Committee - Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory Agenda Preview — May 6, 2026

Summary

One-sentence summary: The May 6, 2026 meeting at 2:00 PM reviews the Tom Thomson Art Gallery's financial health, expanded Camp TOM programming, youth initiatives, and secured federal grants.

The May 6, 2026 meeting at 2:00 PM will examine Report AG-26-002 from the Director and Chief Curator regarding the Tom Thomson Art Gallery's financial health, noting that the gallery has exceeded its 2025 revenue budget. The presentation is expected to highlight support for expanded summer programming, including a seven-week Camp TOM that has secured 100 registrants and requires additional waitlist space. A new Education & Engagement team will be discussed to support youth initiatives and inclusive dialogue, alongside immersive exhibitions featuring local artist Liz Zetlin and student works. Consideration will address workshops free to local schools via government grants and collaborative projects for the One World Festival. The agenda may explore the strategic significance of the secured four-year Canada Council for the Arts grant and new staff positions for sustainable growth. Participants will review plans for the 2027 milestone celebrating Tom Thomson's legacy, the upcoming "Palate to Palate" food and auction event, and efforts toward federal certification to ensure regional art history remains accessible and financially viable.

Top Newsworthy Developments

Key Topics & Sections

Full Transcript

2 CALL FOR ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

CALL FOR ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
4.a
Minutes of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory Committee meeting
held on February 4, 2026

5 DEPUTATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS There are no deputations or presentations.

DEPUTATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
There are no deputations or presentations.

6 PUBLIC FORUM

PUBLIC FORUM

7 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FOR WHICH DIRECTION IS REQUIRED There are no correspondence items being presented for consideration.

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FOR WHICH DIRECTION IS REQUIRED
There are no correspondence items being presented for consideration.

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Minutes
Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory Committee
February 4, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
City Hall - 808 2nd Avenue East - Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Peter Tovell
Vice Chair Lynda Montgomery
Deputy Mayor Scott Greig
Councillor Marion Koepke
Member Katharine Lochnan
Member Kelsey Starr
STAFF PRESENT:

Pam Coulter, Director of Community Services
Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator - Art Gallery, Culture,
Tourism
Kim Skene, Operations Coordinator
Briana Bloomfield, City Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________

1.

CALL TO ORDER
The Director of Community Services called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m.

2.

ELECTION OF CHAIR
The Director of Community Services explained the nomination process and then
opened the floor for nominations for the position of Chair for the Tom Thomson Art
Gallery Advisory Committee.
Member Lochnan nominated Member Tovell as the Chair of the Advisory Committee.
Member Tovell accepted the nomination.
The Director of Community Services called for any further nominations. There being no
further nominations, the Director declared the nominations closed.
Member Tovell was acclaimed as Chair of the Advisory Committee and assumed the
position of Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

3.

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR
Chair Tovell opened the floor for nominations for the position of Vice Chair of the
Advisory Committee.
1

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Minutes
Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory Committee
February 4, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
City Hall - 808 2nd Avenue East - Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Peter Tovell
Vice Chair Lynda Montgomery
Deputy Mayor Scott Greig
Councillor Marion Koepke
Member Katharine Lochnan
Member Kelsey Starr
STAFF PRESENT:

Pam Coulter, Director of Community Services
Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator - Art Gallery, Culture,
Tourism
Kim Skene, Operations Coordinator
Briana Bloomfield, City Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________

1.

CALL TO ORDER
The Director of Community Services called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m.

2.

ELECTION OF CHAIR
The Director of Community Services explained the nomination process and then
opened the floor for nominations for the position of Chair for the Tom Thomson Art
Gallery Advisory Committee.
Member Lochnan nominated Member Tovell as the Chair of the Advisory Committee.
Member Tovell accepted the nomination.
The Director of Community Services called for any further nominations. There being no
further nominations, the Director declared the nominations closed.
Member Tovell was acclaimed as Chair of the Advisory Committee and assumed the
position of Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

3.

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR
Chair Tovell opened the floor for nominations for the position of Vice Chair of the
Advisory Committee.
1

8 REPORTS OF CITY STAFF 8.a

REPORTS OF CITY STAFF
8.a

THAT in consideration of Staff Report AG-26-002 respecting the May 2026
Update Report, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory Committee
recommends that City Council receive the report for information purposes.

