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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
Between the Boards
Group Exhibition
April 12 - June 7, 2025
Galleries One & Two
Please join us on April 12, 2025, from 1-3pm for the awards presentation and opening reception of Between the Boards.
A combined effort occurs Between the Boards as the light streams through the gaps. It is not a space that separates two things but a connection of the two that affects and encompasses both.
Many artists return to locations continually to try to capture the subtle changes in the landscape. In doing so, they document these settings and nuances and record the ever-changing and sometimes disappearing surroundings. Clark McDougall was one such artist, and the interior barn paintings he created are, in part, the inspiration for this project.
The works in this exhibition showcase the collaborative effort and creative synergy of the artists involved, highlighting innovative approaches and unique perspectives that emerged during the Between the Boards project held in August 2024.
Thank you to Ian Begg for providing the awards and the inspiring location. A very special thank you to the judges,
Catherine Elliot Shaw, Ciabh McEvenue and Kevin Morrell.
Echoes of the Past: Clark McDougall’s Barns
April 12 to June 7, 2025
Gallery Three
The “Echoes of the Past: Clark McDougall’s Barns” exhibition invites you on an expressive journey through the heart of rural Elgin County highlighting a selection of McDougall's artworks from the Public Art Centre’s permanent collection. The selected artworks has help to define and document the family barns that dot the landscape of Elgin County. Through his unique artistic technique, McDougall captures not just the physical structures but the stories, memories, and histories that these barns once embodied.
These barns, often seen as mere agricultural structures, are transformed by McDougall's hands into symbols of family heritage and community. Each artwork serves as a tribute to the generations of farmers and families who have nurtured the land and relied on these buildings for sustenance and shelter. Through his lens, McDougall invites us to reflect on the passage of time, the changing landscapes of rural life, and the enduring spirit of those who once called Elgin County home.
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Upcoming Exhibitions
Jeff Suchak
A Covenant of Reciprocity
Galleries One & Two
June 14 to August 9, 2025
Artist Reception Saturday June 14, 2025 1-3pm
Jeff Suchak is a contemplative fine art photographer who works in film and digital formats. His photography is informed by the Traditional Peoples and transcendental poets throughout history who view the landscape as sacred, entrusted as stewards and caretakes, living in partnership with the land.
As we are now witnessing climate catastrophe and disruptions around the world as regular occurrences, the resulting societal impacts are becoming more apparent. We are now living it. So how do we live in this new reality of catastrophe understanding it will continue to grow in frequency and devastation?
In the exhibition, A Covenant of Reciprocity, Jeff asks what is the nature of our relationship with the Natural World?
His selection of images often go unseen. Many are close and invite you in. Seeing the unseen. Will the experience evoke a sense of mystery, of wonder, of awe? Can the image contribute to one giving thought to their relationship with the natural world and possibly awakening into a new one?
The exhibition, A Covenant of Reciprocity asks us to ponder our relationship and to give consideration to entering into a new covenant with the Natural World.
Floral Interpretation St. Thomas and District Horticultural Society
Selections from the Permanent Collection
June 25 to 28, 2025
Gallery Three
We are excited to announce a vibrant partnership between the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre and the St. Thomas and District Horticultural Society in our new exhibition Floral Interpretation. This collaboration highlights the harmonious relationship between visual art and floral design, showcasing how nature can inspire creativity across different mediums.
In this exhibition, members of the St. Thomas and District Horticultural Society have drawn inspiration from selected pieces within our permanent collection. Each floral arrangement is meticulously crafted to reflect the colors, textures, and emotions expressed in the artwork, creating a dialogue between the realms of flora and fine art.
Floral Interpretation, celebrates not only the ingenuity of local artists but also the beauty and craftsmanship of our community’s horticulturalists. Together, they remind us of the beauty that can emerge when different forms of creativity unite.
Join us for this exciting exploration of art and nature, and witness how the floral interpretations add depth and dimension to our permanent collection.
The St. Thomas and District Horticultural Society: A Legacy of Growth and Community
The St. Thomas and District Horticultural Society proudly holds the title of the longest continuously operating society in Elgin County. Nestled in the heart of St. Thomas, Ontario, it serves as a dynamic hub for gardening enthusiasts. This society unites individuals with a shared love for horticulture, creating a space for education, collaboration, and growth.
General meetings, held regularly, offer members the chance to delve into discussions about gardening practices, plant maintenance, and local horticultural happenings. The society frequently invites guest speakers who are leading experts in various gardening disciplines, ensuring that members remain up to date on the latest innovations and trends in the field.
A sense of belonging and camaraderie is cherished among society members. Many have attested to the profound impact the group has had on their gardening knowledge and abilities, helping them address challenges in their own gardens with greater confidence. The society also hosts a range of events, including plant sales, garden tours, and interactive workshops. These activities are warmly embraced by both experienced gardeners and beginners. Participants often praise the welcoming atmosphere, and the wealth of knowledge shared, making it an ideal environment for anyone eager to expand their gardening expertise.
Beyond nurturing a love for horticulture, the society contributes to beautifying the local community. Members actively engage in projects that enhance public spaces with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, elevating the aesthetic appeal of St. Thomas. This dedication to community service not only fosters environmental well-being but also strengthens the connections among members, building a robust network of gardening enthusiasts.
Whether you are just beginning your gardening journey or are a seasoned green thumb, the St. Thomas and District Horticultural Society offers an exceptional opportunity to refine your skills and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
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CALL FOR ARTWORK
In View of the Artist
Annual Juried Exhibition
Galleries 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