The Hub on Canal
The Hub on Canal is located right on Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach. It acts as an incubator for more than 70 artists, showcasing their work, offering impromptu artists talks, and supporting the community through a plethora of classes and workshops at all levels.
The Hub on Canal brings the community together through events and extends the arts to the underserved through scholarship programs, mentoring, and art and music classes and workshops.
It was started in 2010 when a group of friends and artists imagined a central gathering place that would promote the arts in the New Smyrna Beach community. The idea came to life in 2012 and received a big boost in 2015 when grants from Volusia County and the City of New Smyrna Beach allowed them to purchase two historic buildings to house “The Hub.”
Today, The Hub on Canal is a bustling place. The studio spaces are always all rented out and they teach at least 20 classes a week as well as holding tons of workshops. They host many community events each month and have welcomed over 150,000 visitors since opening.
One of their signature events is the annual “Chalk it Up” event. It is a competition where students, amateurs and professionals create chalk art on the sidewalks of Canal Street. It is an event that embodies what “The Hub” is all about. Creating art and community outreach.
Walking through the gallery of The Hub on Canal is unlike many other ones because they are working galleries. As you walk through, you may see artists working and have the opportunity to meet and talk to them. The variety of types of art is also impressive. Paintings, sculptures, photographs, recycled/found art, pottery, and jewelry are all represented. There is truly something for everyone. Many of the pieces are reasonably priced too, which is unlike many other places like this. It is great to be able to take a special piece of art home as a unique souvenir of your trip.
When you visit New Smyrna Beach, Canal Street is a must visit, as is the talented people at The Hub on Canal.