Highlights:






On April 25, the Gallery opened two new exhibitions – a solo
exhibition by Owen Sound artist Liz Zetlin and an exhibition
dedicated to highlighting the artwork of regional high school
students, Emergence.
From May 14–28, the Gallery will present a student art show in the
Studio and Atrium display area in partnership with Magic of
Children in the Arts, featuring artworks by over 700 local students
in Grades 3–6.
Camp TOM 2026 continues to experience strong demand, with 100
campers currently registered for Summer Art Adventures. Due to
ongoing interest, additional waitlist spaces are being opened.
Expanded Camp TOM runs for 7 weeks in July and August.

Vision 2050 - Strategic Plan Alignment:
Strategic Plan Priority: Celebrating and Embracing Culture - Uplifting all
aspects of the City’s local culture, including Indigenous Peoples’ cultural

Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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histories and practices, the cultural histories and practices of all residents,
and formal institutional arts and culture.
The Tom Thomson Art Gallery plays a vital role in advancing the City’s
Strategic Priority of Celebrating and Embracing Culture by serving as a
dynamic hub for artistic expression, learning, and community connection.
Through exhibitions, collections, and public programs, the Gallery uplifts
cultural histories and contemporary practices, amplifies the diverse cultural
voices of local and regional residents, and strengthens appreciation for
formal institutional arts and culture. By stewarding significant Canadian
artworks alongside community-driven initiatives, the Gallery fosters respect
for cultural heritage, encourages dialogue across cultures and generations,
and creates inclusive opportunities for residents and visitors to engage
meaningfully with the arts. In doing so, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery
contributes to a vibrant cultural ecosystem that reflects the City’s shared
values, deepens understanding, and enhances quality of life for all.

Previous Report/Authority:
N/A

Background:
This report provides an update on the Gallery’s programming and operations,
highlighting current and upcoming exhibition and engagement initiatives as
well as operational items.

Visitor Engagement and Audience Reach
2026 Year to Date Attendance Summary
Facility Data
Visitors Counted Manually and Engaged by Gallery Staff: 1177
Exhibition Visitors via Laser Door Counters: 1669
Facility Visitors via Laser Door Counters: 2145
Data was collected and reported in accordance with the Standard Operating
Procedure for attendance tracking.
Visitors counted manually are those that entered the facility and had direct
engagement with staff at the front desk. The Exhibition visitor data was
collected from the laser door counter at the entrance to the Gallery’s
Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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exhibition spaces. During busy periods, staff are frequently unable to connect
with each person entering the facility, so the laser counters are helpful
especially when comparing year-to-year trends.
March Break Activities
117 visitors participated in drop-in activities for families during March Break.
Special Projects and Community Partner Engagement
70 patrons participated in the opening reception for then Winter Exhibitions.
19 visitors attended 2 artists’ talks in conjunction with Winter Exhibitions and
Displays.
1116 patrons attended Jan-Mar Screenings Gallery Night at the Movies’
presentations at Galaxy Cineplex Cinemas.
Gallery Visitor Demographics
(of those visitors* engaged by staff):
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19% showed their OPEN Card
19% were first-time visitors
67% were from Owen Sound
17% were from Grey-Bruce-Simcoe
7% were from GTA
2% were from Kitchener-Waterloo/Guelph/Cambridge
2% were from London-Southwest ON
1% were from Hamilton-Niagara
1% were from Eastern Ontario
1% were from outside of the province
2% were from outside of the country
40% were seniors
45% were adults
15% were under 18

*does not include specialized programming
March reflected strong and growing engagement across all areas of the
Gallery’s operations, with consistent visitation to both the facility and
exhibition spaces and a high level of meaningful interaction between visitors
and front desk staff. Attendance tracking methods continue to provide a
reliable picture of activity, with laser counters helping to capture peak
periods when staff are unable to connect with every visitor. Seasonal
Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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programming during March Break was well received, drawing steady
participation from families and contributing to a lively and welcoming
atmosphere throughout the week. Public programs and events continued to
build momentum, with exhibition openings, artist talks, and film screenings
fostering opportunities for connection, learning, and community participation.
Partnership initiatives, in particular, demonstrated strong audience reach and
sustained interest. Visitor demographics indicate a solid local base
complemented by regional and broader provincial attendance, alongside a
notable presence of first-time visitors. The Gallery continues to attract a
balanced, multi-generational audience, with particularly strong engagement
among adults and seniors, highlighting its ongoing relevance as a cultural
hub for the community.

