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Exhibitions / Submissions
Exhibitions at the Public Art Centre take place in our Gallery ONE, TWO and THREE. Tours are free of charge and can be organized in advance for school and community groups. For more information please see Education Programs.
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Current Exhibition
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"A Picture is Worth... The Importance of Preserving Artwork"
Selections form the Permanent Collection
November 15 to February 16, 2025
In a world inundated with fleeting images and ephemeral content, the preservation of artwork stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and expression. "A Picture is Worth" explores the significance of safeguarding artistic creations for their intrinsic value, narrative richness, and cultural legacy.
A Quiet Conversation
Selections from the Permanent Collection
January 11 to February 15, 2025
Gallery Three
A Quiet Conversation, invites you to engage in a dialogue with still life paintings that transcend mere representation.
This collection explores the intimate relationship between objects and the stories they tell, encouraging viewers to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty found in the everyday.
In this exhibition, each piece serves as a conversation starter, drawing on the rich tradition of still life while infusing it with contemporary relevance. The carefully curated arrangements of everyday objects—fruits, flowers, utensils, and vessels—invite us to consider the narratives woven into their existence. What do these objects reveal about our lives, our culture, and our connections to one another?
The artists featured in this exhibition, utilize a variety of techniques and styles, from traditional realism to bold abstraction, to highlight the interplay of light, color, and texture. Through their work, they challenge us to see beyond the surface, to explore the emotions and memories that objects hold, and to reflect on our personal relationships with the world around us.
We invite you to immerse yourself in this celebration of the ordinary made extraordinary.
Image: Deborah Worsfold, Lemon & Tropical, 2003
Upcoming Exhibitions
Ontario Society of Artists
Group Exhibition (Western Hub)
February 22 to April 5, 2025
Gallery One and Two
Closing Reception Saturday April 5, 2025 1-3pm
The Ontario Society of Artists (OSA) was established in 1872, making it one of the oldest art societies in Canada. Founded by a group of artists and art enthusiasts in Toronto, the organization aimed to promote the visual arts and support artists in their creative endeavors. In its early years, the OSA played a vital role in the development of the Canadian art scene, providing a platform for artists to exhibit their work and fostering a sense of community among creators.
Throughout the 20th century, the OSA adapted to the changing landscape of the art world, embracing new artistic movements and techniques while continuing to uphold its commitment to promoting the arts in Ontario. The society has also been instrumental in advocating for artists' rights and the importance of visual arts education.
This exhibition will be a captivating blend of contemporary and traditional art forms, celebrating the ongoing evolution of artistic expression in Ontario.
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CALL FOR ARTWORK
In View of the Artist
Annual Juried Exhibition
Gallery One and Two
August 16 to September 27, 2025
Features a diverse range of artworks from both emerging and established artists.
Application Deadline is July 26, 2025, encouraging artists of all backgrounds to submit their pieces for consideration.
Application link below:
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Exhibition Submission Guidelines for Artists
It is the mandate of STEPAC to advance knowledge and understanding of the visual arts within St. Thomas and Elgin County through exhibitions, acquisitions, lectures, public programs, education programs, traveling exhibitions, and adherence to standard museum practices. STEPAC seeks to present and facilitate a broad range of visual art practices and to reflect excellence through all aspects of its programs.
STEPAC’s exhibition program is invitational, and the also accepts exhibition proposals on an ongoing basis from artists and curators. The exhibitions are booked at least two years in advance.
Submission Guidelines:
- Current CV
- Up to 20 digital images of recent work, with accompanying image credit list detailing artist’s name, titles, dates, medium and dimensions of each work; this can be done by sending a USB, link to a website or online portfolio.
- A brief description of the proposed concept.
- Any additional relevant material such as publications and critical reviews.
- If mailed, a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like your materials returned.
In the event that the proposed artworks have not yet been produced, please provide a detailed description of the intent in addition to support material featuring past work.
Please remember to contact the Art Centre if you have a change of address and/or telephone number.
Please note, the Art Centre will only reply to proposals in which it is interested.
Submit applications by mail to:
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre
Attention: Curator
301 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON. N5P 1B5
Email applications here...
Attention: Curator
Submission Guidelines for Artists and curators