Southampton Arts Centre is oozing with creativity.
It’s no surprise. After spending a day in this cool little Lake Huron town, I’ve realized Southampton itself is buzzing with creativity, culture, and conversation.
It’s got a pretty cool history too, one that dates back to 1951 when three members of Canada’s original Group of Seven sat on the advisory board, and Canadian art icon Alex Colville lent his support. Have I got your attention yet? Good. Let’s continue.
Any arts centre is only as good as the people in its community and the extensive number of inspiring artists here at SAC creates a warm atmosphere that urges one to stick around awhile. So, I do. The first person I meet is actually a newer member, David Dimmick, and as he paints away in the Southampton classroom, he is quick to let me know that his involvement here at SAC has played a huge part in finding support in his arts journey.
Dimmick makes an intriguing and heartwarming point that the members of this local arts centre act like neighbours – they are kind, supportive and look out for one another, but some of them quite literally are neighbours. This is how Dimmick was introduced to the organization. He feels strongly about the close connection this place provides and how much it truly brings the community together as they follow, mentor, and celebrate each other.
Not only does the Southampton Arts Center provide a space for connection, but it also provides tangible opportunities to learn and to be challenged. If you’re wondering how an arts organization continues to remain relevant and retain long-lasting members, the answer is to keep diversifying – this arts centre isn’t afraid to take risks. The faculty are all fairly new, and they are working together to continue to drive the arts scene here in Southampton and beyond. Their fresh go-getter attitudes make it easy to see why there is no stagnancy at this organization.
Each year, the 50+ artists and artisans have the chance to be juried in as a gallery artist for a year with the opportunity to renew for another. The jury is also made up of local professionals, an example of how SAC continues to tap into the resources of the talented and knowledgeable people within the community. The work is eclectically displayed throughout their unique space, which takes you up, down, around and even into a former jail cell.
The space has a ton of history and personality to match. Textile arts, pottery, paint, and sculpture are just a few of the mediums on display. Artists are featured in the gallery space, shifting and changing their work seasonally and throughout different programmed shows.
Recently, the team here created an opportunity for members to use a gallery room as an open drop-in studio and it’s been well received. Here, artists can paint and network with visitors as well as share a bit of their history with the community. I step into this space and meet artist Marion R. Anderson, an enthusiastic and successful creator, who shares with me the value of a spot like this. Yes, it’s great for connecting, increasing visibility and potential sales as you would imagine, but the most important thing that she outlines is how vital it is on a personal level.
Southampton in general and specifically the arts center is a place of healing and a special getaway, she says, a way to connect with herself and her art. This seems to be a theme in every conversation I have here. Each staff member has a strong eagerness to tell the story of this place. That’s a good sign.
The scope of the organization seems to be constantly expanding. The art school sector is especially popular and brings locals as well as those from far and wide for well-executed high-level art classes, amongst children’s programming and experimental workshops such as watercolour, stained glass, wire sculpting, mixed media, beading & fibre arts, movement, and lots more.
The organization is constantly bringing fresh ideas to the community, ones like the ArtBike, which can be seen around Southampton offering free crafts and arts activities to those who find it. The crafts often use recycled or natural materials and offer carefully thought-out, unique crafting options.
Southampton Art Centre’s mandate speaks to the process of healing through art. This means feeling connected and feeling challenged; it means always moving forward. But most importantly, it means providing a voice for artists both young and old, amateur and professional.
Their 65-year legacy continues to set a powerful example – innovating thoughtfully while honouring tradition and celebrating the ever-evolving and captivating art forms. This small, yet mighty organization is not one to be missed. Artists and art lovers, plan a day trip to Southampton and make this a first stop.
Words and photos by Erin Coholan
