St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre

Current Exhibitions

Great Beginnings Elementary Art Exhibition

February 28 - March 28, 2026

Opening reception February 28 from1-3 pm

The St. Thomas–Elgin Public Art Centre is pleased to present the Great Beginnings Elementary Art Exhibition, featuring a vibrant collection of student artwork that celebrates the power of art as a means of creativity, expression, and discovery. On view from February 28 to March 28, 2026, the exhibition highlights how hands-on art-making encourages imagination, visual thinking, and an appreciation for artistic processes from an early age. An opening reception will take place on February 28 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, and all are welcome to join in celebrating these young artists and their work.

In Conversation: Contrasts from the Permanent Collection

January 17 to February 21, 2026

Gallery Three

The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is excited to present In Conversation, a new exhibition that brings fresh insight to familiar favourites from our permanent collection. Rather than displaying works individually, this show pairs artworks that differ in mood, style, and technique - inviting visitors to explore how contrasting artists' choices shape the way we see then feel.

Each pairing highlights a unique point of comparison: bold colour, smooth surfaces, textured layers, precise lines and expressive marks. These side-by-side encounters reveal how artists use visual language to tell their stories, and how one artwork can transform our understanding of another when they share the same space.

Whether you're a lifelong art lover or a curious newcomer, In Conversation offers an engaging, interactive way to experience the collection. We invite you to visit, look closely, and discover how opposites spark new connections.

Upcoming Events

Drop-in Acoustic Jam

Join us the last Saturday of the month from 1-3pm

Bring an ACOUSTIC instrument, a tune, and enjoy this fun, supportive community!

or just come and enjoy the magic that happens when creative minds come together unrehearsed.

March 28
April 25
May 30

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Please join us for our Annual General Meeting on March 24 at 5:30 PM.

This is a great opportunity to review the past year, hear updates, and take part in important discussions and decisions for the year ahead. All members are encouraged to attend.

TUESDAY MARCH 24, 2026 5:30PM

301 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON

NEW* Adult Workshops

Nurture your creativity, discover a new passion, or hone your artistic skills with the STEPAC's adult art programs! Whether you're a practicing artist looking to refine your technique and connect with other practitioners, or whether you're a first-timer looking to develop a new hobby or skill, our programs have something for everyone.

Adult WorkshopsAdult Workshops

NEW* CLASSES / WORKSHOPS

Winter Classes and Workshops for Children!

The Art Centre offers an environment that is creative, non-competitive and open-ended, allowing young artists the freedom to explore their potential and nurture their self-esteem. New skills and concepts are presented with an engaging and contemporary approach.

ChildrenChildren

ART TREES AND TRAILS

Art has an incredible ability to unify. Supporting the mission of the Public Art Centre, especially “encouraging the appreciation for and supporting the practice of the visual arts in St. Thomas and Elgin County”, the “Art, Trees & Trails” project will allow us to engage with the community outside the walls of the Public Art Centre, promote art education, and add to our visual environment in places where community members and visitors explore nature.

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Call For Artists 2026

CALL FOR ARTISTS – ANNUAL JURIED EXHIBITION
Southwestern Ontario artists are invited to submit 2-dimensional work for our Annual Juried Exhibition. Selected pieces will be juried and exhibited at the St. Thomas–Elgin Public Art Centre.

Submission deadline: AUGUST 8, 2026

Exhibition date August 29 to October 3, 2026

More details here

IN VIEW OF THE ARTIST

in view of the artist 2026.pdf

APPLICATION

Miniature Show & Sale 2026

CALL FOR ARTWORK – ANNUAL MINIATURE SHOW & SALE
The St. Thomas–Elgin Public Art Centre invites artists to submit small-scale works for our Annual Miniature Show & Sale. Artist can submit up to six works of miniature art.

Submission deadline: OCTOBER 31, 2026

Artwork will be exhibited in Gallery Three from November 14 to December 22, 2026.

Open to all media. Works must be original and suitable for sale. please see form for more information

MINIATURE SHOW & SALE