Balancing Collection Strength and National Relevance
Exhibitions
On April 25, the Gallery opened two new exhibitions:
Liz Zetlin: More Than Human – a year in my garden
Continuing to June 27
Liz Zetlin’s More Than Human is an immersive four-channel video
installation, filmed over the course of a year in her Owen Sound garden.
Each projection corresponds to a season, unfolding chronologically as shifting
light and colour trace the passage of time. Within these projections, the
garden becomes a dynamic, entangled ecosystem—native and non-native
species interwoven in dense, living textures, animals and insects flickering
through the frame, and a layered soundscape blending composed rhythms
with ambient local sounds. The exhibition is grounded in the concept of the
“more-than-human,” a term articulated by philosopher David Abram to
describe the vast, animate world that exceeds human perception yet sustains
it. Rather than positioning humans as separate from or dominant over
nature, Abram emphasizes our embeddedness within a living, interdependent
field of plants, animals, and ecological forces. In Zetlin’s work, this
perspective is made palpable: plants communicate through electrical
impulses translated into sound, pollinators move with agency and purpose,
and the garden itself emerges as a network of relations rather than a passive
backdrop. The scale of the projections further destabilizes human-centered
perception, rendering a moth monumental and a leaf expansive, and asking
viewers to encounter them not as minor details but as vital presences within
a shared world.
Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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Liz Zetlin is an environmental artist whose work includes poetry,
photography, video, installation, and site-specific nature-based
collaborations. She has supported the OPEN Team pollinator projects and led
the efforts for Pollinate Owen Sound.
Emergence 2026 — Local High School Art Exhibition
Continuing to June 20, 2026
Emergence showcases the creativity and perspectives of high school students
from across the region, highlighting the new ideas, voices, and visions taking
shape in our community. As a biennial exhibition, it celebrates the ongoing
growth of young artists as they experiment, take risks, and step into their
developing artistic identities.
Participating artists include: Ali Sims, Audrey Weltz, Ava Emke, Avery Moore,
Bella Finlay, Brooke Crawford, Brynne Klages, Chloe Nickel, Ciara Moxam,
Delilah Markland, Evelyn Rhodes, Flynn Jamieson, Jackson Conway, Kayda
Smalldon, Kia MacKenzie, Kiana Hunt, Landen Bury, Layne Morrison, Leopold
Baker, Marley Tone, Nadine Lorentz-Vane, Nat Francis, Nevaeh Suresh, Noa
Rusnak, Reece Collins, Robyn Marshall, Royce Arnold, Serena Wolf, Sophie
Kleist, Tyler Miskie, Vivian Bender, and Zahraa Alrammahi.
Continuing Exhibitions:
Forecast – January to June
Continuing to June 20, 2026
Forecast draws from the Tom Thomson Art Gallery’s permanent collection to
explore attentiveness to weather, atmosphere, and seasonal change.
Anchored by Tom Thomson’s sketches and paintings, the exhibition captures
fleeting shifts in light and landscape, extending into the present through
bioclimatic attunement—our bodily and emotional responsiveness to the
atmosphere. Works from the Gallery’s collection trace seasonal progressions
across the exhibition’s run, inviting visitors to engage with changing skies,
light, and climate.

Education and Youth Programming as a Core Priority
March – April 2026 & Upcoming May – August Initiatives:
March Break Open Studio – Free Family Art Experiences
The March Break Open Studio was a strong success, welcoming visitors over
five days of free, drop-in programming in the TOM Gallery spaces. The

Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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program supported the TOM’s commitment to accessible, hands-on
engagement for families and visitors of all ages.
Participants engaged in a range of self-guided activities including:

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Gallery-wide art scavenger hunts
Two exhibition-linked studio activities connected to Harold Klunder:
The Dance of Life and Forecast: Works from the Collection
Drop-in creative stations exploring exhibition themes and
observational drawing

