Barrie yoga studio supports local artists through pop-up gallery

A Barrie yoga studio turned its space into a gallery on Saturday, opening its doors to the community while allowing local artists to showcase their pieces.

The community art exhibition was held at Nook Yoga and organized by owner Anna Griffiths, who says she wanted to give back and support local artists in an inclusive space for people to gather and network closer to home.

"In Barrie, downtown is a really cultural city of artists and there are a lot of local artists that need support, a community is enriched by how well we can support them and their message," said Griffiths.

In addition to the art gallery upstairs, the event also included an artisan market downstairs.

"I'm here because I believe in the importance of building community, and as an artist, I want to network and gather with fellow artists and continue to network and create," said Monica Loney, visual artist.

Griffiths says she hopes to plan even more art and artisan events and continue to strengthen the art community in Barrie.

"This event is a semi-annual event that we have begun doing, but we host local artists in our space every month; a new local artist's work comes up in our yoga room, so this isn't something that we do one-off," said Griffiths.