Bringing Art to Sarnia

The Sarnia Women's Conservation Art Association (or SWCAA) had a lasting impact on art in Sarnia.

Early acquisitions made by the SWCAA now form part of the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery's permanent collection and include works from the Group of Seven. Established in 1916, SWCAA's mandate was to raise money for the war effort by the collection and sale of newspaper and rags. After WWI ended the group needed a new focus for their fundraising.

Frances Flintoft, Norman Gurd, and the women of SWCAA had a vision to bring Canadian art into Sarnia to educate the public and build a legacy for the community. SWCAA moved forward with art purchases including pieces like “Chill November” by Tom Thomson and other work from Group of Seven artists A.Y. Jackson and Lawren Harris.

The group held their first exhibition in March, 1920 at the Sarnia Library. This successful event fulfilled a vision to bring Canadian art into Sarnia and share it with the public.

The Virtual Exhibit Group of 7: Their Visions Revisited 100 Years Later from the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery explores the impact of the SWCAA and the Sarnia Art Movement.