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Over 75 Years of Arts and Culture

Algoma Art Society has been fostering the arts in Sault Ste. Marie since 1948. We aim to develop local talent, to promote exhibitions, competitions, classes, sketching trips and lectures, to invite prominent artists, and to create a greater interest in art, so that the Sault will become a center of arts & culture.

History of the Algoma Art Society

The Algoma Art Society is the oldest Visual Art Group in the City of Sault Ste. Marie, since it’s inception on January 16, 1948. Our membership consists of visual artists working in Watercolours, Acrylics, Oils, Pastels, Yupo, Encaustics, Collage and Photography.

We are a non-profit organization whose aims are to promote local exhibitions, competitions, workshops, classes and lectures; provide access to prominent artists; to arrange for annual sales of members’ work and to support, encourage and develop the talent and ability of local artists by providing opportunities for them to become more proficient in their field.

Over the many years this organization has been in existence many prominent artists have been associated with us including members of the Group of Seven. Algoma Art Society members traveled on many outdoor painting excursions with F. H. Varley, A. J. Casson and A. Y. Jackson.

What You Need To Know About Us

1. Who Can Join the Algoma Art Society?

In short, anyone who shows an interest in art! We welcome artists of all backgrounds and look forward to networking, sharing ideas & exploring new ones with people.

2. Why should I join the Algoma Art Society?

Benefits to joining us are not limited to, but include:
- Special guest speakers, demonstrations and workshops
- Share ideas and skills
- Painting/drawing get-togethers
- Eligible to enter work in society's and NOAA juried and non-juried shows
- Eligible to display artistic profile and artwork on Algoma Art Society Website
- Keeps you informed about upcoming workshops and opportunities to exhibit
- Artistically stimulating

3. How often does the Algoma Art Society Meet?

We meet at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from September to June. Special club get-togethers are held in December and June. Meetings held at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum (2nd floor), 690 Queen St. East.

The Winter Festival of Art officially opened at the Art Gallery of Algoma at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2020.

Dignitaries opening the exhibition were Mark A. Lepore, President of the AGA Board, Jasmina Jovanovic, Executive Director, the Honorable Ross Romano, Sault Ste. Marie MPP and Minister of Colleges and Universities, and the Honorable Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture. All spoke and distributed awards. Jasmina and Ross Romano thanked Society member Nora Ann Harrison for being the initiator of the Winter Festival of Art and providing the awards for the previous six years.

Prizes this year are sponsored by David Ellis, Member of the AGA Board.

Also speaking and presenting an award was Algoma Art Society president Rutger Becker, who talked about the Art Society's connection to the NOAA, benefits of being a member and the Society's proud past connection to the Group of Seven. Rutger then presented an Algoma Art Society Award, in honour of recently deceased member Nancy Caldwell, to the artist chosen for having the Most Innovative Piece of art work at the exhibition. Winner Penny Gabor was presented with a cheque for $50.00 along with a free membership to the Algoma Art Society until September 2020.

Members of the Algoma Art Society can be very proud of the number of awards they received. Member Zoey Wood-Salomon received second prize and top prize at the exhibition went to member Theresa Baic. Members Pat Caldwell, Cheryl Thomas and Darlene Robb all received Honorable Mentions. Ken Hagerman's young granddaughter also very proudly received a Participation Award.