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About Us


We are a social group of local and regional artists, (experienced and learning,) who gather at the Pumphouse on Wednesday's to paint, print, scratch and draw.

The aim of the group is to further the best interests of art, particularly in the Grimsby area, through the mutual and co-operative efforts of our members; and several times a year, through exhibitions and sales of our work.

We gather together in a social atmosphere, mututal exchange of skills and knowledge, and for a sense of community, while we make friends, hold exhibitions of our work, and enjoy demos with engaging speakers who share with us their artistic vision. Members contribute their expertise to the group on a volunteer basis.

Why not join us?

A brief history of the Pumphouse Artists

Every morning during the summer of 2001, Mary Thompson walked along the Grimsby shoreline and dreamed of bringing life back to the old pumphouse at the bottom of Elizabeth Street. Since the waterworks had been replaced in 1998, the pumphouse had sat empty and neglected. When the idea struck, she moved quickly; wrote a letter to the town, and received a "yes". The town agreed that the building could be used for an art group. The town had been thinking of tearing it down, but decided to renovate instead. Wendy, a councilwoman, said she would attend, help with the plans, and be there for the opening.

Mary's next move was to call a meeting on October 3rd of the artists who had been painting in her basement every Wednesday for years. Mary had been an art mentor, a "guide on the side," providing many opportunities for individual growth to the Lakeside Artists.

Her idea caught fire. At a meeting on October 11, at Margaret McClory's home, they voted to call the group the Grimsby Pumphouse Artists' Association. Joyce Richardson was the first President and newsletter editor. It was this group that dealt with organizational considerations.

They decided the president would get the key; meetings would be every Wednesday afternoon; with a Saturday workshops each season, demonstrations, art shows, refreshments, and cleanup duties. They purchased mugs and kettles, while Mary and Joyce bought a cupboard to house the supplies along with the books and videos. Originally, there were nine people members, with 21 others joining the Association immediately, and 18 more were added by spring of the first year. Fees were then $10 annually with a $2 weekly cover charge.

Their first workshops featured Julie Snider, America Del Col and Jack Reid. Demonstrations were given by Jim Knighton, Mary Thompson and Pat McGuire. A Christmas Wine and Cheese started what is now a beloved tradition as the Christmas Social, and plans were underway for another with a summer social.

After consultating with the St. Catharines and Pelham Art Associations, Joyce Richardson created our first constitution, which was submitted to the membership for approval. A bank account was opened and operating procedures put in place. Another important aspect of president's job was to notify the community of the Association's existence, which she accomplished by speaking at the meetings of other groups, such as Garden Club, Historical Society, Anglers and Hunters at their meetings. Ads were placed in the local paper, and Joyce convinced the editor of the Grimsby newpaper to highlight individual artists; which ran as individual articles on each of the twenty-nine members.

Now we have a membership of over 70, and a widening reputation thanks to:

Founding Members — Elsie Baster, Eileen Bird, Barb Blake, Joyce Carter, Dennis Chilton, Judy Davidson, Shirley Dolby, Laurie Hamerton, Jim Knighton, Carol Lee, Diane McChesney, Marg McClory, Jean McDermid, Pat McGuire, Sharon Mogridge, Jane Perrin, Wendy Quirk-Begin, Joyce Richardson, Lois O'Sullivan, Mary Thompson, Sofia Vuorinen.

First Executive — President: Joyce Richardson; Vice President: Mary Thompson; Secretary: Wendy Quirk-Begin; Treasurer: Sofia Vuorinen

Committees — Telephone: Marg McClory, Pat McGuire, Jane Perrin, Mary Thompson; Newsletter: Dennis Chilton, Pat McGuire, Wendy Quirk-Begin, Joyce Richardson; Library: Shirley Dolby

— Based on original written by Joan Morse


Presidents:


To read more about the history of the Pumphouse building, CLICK HERE

The contents of these pages are copyrighted © by the Lakeside Pumphouse Artists' Association. All works shown on this site are copyright © by the respective artists. No reproduction is allowed without express permission.