Discover Art That Inspires and Captivates Your Imagination
Barn on Main
Welcome to Barn on Main Gallery & Gifts, a creative destination in the heart of Bayfield, Ontario. Our gallery is a celebration of art, family, and the beauty of Southwestern Ontario, featuring original works by two sisters: Kathryn Tyrrell and Julia Squire.
Nestled behind Bayfield’s beloved bookstore, our gallery is housed in a historic barn that has stood for approximately 150 years. This beautifully weathered structure, with its rustic charm and storied past, provides the perfect backdrop for art that honors nature, time, and transformation.
At Barn on Main, you’ll also find thoughtfully curated gifts that reflect the spirit of Bayfield and Ontario’s West Coast. Whether you’re an art collector, a gift seeker, or simply exploring, we invite you to step inside, slow down, and experience creativity in its purest form—within the walls of a barn that has witnessed generations.
We are currently closed for the season but are busy working on new projects and look forward to seeing everyone in the Spring of 2026
Oil Paintings by Katie Tyrrell
When a simple walk isn't enough, it's time to pack some painting gear and head out into the world.
Currently the majority of my work is in oils, painting a wide variety of subjects en plein air and in the studio. I strive to capture moments in time - places, moods and transitioning landscapes.
Visit my website to see more of my work https://tyrrellart.ca/index.php?main_page=index
Works in Watercolour by Julia Squire
My watercolours attempt to embody the strength and beauty of Lake Huron, the Bayfield River Valley and surrounding countryside. Through washes and soft tones, I capture fleeting moments—abstract images in the mist, views across the fields or over water, blurred horizons, and the hush of changing seasons.
Each piece invites stillness, offering a space to pause and reflect.
Support Local Small Businesses in Ontario
At Barn on Main, every product we offer tells a story—of craftsmanship, creativity, and community. We like to collaborate with small business owners across Ontario, for items which compliment our surroundings and art.
From handcrafted items and locally inspired home décor to small-batch goods created with care, we celebrate the makers who put their heart into what they do. Supporting these artisans means supporting families, local economies, and the vibrant creative culture that thrives in our towns and rural communities.
When you shop at Barn on Main, you’re not just bringing home something beautiful—you’re helping small businesses grow, encouraging local talent, and keeping Ontario’s creative spirit alive. Together, we’re building a space where art, community, and local entrepreneurship can flourish.
Who we are
My sister Katie and I have been visiting Bayfield for decades, visiting family and drawn to its charm and the serenity of Lake Huron. In 2025, I made Bayfield my permanent home, and together we created Barn on Main as a space to celebrate creativity and community. Katie works in oils, while I work in watercolour—two distinct styles united by a love for nature and storytelling.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Huron County and Southwestern Ontario, we find endless inspiration in the landscapes, seasons, and stories that make this region so special. As we celebrate our first full year in business, we’re honored to share this milestone alongside Bayfield Village’s 150th anniversary—a testament to the rich history and vibrant spirit of this place we love.
And because art should feel welcoming for everyone, dogs who appreciate good art (or just want to explore) are always welcome in the gallery!
We can’t wait to share our journey with you - Julia
The Artists
Julia Squire brings a dramatic perspective to the gallery with watercolours steeped in indigo tones and moody skies over Lake Huron. Her work focuses on the shoulder seasons—those quiet, powerful times between summer and winter—highlighting the contrast of cold winds and warm golden skies. Inspired by the lake, its storms, and the raw beauty of transitional weather, Julia’s paintings evoke the strength and serenity of nature at its most elemental.
Kathryn Tyrrell is an accomplished visual artist whose oil paintings capture fleeting moments in time—places, moods, and landscapes in transition. Her work, painted both en plein air and in the studio, reflects a deep connection to history and the natural world. With formal training at the Grand Central Atelier in New York and a Fine Arts degree from the University of Waterloo, Kathryn’s award-winning pieces have appeared in juried exhibitions such as Paint Ontario and the Hamilton Plein Air Festival.
To view and purchase her works please visit her site at https://tyrrellart.ca/
Contact Us
We are closed for the winter but our doors will reopen in the Spring of 2026.
Interested in purchasing a painting or working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
