The South Essex Arts Association (SEAA) is the Board that governs The Leamington Arts Centre
TIME LINE
1940 The Full Gospel Tabernacle in Leamington, in affiliation with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada purchased the 50 ft. lot on Queens Avenue from a private owner for
approximately $1000.00
1941 The church was built
1971 Association was formed
1971 Art Gallery started in the small store at 7 Queen’s Ave.
1972 Moved to the larger premises in the Taylor Block on Mill St.
1972 Rent to high at Mill St. Moved to the Craft room at the Recreation Centre for Free.
1972 A new religious building was erected at 280 Talbot St. E
1973 Town bought the Queen’s Ave property for use as a community centre. The basement portion of the building was used for day care and chess and ballet programs while the
Leamington Art Gallery was situated on the main floor.
1973 Established the Art Gallery at the Pentcostal Church at 11 Queen St.
1975 Major theft at Art Gallery
1975 Disbute with Board and Volunteers – led to lose of volunteers
1977 5th gallery director since the start of the association 6 years prior
1979 Interim Committeee of six was appointed in place of a board
1983 Board of Ten members was elected
2009 Elevator installed at 72 Talbot Street, accessible
History of SEAA
The South Essex Arts Association (SEAA) was established in 1971 as an autonomous volunteer, non-profit organization. Founding members included local community leaders, Ken Saltmarche of the Windsor Art Gallery and Jeremy Watney of Toronto. The group adopted a mandate “to promote, foster and stimulate the appreciation of the arts in all its aspects within the southern Essex County area. This mandate was first met by promoting travelling exhibits in the original Gallery, located in a small empty shop on Queen Street in Leamington. During its first two years, SEAA moved to several sites until it finally settled in 1973 in the old Pentecostal Church. Located at 11 Queens Avenue, this church was constructed in 1941. When the building was sold in 1973 to the Town of Leamington, SEAA leased the building for a sum of $1 per year. For nineteen years the main floor was used for the Gallery and during this time exhibits changed to include a mixture of travelling shows and local art by community artisans. A broader understanding of art in and around the Essex County area was provided.In November 1992, the Town of Leamington sold the church building and with no other premises available, SEAA embarked on a two-year hiatus. During this time, only “Arts at the Marina” and summer children’s programs were evidence to its existence.Through the dedication of the Board of Directors, SEAA signed an agreement with the Town of Leamington to lease the old Federal Post Office building on Talbot Street West. Renovations to the building began in June 1995 with many tradesmen and contractors assisting with the restoration process. The Leamington Arts Centre remains located in this historical site and continues to preserve its architectural heritage.Through the ensuing years, SEAA has become a contributing partner in the promotion of the uptown core of the Leamington business community with the hosting of many local and national art exhibits as well as other events each year. In 2007, the unveiling of plans for a 208 seat Performing Arts and Cultural Centre. Fundraising efforts continue for this venture. In 2009, an elevator was installed to provide easy access for all patrons. As the recipient in 2008 of a grant totally $218,000 from Rural Economic Development Canada, SEAA has commenced a complete renovation of the main floor of the Gallery building. This project includes all aspects, lighting, flooring, climate control, accessibility, to name a few of the changes. Completion of renovations is expected in December of 2009 with a Grand Opening Ceremony to be held in early 2010.From its humble beginning in 1971 to the present, the Leamington Arts Centre has grown in leaps and bounds and continues to focus on the talent of local and national artisans along with the education of the Arts and its importance in the community of southern Essex County. Permanent exhibits, “Erie Quest”, “Heinz Memorabilia” and the “Henry Collection”, preserve the heritage of the Leamington area. The South Essex Art Association looks forward to its “new look” while at the same time maintaining its demonstrated integrity as an important element within the Town of Leamington and southern Essex County.
