St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre

🔊 “It turned me on much more than any other method of painting ...”

Those are the exact words of legendary St. Thomas painter Clark McDougall, talking about the moment he discovered his signature style.
Before his striking, vibrant landscapes with their famous black enamel style defined the look of regional Ontario art, he was just a self-taught kid from Elgin County obsessed with pushing the boundaries of colour and developing a signature style.
Hit play, turn your sound UP, and hear Clark himself describe his creative obsession in this rare archival recording.

Since 1969, the St. Thomas–Elgin Public Art Centre has called this place home.

For more than five decades, generations have walked through these doors—to experience art, discover local artists, learn, create, connect and be inspired.

The exhibitions have changed.
The artists have changed.
Our community has grown.

But our home—and our belief in the power of art—has remained.

Same place. Generations of stories. 57 years of art.

📍 St. Thomas–Elgin Public Art Centre