frameWORK
The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is proud to introduce Framework, a unique cultural partnership with the Princess Avenue Playhouse and the Elgin County Museum. This new initiative celebrates the profound impact of culture on our community by uniting art, theatre, music, and architecture to highlight the shared history and heritage of St. Thomas and Elgin County.
THE LEGACY OF NEIL R. DARRACH This project draws inspiration from the research of historian Paul Baldwin, his upcoming monograph on architect Neil R. Darrach, and the subsequent exhibition that will take place at the Elgin County Museum, beginning in October 2026. As an influential architect whose designs helped to define the architectural character of our community, Darrach’s legacy is preserved in several iconic landmarks, including: St. Thomas City Hall & Elgin County Court House, Wellington Street School and The Princess Avenue Playhouse – The central focus and historic backdrop for this project.
Currently there are no works depicting the Princess Avenue Playhouse in the Art Centre’s Permanent Collection. The Framework purchase award would be the first.
THE STAGE AS A LIVING MUSE This initiative brings the Princess Avenue Playhouse to life as a creative hub. During the event, the stage will host a vibrant mix of theatre, music, and performance art.
Artists are encouraged to:
• Capture the Energy: Use live performances as a dynamic source of inspiration.
• Create on Location: Sketch and create field studies of the historic architecture both inside and out.
• Translate the Experience: Incorporate the movement, sound, and atmosphere of the stage into your finished works.
Framework will take place Saturday, July 18, 2026 10:00 am to 3:00 pm *Registration for this event is required.
The Playhouse will be open to the public on July 18, but only registered artist may participate in the exhibition at the Art Centre.
Adults $25/artist
Students $10/artist
The address of the Princess Avenue Playhouse is 40 Princess Ave St. Thomas ON
Works created will be part of the Framework exhibition at the Art Centre from November 14 - February 13, 2026.
The exhibition will be a juried exhibition and awards will be given.
First place $1000
Second place $500
Third place $250
Purchase Award $750
Student Award $250
The submission deadline for completed work to be juried and included in the exhibition is Saturday, October 31, 2026 by 4:00 pm.
Work may be submitted earlier than this date.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER CALL 519-631-4040
Exhibition Terms and Requirements frameWORK 2026
Copyright 2026 ST. THOMAS-ELGIN PUBLIC ART CENTRE