About Us

ORGANIZATION

Tide Pool is a community arts and resource center dedicated to creating accessible, welcoming, and culturally responsive spaces for children, families, and adults in Hamilton’s East End. As a neighborhood anchor, Tide Pool serves as a safe, dependable "third space"—a place beyond home, work, or school where residents can gather, build relationships, and engage in meaningful activities. More than an art studio, it operates as a vibrant community hub where families celebrate cultural traditions, forge lasting bonds, and access essential support. In a neighborhood with few public gathering spaces, Tide Pool fills a critical gap, providing the consistency and stability local families count on.

MISSION

Tide Pool fosters belonging, confidence, and cross-cultural understanding by making creativity, connection, and community support accessible to all. Grounded in the lived experiences of the neighborhood, we offer inclusive, multilingual programs that welcome every resident—regardless of language, background, or income. Through collaborative partnerships with local schools, artists, and cultural groups, Tide Pool co-creates meaningful activities that reflect the rich identity of the East End and build a lasting network of care.

DIVERSITY INCLUSION

Tide Pool believes in a world that is inclusive in approach, equal in opportunities, and equitable in outcomes for all. As a conduit for community change through artist opportunities including funding, professional development, mentorship, connection and advocacy, TidePool views every project as an opportunity to act on these ideals and support social justice in all its forms. TidePool uses our platform to amplify the ideas, expressions, and work through which the world is made more joyous and equitable.

STATION 7 FIREHOUSE HISTORY

The Station 7 Firehouse has been a significant fixture in the Hamilton community for over a century. Established in 1911, it served as a firehouse until 2012, when it was closed by the city of Hamilton. In 2021, the historic building was purchased by Tide Pool founders, Heather Bernal and Kate Yerigan, who have continued to invest in its rehabilitation, transforming the first floor into a community outreach and arts center, with short-term rental spaces upstairs.

The building's enduring presence and adaptive reuse reflect Hamilton's commitment to preserving its historical landmarks while meeting contemporary community needs and cultural enrichment. By converting the former firehouse into an arts center, the project aims to provide a hub for creativity, learning, and community engagement, contributing to the revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood.

OUR SUPPORTERS

Grant and Sponsorship Support. Tide Pool is grateful to the funders listed below who contributed to our 2025 fiscal year programs, exhibitions, and operations. Without their support it would not be possible to fulfill our mission to be a catalyst for social engagement and cultivate artistic development.