It is almost always exhilarating to see new exhibits at the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre – when they are of paintings, the walls are, for the first-time visitor, suddenly filled with works which engage through brushstroke and colour. Seeking response, David Morris’s exhibit of metal sculptures is similarly striking, exciting in this case, through dimension, form, texture, and detail.

The first Algoma University at St. Thomas class is currently busy at the main campus in Sault Ste. Marie getting their introductory taste of a four year Bachelor of Arts program. Meanwhile, finishing touches are being completed on the former Wellington Street Public School in preparation for the return to their home location later in September. 

Things are falling into place nicely on a project that was fast-tracked in order to bring a university option to students in St. Thomas. The $1.1 million dollar building renovation was made possible largely through a $900,000 donation from the estate of Dorothy Palmer. Crediting city hall staff, contractors and Palmer Estate executor Andrew Gunn, St. Thomas CAO Wendell Graves noted on a recent tour of the school, “We have pulled out all the stops to get the building up to shape in time.”