Why Promote Art Education?

Art education develops self-esteem, appreciation of the work of others, self-expression, cooperation with others, and critical thinking skills, skills vital to the success of our future leaders --- our children.

A well-developed program of making and studying art serves many functions. They help students better articulate their perceptions and shape coherent responses to their experiences. When children learn to appreciate form and colour...when they learn the importance of fashioning their own images of the world around them, they achieve greater discipline and self confidence.

Too often, the value of participation in the arts is underestimated. The arts enrich our lives and enrich our learning. And the arts are a valuable learning tool that reinforces the other disciplines, like reading, writing, social studies, even science and math.

The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is a non-profit organization that encourages and facilitates the visual arts in St. Thomas and Elgin County.  It is our goal to “enrich the human creative spirit through nurturing and supporting the visual art”.

At the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, we want every child to experience how to express themselves artistically by learning to value themselves from within. The Art Centre believes that every child and student is talented and capable of growing through an art experience. Every student will benefit from a quality art experience, especially one that combines gaining knowledge, developing skills and providing opportunities for self expression. Many children throughout our community may never have this opportunity - as financial constraints at home and in their schools make it impossible.

The Art Centre is dedicated to developing young artists. The “Inspire a Student” program is an inexpensive way to provide St. Thomas and Elgin County students with an experience that many of them would not be able to afford without the generous support of community businesses. The cost for sponsoring a student is $3.00 (cost of materials) and a donation of 150.00 will support an entire class!

INSPIRING BENEFITS:

As a sponsor, your name will be included on promotional materials, in our newsletter and on our website.  You will also receive a charitable tax receipt for the full amount of your donation.    Your donation to this program allows us to offer these programs free of charge to students and “leaves no child behind”. 

To make your donation please contact the Art Centre at 519 631-4040 today!

A huge THANK YOU to the wonderful business and individuals that have supported the 

INSPIRE A STUDENT program in 2015-2016!

Dr. Malcolm and Monique Wood

Elgin Contracting and Restoration

KINSMEN Club of St. Thomas

Talbot Trail Optimist

Centennial Sports Club

Lions Club of St. Thomas

Port Stanley Artists' Guild

St. Thomas Optimist

Williams Funeral Home

Carolyn McLeod

INSPIRE A STUDENT