In addition to in-person programming, a social media campaign ran
throughout March Break encouraging visitors to share the TOM’s promotional
post for a chance to win a gift basket. The initiative generated strong online
engagement, increased post circulation, and helped extend the reach of the
program beyond onsite visitors.
Overall, the program saw strong participation, high levels of family
engagement, and meaningful interaction with current exhibitions through
creative learning experiences.
Exhibition Openings & Talks




April 25, 2026 – Spring Exhibition Opening Reception
Public opening celebrating two new exhibitions: Emergence and
More Than Human by Liz Zetlin.
May 9, 2026 – Artist Talk (11am–12pm)
Liz Zetlin will present an artist talk in the TOM Studio, offering
insight into her practice and current work. Visitors are invited to
attend this opportunity to hear directly from the artist.

Student Exhibition – Magic of Children in the Arts
May 15–29, 2026
The Gallery will present a student-driven art show in the Studio and Atrium
display area in partnership with Magic of Children in the Arts, featuring
hundreds of artworks by local students in Grades 3–6. This exhibition
celebrates youth creativity and provides meaningful opportunities for
community engagement with student work. Special opening reception will
take place May 23 from 11am to 3pm at the TOM showcasing artwork from 6
local schools and over 700 students across Grey-Bruce.
Magic of Children in the Arts provides art workshops at local schools to
enhance their art class offerings. Through support from local organizations,
Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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government grants and personal donations they are able to provide these
workshops free.
Camp TOM 2026 – Strong Registration & Summer Expansion:
Camp TOM 2026 continues to experience strong demand, with 100 campers
currently registered for Summer Art Adventures. Due to ongoing interest,
additional waitlist spaces are being opened and further registrations are
encouraged.
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Camp TOM runs for 7 weeks in July and August
Includes 2 PD Day Camps in June (June 5 and June 26).
Registration has been slower for these to date, with additional
promotion planned to help increase enrolment.
Designed for children ages 8–12.
Weekly themes inspired by Tom Thomson, contemporary artists,
and seasonal exploration.
Expanded capacity supports increased participation and
accessibility.

Summer Education & Engagement Staffing
The TOM will welcome its Summer Education and Engagement team in
preparation for Camp TOM and expanded programming:



May 19, 2026 – 2 Education & Engagement students begin
June 16, 2026 – 1 additional student joins the team

These staff will support school programming, exhibition engagement, and
Camp TOM preparation ahead of the full summer season.
Upcycle TOM 2026 – Hillcrest Collaboration
Supported by a $4,000 Community Foundation Grey Bruce grant, Upcycle
TOM 2026 continues its partnership with Hillcrest Elementary School and
Owen Sound Waste Watchers Volunteer Organization.
The program invited students to reinterpret Tom Thomson’s Wildflowers
using recycled and upcycled materials, promoting creativity and
sustainability in artmaking.

Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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Program Schedule:

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Student Art Display: April 1–30, TOM Atrium
Family Night: April 28 (5pm – 7pm) – the entire school community
is invited to the TOM to celebrate their work. Typically, we welcome
over 400 students and families this event.
River District Storefront Display: May 1–31 – student works will be
featured in local businesses.
Extended public display and student art auction to follow.

Additional Programming & Engagement:
April 22, 2026 – TOM Talk: History of the Gallery
A TOM Talk was presented in the South Gallery for the Grey County Historical
Society, focusing on the history and development of the Tom Thomson Art
Gallery. The presentation highlighted founding efforts, community
leadership, and milestones including the original 1967 building.
Upcoming School Tours & Workshops:
School programming remains in high demand throughout May and June, with
limited availability remaining. Booked visits include:
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May 5 – Two Grade 1 classes, East Ridge Community School
June 2 – Two Grade 2 classes, St. Basil’s School
June 3 – Grade 2 and Grade 1/2 visit, St. Basil’s School
June 9 – Grade 1 and 2 visit, St. Basil’s School
June 16 – Grade 2 and 1 visit, St. Basil’s School
June 18 – Grade 1 visit, St. Basil’s School
June 23 – Grade 2 visit, St. Basil’s School

