For nearly
100 years, Niagara Pumphouse provided Niagara-on-the-Lake with its
water. Today, the
only water passing through its walls are the watercolors hanging on the
walls.
Rather than fall to the wrecker's ball, as
it seemed resigned to for a
few uncertain years, the '90s have given the Pumphouse a new life and a
new purpose. Since 1994, the Niagara Pumphouse Visual Art Centre has
given the town's artists - both professional and amateur - common
ground to meet, chat and work. Perched by the river on Ricardo Street,
next to Navy Hall, the Pumphouse appeared doomed in the '80s when it
was closed and donated to the city. The city was pleased, but couldn't
find a use for it. It stood vacant for 11 years, steadily deteriorating.
In 1990, a group of residents started renting space in the building for
art classes, leading to a campaign to transform the Pumphouse into a
full-blown arts centre. Affording it was another matter - the
price tag was $750,000.
It started with a $230,000 donation by the Walker Broyhers. The
province chipped in with $197,000. Fundraising was needed for the huge
remainder, and the biggest donors have plaques with their names near
the front door.
Restoration began in 1993, and took a year to complete. Much of the
original Victorian brick remains, while inside are bright studio
spaces. One of the original pumps, painted and restored, sits in the
garden enclosure outside. Air conditioning was installed, a piano was
donated, and the walls are alive with artwork. Pumphouse is a natural
fit with Niagara-on-the-Lake. Drawing on the rich artistic talent in
the area, it features many monthly exhibits and classes for children
and adults and it's an ideal spot to pick up a brush and do some art or
to just buy one for your business or home.
Note: Income from memberships, exhibition
sales and class fees
cannot cover their expenses, so please help them out with your donation
or buy some art.
