Brief History The only Public Art Centre in St. Thomas and Elgin County, the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre (STEPAC) is a charitable non-profit corporation supported by it’s members, grants and fundraising. In operation since 1969, the Public Art Centre presents curated exhibitions by local, regional, national and international artists, maintains a permanent collection of over 1900 works, and presents innovative and diverse programming for children, youth, and adults. Since 1969, the Gallery has been located in 301 Talbot Street , and has evolved into a well-regarded professional contemporary art centre that was awarded the Impact Award -“Unsung Heros” by the St. Thomas District Chamber of Commerce, in 2019.