Arts Centre opens newly renovated gallery

LEAMINGTON — Being closed for the month of January due to COVID restrictions was probably a blessing in disguise for the Leamington Arts Centre (LAC), giving them time to renovate the upstairs space and create a whole new gallery.

The new gallery carries the name of the Honey Family Foundation and the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation (WECF), who are sponsors of the gallery and meeting space.

At an outdoor announcement by the Municipality of Leamington in August 2021, the LAC was presented with a gift of $15,000 from the Honey Family Foundation through WECF. These funds, along with an investment from the Arts Centre itself, were used to fully renovate the second floor community gallery and meeting space throughout January 2022.

This space, previously the Erie Quest Shipwreck Museum, was repurposed as a gallery and meeting space after Erie Quest came to a close late 2017 and a demand for more exhibition and meeting space at the LAC grew.

Since that time, the space has become a vital and integral part of the LAC’s community programing. It is a multiuse space serving as an exhibition space for local artists and a space for hosting many regular community gatherings by groups such as the Rotary Club of Leamington, the Uptown Leamington BIA, the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce and many more, including the LAC’s own Board of Director’s meetings.

Before renovations

With Honey Family Foundation/WECF funding and the workmanship of Peter Sawatzky and team, the space underwent an extensive transformation. The entire ceiling was removed and replaced, all new energy efficient LED lighting was installed to upgrade older florescent lighting, and all new LED track lighting installed to illuminate the artwork on exhibition, which the room previously did not feature.

During renovations

The final touches included a sponsor recognition plaque, repainting and refurnishing of the space.

The new Honey Family Foundation/WECF Community Gallery and Meeting Space is now open to the public and currently features the works of Windsor-based artist Rosalyn Raymont in her first solo exhibit, appropriately titled A New Beginning.

The LAC is open Wednesday through Sunday for visiting this and all the gallery spaces. This space can also be rented after hours for corporate, group and private meetings and gatherings.

After renovations

“This work is a major enhancement and beautification undertaking for the facility that will improve visitor experience,” said Director/Curator Chad Riley. “The addition of the track lighting to properly display the artwork was a major component of this project which really completes this room as a gallery space. The LED pot lights will help conserve energy and funds, while also providing better quality lighting for meetings.”

Riley says he’s grateful for the donation which helped create the space.

“The improved look of the ceiling and overall room will hopefully create a more inviting space and attract groups to rent this space, helping to support the LAC,” he says. “We are all very thankful for this funding and excited to share the space with the community.”

To learn more, visit the LAC website or contact the Director/Curator today to discuss how you can build a legacy and support the arts in the Windsor-Essex region.