “unbelievable.”

“It's kind of like the culmination of everybody wanting to do this, every artist wants to do this, you get your one chance,” says Huckvale.

Cindy Leeman, who is also a member of the BHS, says that she “loves the history of Belfountain.”

“And, it's an opportunity to talk to the people coming through about our stories, because we have lots,” she adds.

The gallery is open Thursdays to Sundays, 1pm to 5pm, at 17277 Old Main St, Belfountain.