Community Events & Partnerships:
June 17, 2026 – One World Festival
The TOM will host a Community Art Project in partnership with Heather
Travis as part of the One World Festival. This participatory initiative will
engage visitors in collaborative art-making, celebrating creativity,
connection, and shared cultural expression.
Babytime Programming
Babytime Programming continues in partnership with the Owen Sound
Library, held monthly from February–June in the TOM Gallery spaces,
offering storytime, songs, and creative activities for toddlers and caregivers.
Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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Special Summer Artist Workshops – Michelle Peraza
In August, the TOM will welcome artist Michelle Peraza for two special
workshops inspired by themes of identity, ecology, pollinator plants, and
collaborative artmaking. Using natural materials, treebark paper, and
Indigenous-made BEAM paints, participants will explore storytelling, colour,
and connection to the natural world through hands-on creation.
August 14, 2026 – Camp TOM Workshop
Michelle will lead a private workshop for Camp TOM participants (ages 8–12),
guiding campers through individual and collaborative artmaking activities
focused on personal stories, nature observation, and creative expression.
August 15, 2026 – Public Workshop
A public workshop for ages 8+ will invite community members to participate
in an inclusive, mixed-age creative experience exploring identity, nature, and
collective artmaking through Michelle’s contemporary artistic practice.
Registration required.
Gallery Night at the Movies:
Gallery Night at the Movies concludes its 28th season this spring.
While the January film SENTIMENETAL VALUE scheduled for January 19 was
cancelled due to a technical difficulty with the print, the Gallery was
fortunate to rescreen this film on February 25 within the regular time slots.
This season, the Gallery implemented an informal and very simple movierating system for film patrons. Movie-goers were given a plastic chip to cast
their vote following the film. Ballot boxes were set up with a ‘thumbs-up’,
‘not-for-me/thumbs-down’ and ‘ok’. Patrons were asked to consider whether
the film was well-made and thought provoking, well-acted with good
production values, in conjunction with their own appreciation of the film.
Attendees have been very engaged with the process, and the results have
been favourable. Moreover, many patrons approached staff and volunteers
indicating that while results may vary per film, the program offers world
class cinema with relevant topics that cannot be seen at the theatre
otherwise, and that they look forward to the program’s presentations.
There will be a more fulsome electronic survey sent out later in the spring to
gauge audience feedback, and to get insightful data into this audience’s
viewing preferences.

Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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Planning will begin later in May for the 29th Season of Gallery Night at the
Movies with date and film selections. Season Passes will go on sale in midAugust.
2027 – Celebrating a Milestone Year for Tom Thomson
Looking ahead, next year (2027) represents 150 years since Tom Thomson
was born and it coincides with the Gallery’s 60th anniversary. We are
presently working with Algonquin Outfitters and Ontario Parks on plans to
further celebrate this milestone year, with the concept of an installation at
the Canoe Lake location where Thomson died. Here in Owen Sound, the
Gallery’s Curator is planning an exhibition that celebrates the intertwined
lives and artistic dialogues of Tom Thomson, J.E.H. MacDonald, and Thoreau
MacDonald, featuring a newly acquired piece from Thoreau MacDonald’s
estate that highlights the enduring resonance of their shared creative legacy.
Tom Thomson and J. E. H. MacDonald had a close artistic and personal
relationship that played a key role in shaping Thomson’s development as a
painter. They met in Toronto around 1912–1913 when both were working at
the commercial design firm Grip Limited. MacDonald, who was already an
established artist, quickly recognized Thomson’s talent and encouraged him
to pursue painting. He became both a mentor and a friend, introducing
Thomson to other artists who would later form the Group of Seven.
MacDonald was deeply affected by Thomson’s death and later helped
preserve and promote his legacy, ensuring that Thomson’s work remained
foundational to the story of Canadian art.

Collections Stewardship and Conservation Progress
Collection Relocation and Reorganization
The installation of new storage shelving has supported a reorganization of
archival materials so that they can be co-located in one area. A collections
volunteer is currently working on documenting the Gallery’s catalogue
collection with a plan to have them eventually available to the public.
Update on the three Tom Thomson Bequests
We will be meeting with Amber Harwood of Georgian Bay Conservation to
attain recommendations for having the works professionally framed.
In February, Charlie Hill, former Curator of Canadian Art at the National
Gallery of Canada, visited the Gallery to view the paintings in person. He
provided a statement of authenticity to support the Gallery’s application for
certification through the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board
Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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(CCPERB). The application was submitted for consideration to CCPERB for the
April 1 deadline.

