Designed and constructed by Dauphin architect Stuart Geekie, the Watson Art Centre has been a part of Dauphin’s skyline since 1905.
The Romanesque Revival-style building was slated for demolition in the early 1970s until the Dauphin and District Allied Arts Council (DDAAC), organized by local dentist Dr. Vernon L. Watson, lobbied to save it and take over management.
The centre of Dauphin’s art scene and a meeting place ever since, it houses an art gallery, art and pottery studios, a ballet room, meeting rooms and a ball room. In 1985 the centre was officially renamed after Dr. Watson.
Home to the Made in the Parkland store, the Watson is the best place in Dauphin for one-of-kind gifts and merchandise from local artisans.
The centre also features an online product store through Art Of Where, with designs created from original artworks donated to DDAAC.
The Watson Art Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website: watsonartcentre.com