Tom Thomson Art Gallery Outlines 2025–26 Fundraising Plans
Tom Thomson Art Gallery outlines fall fundraising efforts at committee meeting: Nov. 1 gala, 2026 Horizons calendar, donor stewardship, and Supporters Circle membership.
The Tom Thomson Art Gallery is hosting several fundraising initiatives this fall, from a major event in November to the return of its annual calendar campaign.
Fundraising coordinator Emily Colman briefed the gallery’s Advisory Committee on September 24 about upcoming events, donor programs, and new stewardship efforts.
Palette to Palate: November 1
The gallery’s biggest fundraiser this year will be Palette to Palate on Saturday, November 1. The event promises an evening of art, food, and live music, with Tom Thomson works displayed alongside contemporary pieces from the juried exhibition Convergence.
The Canadiana-themed evening will feature tasting stations by Heat & Eat Meal Co. chef Jason Merton, local wine and cider pairings, and performances by JD Crosstown and Alison McGregor. A silent auction is also planned.
Sponsorships are being offered at two levels:
Title sponsor ($1,500): Includes premier recognition, promotion, and four tickets.
Table sponsor ($500): Includes promotional visibility and one ticket.
Calendar Campaign: Horizons 2026
The gallery’s 2026 fundraising calendar, Horizons, is now available. It features work by Franklin Carmichael, Dorothy Knowles, David Milne, and Tom Thomson.
Calendars are sold through 26 independent retailers across Grey and Bruce counties. The gallery noted that these retailers play a key role in making the campaign successful.
Donor Relations and Membership
The gallery also promoted its Supporters Circle membership program, which offers four tiers of giving and benefits, from discounts to reciprocal gallery admission. A Supporters Circle membership program offers four tiers, starting at $30 for students and seniors and $75 for the “Explore and Connect” level, which includes reciprocal admission to galleries across North America.
Membership benefits include shop discounts, early access to programming, and public recognition.
Alongside these initiatives, Colman outlined donor stewardship efforts and software upgrades aimed at strengthening relationships with supporters. The goal is to ensure consistent funding for exhibitions and programming while deepening ties with the local community, she said.
Residents can learn more about these programs and events on the City’s website.
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