Artists and community members gather in 'Art Alley' at the 'Meet at Sundown' launch event June 26 in Port Elgin.
Jane Glenn | 3 July 2026
What was once a little-used alleyway in downtown Port Elgin is transforming into a vibrant space for a growing public art initiative. A launch event was held in the ‘Art Alley’ beside Ristorante Rosina on June 26, ‘Meet at Sundown,’ which aims to bring together local artists, live music and art unveilings as part of an ongoing effort to expand public art and create more gathering spaces in the downtown core.
The corridor connecting Goderich Street to Rosina's patio has evolved into an outdoor gallery featuring large-scale murals, artist studios and live entertainment. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the space, meet local artists, enjoy music and discover downtown businesses while experiencing art in an informal, outdoor setting. The Downtown Port Elgin BIA describes the annual Art in the Alley celebration as an evening of live music, artist showcases and public art that invites people to "come for the art, stay for the atmosphere."
This year's celebration welcomed live music from Nuclear Vibes, artist demonstrations and the opening of the new Sundown studio, where artists Jess Rosner and Margaux Bucher have established a creative space overlooking the alley. Their studio joins a growing collection of murals that continue to reshape the downtown landscape and strengthen Port Elgin's identity as a community that embraces public art.
One of the evening's highlights came with the unveiling of a new mural by local artist Rowan Stephenson. Installed on the exterior wall of Ristorante Rosina, the colourful work was officially unveiled by Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau.
"The vibrancy of Rowan's work is a wonderful addition to our downtown," Charbonneau said. "Art is so important to the community and to our culture.” He thanked the BIA for “continuing to improve our downtown with art and the many activities that it promotes."
Stephenson's mural joins an expanding collection of public artwork that already includes nature-inspired murals by Jasmine "Jazz" Ross and Tara artist Ken Thornburn.
Although organizers have not yet announced a full schedule of upcoming Meet at Sundown events, the Downtown Port Elgin BIA says programming will continue to feature local artists, live music and new public art installations in Art Alley.
For more information, visit meetatsundown.com.
'Great Blue Heron' by artist Emilie Darlington is just one of the many permanent fixtures in Art Alley beside Ristorante Rosina in Port Elgin.
