Lawrence House Centre for the Arts
Lawrence House Centre for the Arts is a community arts centre in Sarnia-Lambton that presents rotating visual art exhibitions and juried shows, hosts intimate concerts and open-mic nights in its Turret Room, and offers workshops and artist demonstrations. The centre operates a curated artisan gift shop and publishes the digital literary journal Uproar, which it launches with readings and themed public events.
🕰️ Organization Hours:
Last updated on Feb 22nd, 2026
Recent Activity
Carmen Ziolkowski Poetry Prize
The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts is accepting submissions for the fifth annual Carmen Ziolkowski Poetry Prize through May 15, 2026, with $500 for first place and publication in the Uproar Literary Blog. Entry fees are $10 for up to three poems or $5 for members, and a spoken word event to honor winners is planned for August 7.
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May newsletter preview exhibition, artist spotlight, and upcoming events
The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts published its May newsletter on 2026-05-02 with a preview of The Lambton County High School Art Show and an artist spotlight on member Wilma Mehl. The newsletter also notes Mehl has work in the Paint Ontario Exhibition in Grand Bend and lists upcoming events at Lawrence House, with the full PDF available at the provided link.
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High School Art Show exhibition
The Lambton County High School Art Show at the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts opened on Sarnia First Friday and runs through May 28, 2026. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with photos shared of three young artists and their work.
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Carmen Ziolkowski Poetry Prize — submission deadline and entry details
The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts is accepting submissions for the fifth annual Carmen Ziolkowski Poetry Prize, seeking heartfelt, nature based, hopeful poems through May 15, 2026. Entry costs $10 for up to three poems or $5 for members; full submission details are on the official entry page.
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Postponement of student awards reception and building hours notice
Following a tragic shooting at Lambton College, the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts has postponed its student awards reception to Friday, April 17, 2026. The Lawrence House will remain open to the public this evening until 9:00 PM for students and faculty who wish to gather; the announcement is signed by Leonard Segall, Chair of the Board of Directors.
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Arts Collective Exhibition Opening
The Lambton College Arts Collective Exhibition Opening takes place at the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts on April 10, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring photography by graduating students, pottery from the Ceramics Studio, awards at 7:00 PM, and a piano performance by John Pilat from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM. This First Friday showcase highlights student work in a community gallery setting and includes an awards presentation mid evening.
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From Thought to Final Form Fibre Art Exhibition
The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts hosts in person felting demonstrations by Patti Cook and Sharon Fraser at the From Thought to Final Form Fibre Art Exhibition on March 14 from 1 to 3 PM in the main gallery. Watch detailed felting techniques up close and bring your questions for the artists during the two hour session.
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Exhibition visiting hours and online links
Lawrence House Centre for the Arts is open for in person exhibition visits Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, through February 27, 2026, and offers online viewing and a shop for the Floyd Gibson 2026 collection. Visit the gallery website or the collection page to browse works or purchase if you cannot make an in person visit.
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Night of music with local musicians
Lawrence House Centre for the Arts hosts a Night of music with local musicians on Friday, February 20 at 7:00 PM, featuring Mike Blackmore, Daniel Murphy, and Brian Hynes. Tickets can be ordered at lawrencehouse.ca or bought in person during box office hours, and seating is limited so reserve soon.
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Open Stage cancelled tonight
Lawrence House Centre for the Arts announced that tonight's Open Stage is cancelled in a brief post on February 16, 2026, which also included a Family Day greeting. No reschedule or time details were provided, so check the centre's official channels for updates.
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Floyd Gibson Juried Show
The annual Floyd Gibson Juried Show returns to the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts from February 6 to February 27, 2026, showcasing juried work by local artists across Lambton County.
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Floyd Gibson Show Submission Deadline
The submission deadline for the Floyd Gibson Show is midnight on January 29, 2026, with winners announced on February 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
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Kathryn Rydgren's Poetry Works
Explore the powerful poetry of Kathryn Rydgren, featured in the Ceasefire Journal From Gaza, and experience her dynamic spoken word performances at local events.
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The Wulf Pack Performance
Join The Wulf Pack for a captivating jazz performance on January 25th, 2026, at the Lawrence House Turret Room, featuring jazz standards from across the century.
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The Wulf Pack Performance
Join the Wulf Pack for a captivating jazz performance on January 25th, 2026, at the Lawrence House Turret Room, featuring talented musicians playing jazz standards.
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Children's Experiences in Refugee Camp
The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts presents 'Children's Experiences in Refugee Camp', highlighting the art and letters from children living in refugee camps, emphasizing their struggles and resilience.
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Groove Cartel House Concert
Join us for the Groove Cartel House Concert on January 16th, 2026, at the Turret Room, featuring original instrumental works for just $14!
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Open Stage Tonight
Join us for Open Stage Tonight at the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts on January 12, 2026, hosted by Annette Dillon, featuring a free evening of comedy!
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Annual Floyd Gibson Juried Exhibition
The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts invites artists to submit their work for the Annual Floyd Gibson Juried Exhibition, with a submission deadline of January 29, 2026.
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Ceasefire: A Journal From Gaza
The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts launches 'Ceasefire: A Journal From Gaza', featuring personal narratives and artistic expressions from those affected by the Gaza conflict.
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Ceasefire: A Journal From Gaza Launch Event
Join us at the Lawrence House on January 2nd, 2026, for the launch of 'Ceasefire: A Journal From Gaza', featuring readings, music, art, and Palestinian food.
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Gift Shop Sale
Join us at Lawrence House Centre for the Arts on December 24 for a Gift Shop Sale with a 10% discount on all items, perfect for last-minute holiday shopping!
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Last Minute Shopping Discount
Join us at Lawrence House Centre for the Arts on December 24 for last-minute shopping with a 10% discount on all gift shop items!
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10% Off Holiday Shopping at Lawrence House
Enjoy a 10% discount on holiday shopping at the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts on December 24, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM!
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Digital Journal Launch Collaboration
Lawrence House Centre for the Arts is collaborating with Sarnians4Palestine to launch a digital journal focused on Gaza, promoting community engagement and cultural awareness.