Fundraising and Revenue Development
The Gallery was successful in achieving a four-year operating grant spanning
2026-2029 (total funding $280,000, $70,000/year) from the Canada Council
for the Arts.
The Gallery submitted the application to the Ontario Arts Council in the
Visual Arts Organization category for a multi-year operating grant through
the newly launched Ontario Arts Operating Fund (OAOF). The OAC operating
grant for 2026 has been received.
The Gallery received $4000 from the Community Foundation Grey Bruce to
support the expansion of Upcycle TOM in the community.
The Gallery was successful in receiving funding for three summer student
positions from Young Canada Works totalling $18,900. These positions will
be dedicated to planning and leading PD Day art camps and summer art
camps.
Planning is underway for Palette to Palate 2026 and a save the date poster
has been shared on social media and Artefacts. The event will celebrate
regional art, food, and drink at the Gallery on Saturday, November 7. This
signature fundraising event offers guests an inspired evening immersed in
artwork, complemented by locally crafted food and thoughtfully paired local
beverages. The experience will be further enhanced by auctions, providing
attendees with the opportunity to support the Gallery while taking home
some exceptional pieces and experiences.
The Fundraising Coordinator is preparing sponsorship packages to support
this event, as well as other visible opportunities, including the Art Studio and
education programing.
An update on the 2026/27 Calendar Campaign is contained in the attached
Fundraising Team update.

Analysis and Options:
This report reflects a period of operational stability and growing public
engagement, supported by consistent attendance across both facility and
exhibition spaces. Programming continues to play a central role in driving
visitation, with seasonal initiatives, public events, and partnership activities
Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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attracting diverse audiences and encouraging repeat engagement. In
particular, the success of film programming and collaborative initiatives
demonstrates the Gallery’s ability to extend its reach beyond its physical
space while maintaining meaningful connections with the community.
At the same time, the Gallery is advancing a strategic balance between local
relevance and broader cultural impact through its exhibitions, education
programming, and collections work. New exhibitions pair regionally rooted,
environmentally focused contemporary practice with youth-driven initiatives,
while collection-based programming reinforces institutional identity and
legacy. Education and outreach remain a clear priority, with strong demand
for camps, school programs, and community partnerships indicating deep
and sustained engagement with younger audiences and families. Behind the
scenes, progress in collections stewardship, funding success across multiple
granting bodies, and forward planning for fundraising initiatives position the
Gallery for continued growth and sustainability.

Resource Alignment:
Financial Resources
A 2026 year-to-date revenue/fundraising summary is attached to this report.
A 2025 final revenue/fundraising summary is attached to this report.

Human Resources
The TOM will welcome its Summer Education and Engagement team in
preparation for Camp TOM and expanded programming:



May 19, 2026 – 2 Education & Engagement students begin
June 16, 2026 – 1 additional student joins the team

Time and Scheduling
N/A

Technology and Infrastructure
N/A

Climate and Environmental Impacts:
There are no anticipated climate or environmental impacts.

Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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Communication and Engagement:
This report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in advance
of the meeting.
Media advisories are issued to highlight new exhibitions and new/returning
programs. The Gallery’s website and social media will communicate and
promote key exhibitions and programs.

Report Developed in Consultation With:
Pamela Coulter, Director of Community Services
Kim Skene, Operations Coordinator
Shannon Bingeman, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections
Heather McLeese, Curator of Public Projects and Education

Attachments:
1.

Attachment 1 - 2025 TTAG Revenues Raised by Category

2.

Attachment 2 - 2026 TTAG Revenues Raised by Category – Year to
Date 2026-03-31

Reviewed by:
Pamela Coulter, Director of Community Services
Submission approved by:
Tim Simmonds, City Manager
For more information on this report, please contact Aidan Ware, Director and
Chief Curator at aware@thomthomson.org or 519-376-1932 ext. 5001.

