
Most of us would acknowledge the importance of arts and culture although its role in invigorating our lives sometimes gets forgotten in the bustle of day to day living. In designing the present Canadian $20 bill, someone must have thought that the value of art was profound, as they chose to have imprinted upon the bill a quote from celebrated Canadian author Gabrielle Roy: “Could we ever know each other in the slightest without the arts?”
The Elgin-born economist and author John Kenneth Galbraith recognized arts intangible and perhaps more tangible benefits when he noted: “Those communities that are richest in their artistic tradition are also those that are the most progressive in their economic performance and most resilient and secure in their economic structure.”
You will find plenty of evidence of a rich artistic tradition in Elgin County with several organizations having registered their events with Culture Days 2011.

Elgin County Library presents a book signing and discussion with Giller-prize winning author Bonnie Burnard at Aylmer Town Hall Library, 38 John St S in Aylmer, Fri Sept 30th from 7:30pm – 9:30pm. Discussion will draw on material from Burnard’s Giller-prize winning novel, A Good House and her most recent novel Suddenly. This event is free, but a ticket is required – contact your local Elgin County Library branch.

A brand new trail of fine arts attractions launches on Thursday September 29th and will be ready for visitors as part of Culture Days. Elgin-St. Thomas tourism invites you to pick up the Elgin Arts Trail Discovery Guide for an unforgettable journey of original paintings, pottery, fibre art, candles and more. The guides will be available at 187 Main Street, Port Stanley (9am – 5pm Friday and Saturday, 9am – 4pm on Sunday). Visit www.elginartstrail.ca for more info.