Badge of Awesome Communities invites you to share your favourite things to see and do in cool destinations around the world. We caught up with the folks from the Southampton Arts Centre — one of our featured attractions from Bruce County, Ontario — to learn about what they have to offer.

What makes The Southampton Arts Centre awesome?

The SAC: The Southampton Arts Centre has been submerged into the arts culture of Saugeen Shores for over 60 years. Since 1957, Southampton has been Bruce County’s destination of choice for artists, students, and visitors interested in the appreciation, study, and enjoyment of the Arts. This enjoyment has only continued to grow with the expansion of the Southampton Arts Centre to not only include an Arts School, but also a retail Gallery. The SAC takes pride in supporting over 30 exhibiting artists in our Gallery, as well as 36 instructors for our 2018 courses. The Southampton Arts Centre is a registered non-profit organization, and is committed to providing educational and cultural activities in association with both the Art School & Gallery.

The SAC is proud to host many signature events each year, including three fundraising events. This year we are pleased to be adding an addition to our event line up. It is called Battle of the Brushes, and will have four artists facing off in a paint off, all while the public watches the process! Attendees will vote on their favourite painting, and at the end of the night, we will announce and auction off the winning painting. This will be an evening with good food, beverages, music, and creativity!

The Southampton Art School is one of the oldest, most respected art schools in Ontario, with classes now running year round. The School has enriched the lives and enhanced the skills of thousand of students. Look for our 2018 course lineup on our website www.southamptonartscentre.com

The Southampton Art Gallery was established in 1999 and has grown to represent the art from over 30 local and regional artists from Grey and Bruce Counties and surrounding area in a beautiful 3000 sq foot facility. From painters to potters, jewellers to woodturners – there is something everyone will find fascinating.

Visit The Southampton Arts Centre website to learn more!