Staff Report AG-26-002: May 2026 Update Report
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Fundraising and Revenue for the Tom Thomson Art Gallery - Final 2025
Grants
Ontario Arts Council
Canada Council for the Arts
Young Canada Works

2025 Budget
$
51,106.00 $
$
70,000.00 $
$

2025 Final
51,249.00
70,000.00
13,642.23

Notes
Grant
Grant
Grant

Donations
Sales Desk

$
$

30,000.00 $
5,000.00 $

31,153.15
10,873.73

Movies

$

50,000.00 $

54,682.96

Special Events Fundraising
Endowment Funds

$
$

80,000.00 $
8,000.00 $

41,281.11
12,298.00

Membership

$

8,000.00 $

5,485.85

Collection Donations
Education

$
$

10,000.00 $
5,000.00 $

16,015.00
5,842.58

General
Retail sales.
Gross revenue, includes admissions, sponsorship
and donations.
Gross revenue, includes admissions, the 2026
Calendar Campaign sales and adoptions, and
sponsorship.
Varies from year to year.
New membership and donor giving programs were
implemented late fall.
This revenue total includes donations linked to
donated artwork, deferrals, copyright and loan
revenues.
Gross revenue, includes donations.

Studio Classes

$

7,500.00 $

28,615.30

Exhibition Revenue - Convergence

$

-

$

10,629.73

TOTAL YTD

$

324,606.00 $

351,768.64

Gross revenue, includes Studio Class Registrations
(Summer Camp TOM) and donations.
Gross revenue , includes submission fees from
Convergence and donations.

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Fundraising and Revenue for the Tom Thomson Art Gallery - Year to Date 2026-03-31
Grants
Ontario Arts Council
Canada Council for the Arts
Young Canada Works
Community Foundation
Donations
Sales Desk
Movies

2026 Budget
$
51,106.00 $
$
70,000.00 $
$
$
$
30,000.00 $
$
8,000.00 $

YTD 2026-03-31
51,249.00
4,000.00
4,066.85
699.05

$

45,000.00 $

7,960.00

$
$

75,000.00 $
8,000.00

15,238.94

$

8,000.00 $

975.00

Special Events Fundraising

Endowment Funds
Membership

Notes
Grant.
Grant. Approved, will receive mid-year.
Grant. $18,900 approved, will receive.
Grant
General
Retail Sales
Gross revenue, includes admissions, sponsorship
and donations.
Gross revenue, includes admissions, the 2026
Calendar Campaign sales and adoptions, and
sponsorship.
TBD Varies from year to year.
New membership and donor giving programs were
implemented late fall.

Collection Donations
$

10,000.00 $

6,740.00

Includes donations linked to donated artwork,
deferrals, copyright and loan revenues.

337.77

Gross revenue total includes donations. Timing:
School tours and bookings in spring/fall.

Education
$

6,500.00 $

Studio Classes

$

28,000.00 $

2,000.00

$

-

6,000.00

Exhibition Revenue - Convergence
$

Gross total includes Studio Class Registrations
(Summer Camp TOM) and donations. Significant
revenue has not been processed yet. Art camps
have 100 registrants.
This revenue total includes donations and
sponsorship.

Page 22 of 25

TOTAL YTD

$

339,606.00 $

99,266.61

Page 23 of 25

Gallery Team Memorandum

To:

Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory Committee

From:

Kelsey Starr, Fundraising Team Chair

Date:

April 20, 2026

Re:

Fundraising Team Update

We are thrilled to report that we have wrapped up another successful
fundraising calendar campaign. We wish to thank everyone who contributed
to this important fundraising initiative by adopting an artwork, buying a
calendar, selling a calendar, or promoting it to friends and family. The 2026
calendar which was themed Horizons, was featured in more than 40
businesses across Grey, Bruce, and Simcoe counties. The top 5 retailers this
year were Markdale IDA, Coffin Ridge Winery, Word Squirrel Kincardine,
Maggie + Dix Collingwood, and Blackbird Pie Company. The total gross
calendar proceeds for this campaign year were $24,325!
Special thanks to the members of the volunteer Fundraising Team for their
ongoing dedication and we extend our sincere gratitude to Mary Anne Alton
as she steps down from her role as Fundraising Team Chair. Her passion and
dedication have been instrumental in building a strong foundation for the
annual calendar campaign. What began as a thoughtful initiative has grown
into a significant annual project, connecting the Gallery with so many
regional businesses. Since its inception, the campaign has raised nearly
$150,000—an exceptional achievement that has supported the Gallery in
countless ways. Mary Anne’s legacy will continue to benefit both the Gallery
and the broader community for years to come.

