1.5 Million Dollar Lead Gift for Project

Judith and Norman Alix

Standing in front of the future home of

'The Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery'

December 8th, 2010

Thank you ..Thank you..Thank you !!!!!!

Construction workers on the inside of the J.S. Thom building
Photo courtesy of Dereck Holmes



Lead Donor and New Name Announced for New Art Gallery of Lambton

Sarnia, ON – Gallery Lambton will have a new, permanent name when it opens its doors for exhibitions in 2012, thanks to a 1.5 million dollar gift announced today, generously provided by Judith and Norman Alix.

The local residents and entrepreneurs will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of residents and tourists who will enjoy the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery in downtown Sarnia on the corner of Lochiel and Christina streets.

"We are humbled, honoured and grateful for this gift that Judith and Norman have provided to the community," said Lambton County Warden Steve Arnold. "The Alix's have shown great vision and confidence in this important project. The entire community now, and long into the future, will certainly be appreciative of their generosity."

Judith and Norman Alix are long time residents of Sarnia, where they established their business, Steeplejack Services in 1977. With a love of their community, an interest in the arts and an appreciation for the gallery project, they decided to leave a legacy and help build the community's public art gallery.

"We have a keen appreciation for every aspect of this project," said Norman Alix. "We believe the art gallery project is already revitalizing the downtown core, we appreciate that the building's historical façade will remain intact, and we are grateful that we can contribute to a permanent home for our community's impressive and priceless art collection."

This new $1.5 lead donor gift brings total fundraising contributions to $2.5 million. The Campaign Team plans to raise an additional $1 million from within the community over the next year. A variety of naming opportunities remain, including exhibition spaces, a lecture theatre, volunteer workroom, an art studio and the beautiful heritage staircase. The money raised through fundraising will contribute to both capital construction costs and the establishment of an endowment fund.

"An endowment fund is a necessity for a Gallery that has a permanent collection as it provides funding for its ongoing growth and care," said Lisa Daniels, Curator-Supervisor, Gallery Lambton.


The new $9.1 million Art Gallery of Lambton is currently under construction and is making steady progress toward its completion. The project involves maintaining the existing brick façade of the historic "Thom Building", while building a new art gallery behind the façade. As a Category A Art Gallery with enhanced storage, climate and lighting controls, the new art gallery will be in a position to secure touring exhibits from other regional and national galleries.