Donors

Thank You to the Lambton County Arts Collective and Stewart Fanning and Elise McDonald pictured with Gwen Moore, Volunteer Education Manager with Gallery in the Grove.
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Stewart and Elise explain how the donation came about: 
"We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the incredible artists that made this donation possible. This money exists because of the time, hard work, materials, skills, and talent that many local Sarnia-Lambton artists donated at past Art Jam events. LCAC (Lambton County Arts Collective) started several years ago with a group of friends (Elise McDonald, Stewart Fanning, Francis Martin, Patty Cook, and all of the incredible participating local artists) out of a desire to continue seeing Art Jams happen after Art Walk came to an end. We were honestly blown away by the reception and turnout we had. It was something truly special, and showed us that we live in a city that holds many vibrant talented people, and that our city loves and appreciates art and artists.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we were unable to continue the Art Jams for some time, and since then, venues have changed, and our personal lives have taken different directions that have left less room for dedicating to the continuation of Art Jam events. So instead of letting this money raised by local artists sit and do nothing, as past organizers and with the input of past Art Jam participants, we decided to donate the remaining Art Jam funds to The Gallery in the Grove’s wonderful arts program The VALS (Visiting Artists Lambton School) Program.

The VALS Program focuses on bringing quality art supplies and instruction to elementary grades 5-6-7 across Lambton county, and is led by experienced local artists. We believe that the spirit of LCAC and Art Jams will live on with this donation through current artists uplifting and supporting the development of future artists in our community!"