Page 24 of 25

Planning and production are underway for the 2027 calendar which will be a
special edition celebrating 150 years since Tom Thomson was born, as well
as the Gallery’s 60th anniversary year. The calendar will feature Thomson
works from the Gallery’s collection including the three recent acquisitions
that were just freshly conserved. It’s an incredible opportunity for the
community to see these works for the first time. Plans for the 2027
campaign include expanding retail locations, focus on bulk sales, and the
opportunity for wholesales.
This year’s edition of Palate to Palate will be themed Let’s Go Wild in honour
of Tom Thomson’s love for exploring the wild. Guests can look forward to
wild-inspired cuisine, auctions items, and entertainment set against the
backdrop of the Gallery’s exhibitions. Our ongoing relationship-building
efforts with Bayshore Broadcasting have successfully evolved into a strong
partnership. They will once again serve as the title sponsor for the event. In
addition, they are collaborating with us to further expand the reach of the
Gallery within and beyond Owen Sound through targeted advertising and
their “Ask the Expert” segment, which highlights exhibitions, programs, and
special events. Similar to last year, staff and volunteers will be securing
Table Sponsorships in support of the event. Save the date: Saturday,
November 7, 7pm – 10pm!

Page 25 of 25

10 MATTERS POSTPONED There are no matters postponed.

MATTERS POSTPONED
There are no matters postponed.

Page 2 of 25

Minutes
Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory Committee
February 4, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
City Hall - 808 2nd Avenue East - Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Peter Tovell
Vice Chair Lynda Montgomery
Deputy Mayor Scott Greig
Councillor Marion Koepke
Member Katharine Lochnan
Member Kelsey Starr
STAFF PRESENT:

Pam Coulter, Director of Community Services
Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator - Art Gallery, Culture,
Tourism
Kim Skene, Operations Coordinator
Briana Bloomfield, City Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________

1.

CALL TO ORDER
The Director of Community Services called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m.

2.

ELECTION OF CHAIR
The Director of Community Services explained the nomination process and then
opened the floor for nominations for the position of Chair for the Tom Thomson Art
Gallery Advisory Committee.
Member Lochnan nominated Member Tovell as the Chair of the Advisory Committee.
Member Tovell accepted the nomination.
The Director of Community Services called for any further nominations. There being no
further nominations, the Director declared the nominations closed.
Member Tovell was acclaimed as Chair of the Advisory Committee and assumed the
position of Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

3.

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR
Chair Tovell opened the floor for nominations for the position of Vice Chair of the
Advisory Committee.
1

Page 3 of 25

Member Lochnan nominated Member Montgomery for the position of Vice Chair.
Member Montgomery accepted the nomination.
Chair Tovell called for any further nominations. There being no further nominations,
Chair Tovell declared the nominations closed.
Member Montgomery was acclaimed as Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee.
4.

CALL FOR ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
There was no additional business.

5.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.

6.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
6.a

Minutes of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory Committee meeting held on
January 13, 2026
AG-260204-001

11 MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE WAS PREVIOUSLY GIVEN There are no motions for which notice was previously given.

MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE WAS PREVIOUSLY GIVEN
There are no motions for which notice was previously given.

Page 3 of 25

Member Lochnan nominated Member Montgomery for the position of Vice Chair.
Member Montgomery accepted the nomination.
Chair Tovell called for any further nominations. There being no further nominations,
Chair Tovell declared the nominations closed.
Member Montgomery was acclaimed as Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee.
4.

CALL FOR ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
There was no additional business.

5.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.

6.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
6.a

Minutes of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory Committee meeting held on
January 13, 2026
AG-260204-001

12 CORRESPONDENCE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION There are no correspondence items being presented for information.

CORRESPONDENCE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION
There are no correspondence items being presented for information.

13 DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

14 NOTICES OF MOTION

NOTICES OF MOTION

15 ADJOURNMENT

ADJOURNMENT