Art Emporium Opens in Port Stanley

Elgin County Economic Development is pleased to announce the grand opening gala of the Art Emporium in Port Stanley.

The opening reception will be held on Friday May 4th from 7 pm - 9 pm and will include a meet and greet with the artists, refreshments and a musical performance by renowned southwestern Ontario Jazz musician David Jolly. The celebration will continue throughout the weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 5 pm.

The Art Emporium is owned and operated by artists themselves. The five members on the board of directors act as responsible members of the art community by giving their 27 member artists input in all decisions made at the gallery. The Art Emporium has also recently joined Elgin-St. Thomas Tourism’s Elgin Arts Trail program.

Located at 177 Main St., Port Stanley, the facility consists of two unique sections: The Boathouse Gallery and the Gift Boutique. The Boathouse Gallery is a bright and spacious area with a beachfront view. It houses the original fine art of over 30 area artists. The Gift Boutique sells a variety of handcrafted items on consignment from regional artisans featuring works in glass, wood, fabric, and prints.

"Port Stanley has always been a great hub for artists," said co-owner Robin Baratta. "The Art Emporium will help Port Stanley to establish itself as a leading art tourism destination."

For more information regarding the Art Emporium please call (519) 226-658-1888 or visit www.ArtEmporium.ca

Elgin County at the Aylmer Home & Garden Show!

Come and visit Elgin County Economic Development at the Aylmer Home & Garden Show this weekend!

The show will feature displays and seminars from local organizations on landscaping, staging your home, DIY tips, renovations, real estate and more! Attendees can look forward to free swag bags at the door, hourly door prizes and face painting for the kids! The show will run from Friday April 13^th-Sunday April 15^th at the East Elgin Community Complex. The cost to attend is $5 per person or $20 per family.

Elgin County Economic Development will be on hand to promote Elgin-St. Thomas Tourism programs, Economic Development services and the services of Elgin County’s partners, in particular those of the Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC). With funding from Elgin County, the EBRC has opened an office in the town of Aylmer.

For more information about the Aylmer Home & Garden Show visit

www.aylmerfair.ca or call Elaine (519) 773-3445.

Elgin-St. Thomas Tour Guide Promotes Local Treasures

Elgin-St. Thomas Tourism is pleased to announce that free copies of the 2012 Experience Elgin-St. Thomas Tour Guide are now available.

This guide includes not only a comprehensive listing of tourism operations in Elgin and St. Thomas but also an extensive event listing section. The guide encourages locals to take time to explore the treasures in their own backyards. Elgin-St. Thomas offers an array of entertainment and recreational activities for individuals and families alike.

"The area is home to some of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie, to unique Carolinian forests, quality live theatre performances, heritage sites and a variety of culinary delights," said Tourism Development Coordinator, Kathryn Russell.

For a copy of the official Elgin-St. Thomas tour guide please call (519) 631-1460 ext. 164, email tourism@elgin-county.on.ca or visit Elgin-St. Thomas Tourism at 450 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas.

A virtual copy of the guide is also available here.