Winter Art Walk

Take a self-guided tour throughout Uptown Waterloo to discover beautifully painted themed windows by local artists at various businesses this winter.

Meet the Artists

 “As a professional artist, what do you enjoy most about the Winter Window Art Walk?”

Aoe Girard | @aoespencil

“As an artist, the Winter Window Art Walk is one of my favourite experiences. I love how it transforms Uptown Waterloo into a beautiful open-air gallery, filled with creativity, and community energy. Seeing the work of so many talented artists and watching people pause, smile, and admire the windows creates a wonderful sense of shared joy. In those moments, I feel deeply connected to the community, as if we’re all part of something warm and uplifting despite the cold.

Bringing winter cheer to the neighbourhood and working alongside other artists truly makes me happy, and I’m honoured to be part of the season’s magic. When I design a window, I always keep the identity of the business in mind. I believe it’s important to blend artistic expression with the store’s character, creating something unique, inviting, and meaningful for both the business and everyone who walks by.”

See Aoe’s work at Champa Kitchen, and Mr. Sub.

Brie Pointer | @briepointer

“The Winter Window Art Walk is a huge highlight for our family during the holiday season. Seeing the beautiful artwork in the windows, or even more magical, catching the artists in action, fills our hearts with so much joy and excitement! I will never forget the time I passed by the incredible work of Pamela Rojas WHILE she was creating on the windows of Waterloo Medical Cosmetics & Aesthetics in 2024. It was just an absolute delight to watch her work come to life and add so much warmth to the space.

It was an honour to be invited to The Winter Window Art Walk this year AS AN ARTIST. To be able to contribute to the joy this tradition has brought to our family, neighbours, and community for years means so much to me and it will certainly bring a new level of magic to my kiddos and I this year. Witnessing the joy and appreciation my kids have for art is always a highlight for me, but to surprise them with my own contribution will be extra special for sure! Thank you to the BIA for the opportunity to share some holiday cheer and bring joy to Uptown in a whole new format.”

See Brie’s work at Ethel’s Lounge & Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre.

Keisha Thomas | @keishaathomas

“Being a professional artist working on the Winter Walk fills me with a sense of pride and connection. I feel grateful to be part of the Uptown Waterloo community-a place that celebrates creativity, supports local artists, and values the role art plays in bringing people together. Contributing to the project allows me to create artwork that is accessible to everyone, transforming everyday spaces into moments of beauty that anyone can enjoy, whether they’re passing by on their way to work or exploring the city with loved ones.

There’s something truly special about infusing the streets with a bit of holiday magic. I love knowing that my work can spark joy, nostalgia, and wonder during a season that’s all about warmth and togetherness. Creating these winter scenes feels like sharing a piece of myself with the community, helping to brighten dark days and add a touch of enchantment to the cold months. Happy to be returning for my fourth year!”

See Keisha’s work at Canaccord Genuity Wealth & Estate Planning Services Ltd., Score Pizza & Huether Hotel

Pamela Rojas | @p.rojas.art

“A few years ago, I was invited to paint a Winter Window for the Art Walk, and it was a fantastic experience. What I enjoyed the most was the complete freedom to design whatever I imagined. In my career as a professional artist, it’s rare to have that level of creative independence—usually, you’re focused on interpreting a client’s vision or adapting your ideas to meet specific expectations. Having the opportunity to create something that came directly from my own artistic voice felt refreshing and inspiring.

I also love how the Winter Window Art Walk brings creativity into the everyday life of Uptown Waterloo. When I paint a window, I’m not just decorating a space; I’m contributing to a shared visual experience that everyone can enjoy, from people rushing to work to families exploring the area. It transforms the street into an open-air gallery that invites curiosity, joy, and connection.

One of my favorite parts is designing a concept that includes a subtle social message, while also reflecting the personality of the business hosting the artwork. It becomes a collaboration between the artist, the community, and the local businesses—something meaningful, accessible, and full of warmth during the winter season.”

See Pamela’s work at the Uptown Waterloo BIA office

Renee Hanson | @reneehcreates

“As an artist based in Kitchener-Waterloo, what I enjoy most about the Winter Window Art Walk is the way it transforms Uptown Waterloo into an open-air gallery. There’s something really special about painting in a space where the community can watch the process unfold in real time. It makes art feel accessible, joyful, and connected to the people who walk these streets every day.

I love seeing families stop to take photos, kids pointing out little details, and even strangers slowing down to appreciate something handmade in the middle of winter. It brings warmth and creativity to a season that can feel quiet and grey, and it reminds me why public art matters.

I also love the simplicity of working with only white paint; stripping things down to pure form. Without colour, I get to focus more deeply on the subject, the shapes, and the story I’m trying to tell. Also, being invited into different storefronts lets me discover new businesses, hear their stories, and understand how each space fits into the rhythm of Uptown. It makes me feel more connected to Waterloo and reminds me to appreciate the community I’m part of.

Knowing my work can brighten a moment or create a connection in someone’s day is what makes it meaningful. ”

See Renee’s work at McPhail’s Cycle & Sports and Words Worth Books

Ruchika Khati | @ruchika_khati

“The winter wonderland art walk is something I look forward to every year! My art journey in Waterloo started with Uptown Waterloo. This project is where it all started. From painting windows in the winter to eventually doing a large scale mural for Uptown Waterloo, I have grown as an artist. I call Uptown Waterloo my home and love working with the team at Uptown Waterloo BIA! They have supported me as an independent artist through the years and given me the creative space to express myself.”

See Ruchika’s work at National Bank Financial Wealth Management & Four All Ice Cream

Sofia Serez | @sofiaserezart

“I grew up in Waterloo and spent much of my childhood adventuring through Uptown. Now that I study art in Toronto, coming home each year to contribute to the Winter Window Art Walk is something I genuinely look forward to. I love seeing people pause to look at the windows while I am painting, and later when they pass by again. Sometimes it is a quick wave or a thumbs-up, and sometimes it turns into a lovely conversation. My friends, family, and acquaintances often tell me, “I saw your window today!” and it always makes me happy.

The Uptown Waterloo community will always feel like home, and contributing to that atmosphere is a pleasure every year. My window work often features small animals such as foxes, squirrels, rabbits, and mice in their mushroom houses or squirrels tucked inside tree homes. I enjoy creating these small, imaginative scenes and adding a bit of charm to the winter season to a place that I feel such a strong connection to.”

See Sofia’s work at Duke of Wellington & SPINCO