The Etobicoke Art Group was formed in November, 1951, when a few Etobicoke residents met with representatives of the Extension Department of the Art Gallery of Toronto, now the A.G.O. to discuss ways “to further the best interests of art, particularly in Etobicoke, by the mutual and co-operative efforts of its members”.

In its first years, EAG met in members' homes, local buildings and school auditoriums holding classes wherever space was available.  Our first children's classes were held in schools on Saturdays with our volunteer Chair for children's classes (and founding member) Alice Rycroft going from school to school to make sure things were running smoothly.

In 1970 the executive became aware that a local building " The Willows" might be available. The Willows was originally a privately owned summer cottage, with three small bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living room. After the adjoining land became part of the Borough's Administration, it was used for many years as a private nursing residence for two or three patients. Then it was left vacant sitting at the edge of Neilson Park.

One EAG member who regularly wrote for local newspapers, Vera Halhed, challenged Etobicoke's Council  and Parks and Recreation department to put it to good use as an Arts Centre. In 1971 approval was given for the building to be used by The Etobicoke Art Group.  From 1971 until 1992, classes were held at “The Willows”. The living room area was the main studio and track lights were installed across the room. A basement  room was finished and used as a studio for the children's classes.

Conditions of using the building included paying the taxes on the building and keeping it tenanted, but with occasional support from the Borough and then the City in the form of  operating grants. Classes were always conducted  around the tenant's schedule. Exterior repairs were done by Parks and Recreation. Internal repairs and cleaning were the responsibility of the group.

As time passed the building aged. Finally the basement studio was declared unsafe by the fire department and it bacame obvious that the ongoing cost of maintenance would exceed a reasonable level for the usefulness of the building. 

Luckily for The Etobicoke Art Group, the Parks and Recreation capital budget included a reserve for replacing the building. It was EAG's job to prove that the building was needed and that it had community support.

In co-operation with the Etobicoke Quilters' Guild, Etobicoke Handweavers and Spinners Guild, Humber Valley Art Club and the newly formed Heritage Rugcrafters, the EAG members proved that this purpose-built arts facility was really needed. In September 1992, The Etobicoke Art Group was the first of the art clubs to move into the newly opened Neilson Park Creative Centre.

By February, 1993 the facility was ready for its official launch and opening by Etobicoke Mayor Bruce Sinclair.

Today programs offered by The Etobicoke Art Group are held in Studio B at Neilson Park Creative Centre at 56 Neilson Drive. Studio B is a spacious studio with both natural and adjustable artificial lighting.   Our lecture programs are held in Studio A and our exhibitions in The Gallery and Hallway Gallery.