- Inspiration behind Martello Alley, Kingston stemmed from the need to breathe life into a space that had so much potential established by artist David Dossett.

Do set it is a vibrant hub for local artists.

Visitors can explore the outdoor gallery and shop for authentic, one of a kind Canadian artwork, allowing them to take home a piece of Kingston's creative spirit.

- Well, Martello Alley was started in 2015 on July 1st.

In fact, this July coming up will be our 10th year in business.

Martello Alley is something, it was a place that was actually located not a very attractive part of town or a very, it was kind of a, a scary corner and I always thought it would, it really needed to be done over, but nobody would do it.

And I got tired of saying, gee, I wish somebody would do something about this.

So I took it on myself to do this and in four months I turned it into the, actually now the number one tourist destination in Kingston, according to TripAdvisor, it is the number one hidden gem in all of Ontario and the number four hidden gem in all of Canada.

And it's a place that people come and visit 'cause it's so, so unusual.

- From paintings and photography to sculptures and handcrafted pieces.

Martello Alley celebrates a wide range of artistic expression, making it a place where everyone can find something that resonates with them.

The collection of artwork on display at the gallery showcases a diverse and often experimental atmosphere.

- So for me, the focus has been trying to, to have the, the range of items that people will want.

So some person might want a painting, but not everybody.

They may be traveling and they can't even, they can't even take a painting home, but they might like pottery or jewelry or they might want a, a tote that's, that's from here.

So, you know, you're trying to, to get the, the nice range of items and it's so that it's, and oh, some kids might even, they might, people might even have kids.

So we have the puppets, you know, but these are all handmade things.

So it falls under the category of art.

And, and that's, that's the thing.

You have to have the products and you, you want to get your products out the door.

- Local artists have made Martello Alley a thriving community hub.

The alley is not just a space for individual expression, it thrives because the artists work together sharing ideas, inspiration and energy.

This collaboration allows them to breathe life into their artwork.

Creating a dynamic, every evolving environment where creativity flows freely.

The success of the collective and its growing reputation has even led to the opening of a second gallery, Martello on Brock, a mere four minute walk from the original gallery, further expanding their ability to showcase and celebrate local art.

- Because this is a collective and the artists participate.

They, it, it brings something more to the experience when the customer's here because the customer can say, ah, I'm talking to an artist, I'm just, I'm not just talking to somebody who's at the cash register.

And so the, and the artist can tell anyone who comes in here about the art in, in pretty good detail because they, they make it their business to know the other.

Art makes us different from other kinds of stores where they just sell art, but they don't really, the artist personally, - I often, you know, if, if they wish, I often take it, give them a little tour around.

'cause I've had some customers come in where they don't know where to start.

So I'm like, I'll help you so I'll, you know, I'll give 'em a little tour.

And they really thank me because then they could see more that way.

I try to learn what, you know, what what they, what each artist enjoys creating so that I can explain things to customers.

And you know, I, you might have customers come and they're really have their eyes set on somebody's art.

And I like to kind of help and explain, you know, what, what I know of the artist, you know, I wanna bring color happiness into people's homes.

- Over the years, Martello Alley has seen countless memorable moments from opening receptions filled with laughter and conversation to impromptu art installations.

From offering free public exhibits to hosting community art programs.

There's a constant effort to make art accessible to everyone.

- We also try and do regular events and community activities for Kingston because you need to have ways to get art into the hands of everybody.

And you need to work with all those different parts of the community so that they all appreciate and realize why, why it's important to have an art gallery in Kingston.

If you're only a little sterile and just have the art.

People are a little tentative about coming in.

You know, they, oh, I don't, I don't wanna, you know, how is it gonna make me feel?

Well come in and see.

I'm sure you're gonna find your happy place in one of these corners.

Art should make you happy, right?

- I think that this is the kind of thing we need to make a community dynamic and I've really, really enjoyed it.

I, we meet all kinds of people with all kinds of interesting stories and it's always a lot of fun.

And we get people coming in here wanting to film.

We let them film for free.

Of course they want to use the backdrop for waiting pictures and stuff.

I mean, we love that and it helps tell the story - For WPBS Weekly.

- I'm Gail Paquette.