Everyone’s a winner at Union Gallery’s ‘Side By Side 2026’

Whether you’re hoping to take a piece home, or just having a look, there’s something for everyone at Side by Side 2026.

Running from Jan. 13 to Feb. 7, Side By Side 2026 transforms Union Gallery into a dense, salon-style exhibition ahead of its live art draw fundraiser on Feb. 7. This year’s edition is co-curated by Nadia Newton, ArtSci ’26, and Emma Poley, ArtSci ’26, and features 106 unique works by 44 artists.

“We oversaw the artistic vision of the exhibition for the annual fundraiser, the catalogue design, as well as installation and artwork intake,” Poley said about the role in an interview with The Journal.

Side By Side has been a Union Gallery tradition since ’95, and while the event’s name was changed from Cezanne’s Closet to Side by Side in 2024, the core premise of the exhibition has stayed the same.

Unlike a conventional auction, the fundraiser operates as a lottery-style art draw. Attendees purchase either a $100 or $200 ticket, and when their name is called, they select a work from the corresponding wall. However, all the pieces are free to view as a public exhibition until the Feb. 7 auction takes place.

The exhibition features a wide range of pieces spanning countless themes and mediums. From ceramics, sculpture, and textiles to photography, printmaking, and painting, the show emphasizes both accessibility and breadth.

Rather than curating around a formal theme, the pair approached the exhibition with a community-first mindset. Artists include Queen’s students, local high school students, and even university faculty members, reflecting Union Gallery’s role as both a campus and Kingston arts space.

“Every year, it’s a very community-oriented approach. “We’re trying to find artists who are in the community,” Newton said.

For Poley, that also meant curating beyond personal taste. “A lot of people come to this event and a lot of people with different tastes,” she said. “So, it can’t necessarily even be reflective of our own tastes. This event is to serve the gallery and to serve the community.”

The vast array of colours, textures, and visual scenes throughout the exhibition space was captivating. With more than 100 works packed into the relatively small Union Gallery, it felt as though there was no end in sight to the number of exciting and engaging pieces to discover.

Particular standouts included the brightly coloured acrylic animal paintings on display by Charlie McGowan, Leisa Rich’s Fuzzy Wuzzy 2, a sculpture made of brightly coloured reclaimed yarn, and the somber photographic works by Alanna Veitch.

While Side By Side offers a rare opportunity to collect original artwork at a fixed price point, its impact extends beyond a single night. Half the proceeds generated go directly to the artists, while the other half supports Union Gallery’s year-round programming, including free exhibitions, workshops, and student opportunities.

“It gives us the funding so we can continue to do all of these awesome free events for students through the school year,” Poley said. “This annual fundraiser is a great way to both showcase local artists and continue to put on these awesome free events at the same time.”

Both curators emphasized that the exhibition remains free and open throughout its run.

“Anyone can come in and see,” Newton said. “Whether or not you contribute financially, even just coming in and taking a look at the artwork, is supporting the gallery.” Poley added, “We would love to have visitors. Third spaces are important. Community is important. We want people to come here, engage, and join in.”

With the fundraiser approaching and the walls already full, Side By Side 2026 positions Union Gallery as a place where supporting local artists can begin by buying their work or simply walking through the door.