One day only – Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Town of Grimsby presents its annual Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair at the Grimsby Public Art Gallery. Exhibitors include private press printers, bookbinders, print makers, paper marblers and other artisans.
Experience the beauty & craft of book arts – presented by over 40 exhibitors
Wayzgoose events are celebrations of letterpress printing and traditional bookmaking, with origins in annual events hosted by master printers marking the end of summer and the transition to working by candlelight.
Every year on the last Saturday of April, a fascinating group of exhibitors gathers at the Grimsby Public Art Gallery to celebrate the art of the hand-made book. Exhibitors display their work and provide live demonstrations in traditional book arts practices, sharing their expertise with the next generation of artists and artisans.
Book arts and related practices exhibited at the Wayzgoose include, but are not limited to:
- bookbinding
- letterpress
- original printmaking
- paper making
- paper marbling
- calligraphy
Part of Grimsby’s Wayzgoose tradition is to produce an anthology of work by the various participants. Sections, known as signatures, are handbound into a much sought after and cherished volume. Produced in a limited edition of 115 copies, the Anthology is an original and lasting keepsake – and a means by which book artists that cannot come to Grimsby for the event are able to have a presence. The sale of these anthologies helps to offset the costs associated with Wayzgoose. Visit the website for information on how to purchase Wayzgoose anthologies, plus access drop-down menus to view the content from the 2020 and 2021 Wayzgoose events, which were held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
About the Town of Grimsby’s Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair
Launched in 1979 by the Grimsby Public Art Gallery’s founding Director Bill Poole, Wayzgoose began as a small gathering of friends and colleagues that attracted about 300 visitors. Since then, it has grown into an eagerly awaited annual event with an attendance of between 2,000 and 2,500 people. Participants and visitors come from across Ontario, from Quebec and from the Northeastern US.
(Photo credits: The Town of Grimsby. Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair 2024.)
Event details
Hosted by: The Town of Grimsby
Type of event: book arts fair
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Start time: 9:00 AM ET
Duration: 8 hours (ends at 5:00 PM ET)
Cost: Free entry
Location: Grimsby Public Art Gallery, 18 Carnegie Lane, Grimsby, ON, L3M 1Y1
Contact details: Grimsby Public Art Gallery, 18 Carnegie Lane, Grimsby, ON, L3M 1Y1, Canada; (905) 945-3246, gpag@grimsby.ca, grimsby.ca
Accessibility: Please contact the Grimsby Public Art Gallery (see contact details above).