Access to Art

Educational Resources

This video is a great introduction to the element of LINE. It explores how the style and direction of a line changes the feeling and emotion for the artist and the viewer. It includes examples by artists, definitions and art terms as well as hands-on art activities to experiment and explore the element of line.

Merle "Ting" Tingley Editorial Cartoons

This video takes a look at the interesting life of editorial cartoonist Merle “Ting” Tingley. From his start as a cartoonist with the Canadian army during World War II to his almost 40 years as the editorial cartoonist for the London Free Press.

Looking at art with all 5 senses

Art has the ability to engage all of your senses just by looking at it. This is a technique the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre using when giving tours to a younger audience, but it’s fun for anyone to try!

Clark McDougall "The Relentless Pursuit"

Take some time and explore the artworks of Clark McDougall. Narrated by Clark McDougall.

Art Activities

Creative Journal

The benefits of Creative Journaling are many. Whether you draw, write, collage, hand-letter, doodle, make lists, or combine all these together being creative is the most important part. This hands-on tutorial walks you through a basic book making and binding process so you can create your own, personalized journal.

Make an Upcycled Paper Bow

This video gives you a fun, easy way to use and recycle pieces of paper and old gift wrap to create a paper bow! Great for all ages.

The Power of Thumbnails

In this video, we look at the benefits of doing rough sketches and thumbnails, before drawing up your comic! We look at an example of a title page used for a comic book, and offer great advice while doing it! Helpful advice that will make drawing your comic book easier and more organized!

Drawing an Anime Character Part Two

In this video, we pick up where we left off from PART 1. Let's finish drawing an anime character, while also getting helpful tips on how to break down drawing some difficult parts of a character! Learn how inspiration can be used from references! And most of all have fun learning how to build and construct your own characters at home!

Drawing an Anime Character Part One

In this video, we are drawing an anime character! Learn step by step how to build the character up with breaking down shapes and adding detail. Learn helpful tricks and strategies to constructing a character. Have fun getting started on drawing along with us!

Comic Book Making Tips & Tricks

In this video, Julianne goes over the tips and tricks to make a successful and dynamic comic book! Breaking down what you need to succeed with your comic book dream! As we go over the process, we also take a look at Merle "Ting" Tingley's artwork! Learn more about him on our website listed in this description. So have fun getting started with these tips and tricks!

How to Draw A Portrait

In this video we will be breaking down how to draw a portrait step-by-step, with Julianne, Clover, and Billie. We have referenced a portrait of Lila Knowles done by Farquhar McGillvary Knowles.

Paper Crafts Part 1 Flower Bouquet

Folding, cutting, gluing or a combination of all three, paper crafts are a fun way to get creative!

Paper Crafts Part 2 Wiggly Fish

Paper crafts are fun to make and a great way to be creative! Follow along with the video then decorate your fish and make the design your own.

How to Draw an Anime Character

In this video, Billie and Julianne will be drawing their own unique anime characters based off the works of Clark McDougall and his painting of George Thorman.

How to Draw A Superhero - Batman

In this video, Billie and Julianne will be drawing Batman. The reference they used to draw the superhero in this video is a self portrait by Harry Wilkinson.

How to Draw a Superhero Inspired Character

In this video, Billie and Julianne's artwork is directly inspired by the piece "80 years" by the artist Marion Long. They have a heroic take on the piece, and design it into their own character!

How to Draw a Zombie Creation

In this SPOOKY video, Billie and Julianne will be creating a zombie masterpiece by referencing the artworks St. Mark's Church by Carolyn Curtis and Nostalgia by Stanley Lewis! Grab your preferred art materials and draw with us!

This how to gives you the step-by-step for making a mini sketch book. It also has ideas for turning your mini sketch book into an Instagram album and two sizes of mini notebooks. These mini books make great gifts during the holidays or anytime of year! Fun to give. Fun to get. Fun to make.

Exhibitions

Selections  Summer Exhibition from the collection

UNMASKED Portraits from the Collection

An exhibition of historic and contemporary portraits from the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre’s permanent collection

Art Music & The Whisky Bar

A special event with Art and Music.

Permanent Collection Puzzles

Online Exhibitions

Click the image to view our online exhibitions and videos:

Walter Redinger: Garden Party One and Two

Ron Milton: Artist Tour

Online: Tell Me Something… Selections from the Permanent Collection

Online: Stanley Lewis "CITY" Selections from the Permanent Collection

Online: Isolation as Inspiration  Selections from the Permanent Collection

Online:  Say Cheese Portfolio Selections from the Permanent Collection

Downloads

Clark McDougall Colouring pages...

Clark McDougall (1921-1980) was a St. Thomas, Ontario artist whose work reached critical acclaim before his untimely death in 1980. Survey exhibitions of this artist from St. Thomas were presented at the McIntosh Gallery, the University of Western Ontario in 2011, the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre and at The Elgin County Museum, St. Thomas. Clark McDougall’s paintings are highly regional in content with a strong emphasis in recording rural landscapes and the world around him. Clark McDougall’s works are in numerous public collections in Canada.  The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre has the largest collection of Clark's artwork.  We care for over 430 drawings and paintings by Clark McDougall.  In 2017, we featured many unseen works from the generous donation from the McDougall Group, in the exhibition, "the Relentless Pursuit...".  The following colouring sheets were produced as a colouring book to raise funds to care for the works in the permanent collection.

We would like to acknowledge the support of the Emergency Community Support Fund within Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation supported by the Government of Canada. A very big THANK YOU to our members, donors and sponsors who know the value in art education and support everyday!

It is with gratitude, that we thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for there support of non-profit organizations like ours.

The funds provided the ability to produce and upgrade our audio visual equipment for better access to all.