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.
CAPTURING STRUCTURE & STAGE
Framework brings the Princess Avenue Playhouse to life as a multi-dimensional creative hub, offering inspiration from its historic exterior architecture to the lively action indoors. During the event, the building's striking physical heritage will serve as a backdrop while the stage hosts a vibrant mix of theatre, music, and performance art.
Artists are encouraged to:
• CapturetheEnergy:Useliveperformancesasadynamicsourceofinspiration.
• PaintEnPleinAir:Stepoutsidetocapturethebuilding'shistoricexteriorandarchitecturalpresence.
• CreateonLocation:Sketchandcreatefieldstudiesofthehistoricarchitecturebothinsideandout.
• Translate the Experience: Incorporate the movement, sound, and atmosphere 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 artists 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, 2026 - February 13, 2027.
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