Donate

Donations of Art and Artifacts

Part of our mission is the preservation and collection of Homer and Phoebe Watson’s art and heritage of their lives, as well as that of the Doon School of Fine Arts.

Homer Watson House & Gallery greatly appreciates donations of art, artifacts, and archival material for our permanent collection. Based on our collections policy, offers must have an association with Homer Watson, Phoebe Watson, the Doon School of Fine Arts, or 1754 Old Mill Road.

The following considerations are taken into account when Homer Watson House & Gallery is deliberating accepting artworks, artifacts, or archival materials:

  • HWHG must have the available resources to acquire, document, preserve, store, and exhibit items.
  • Opportunities for use, exhibition, research, and items not already well represented in the collection.
  • Condition – items that are in bad shape or actively deteriorating can pose a risk to other objects in the collection or to staff.
  • Cultural sensitivity.
  • The item’s authenticity and provenance can be reliably proven.
  • There are no restrictions on the item’s use or disposition.
  • Compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
Homer Watson, Landscape at Doon. c.1880. Oil on canvas.
HWHG Permanent Collection.

Landscape at Doon was generously donated by the MacFadden family. We gratefully acknowledge their contribution to preserving the legacy of Homer Watson and the cultural heritage of Doon. Landscape at Doon is currently on display at Homer Watson House & Gallery in the Watson Studio.

FAQs 

Can HWHG purchase artwork?
HWHG does not have an allocated budget for purchasing items for the collection and accepts items as donations.  

Can HWHG do appraisals?  
HWHG does not conduct appraisals/monetary evaluations and cannot offer any specific recommendations for appraisers due to conflict of interest concerns. Browsing the Canadian Chapter of the International Society of Appraisers is a good place to start your search if you are looking for appraisal services.  

Can I lend artwork to HWHG?  
HWHG currently only accepts loans for the purpose of specific events or exhibitions, and no longer accepts long-term or permanent loans.  

Scroll to Top

The Loch Doon area was memorialized in celebrated Scottish poet, Robert Burns piece “Ye banks and braes O’ bonnie Doon”

Ye banks and braes o’ bonny Doon,
How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair?
How can ye chant, ye little birds,
And I sae weary fu’ o’ care?
Thou’lt break my heart, thou warbling bird,
That wantons thro’ the flowering thorn:
Thou minds me o’ departed joys,
Departed, never to return.

Aft hae I rov’d by bonnie Doon,
To see the rose and woodbine twine;
And ilka bird sang o’ its love,
And fondly sae did I o’ mine.
Wi’ lightsome heart I pu’d a rose,
Fu’ sweet upon its thorny tree;
And my fause lover stole my rose,
But, ah! he left the thorn wi’ me.

Bring a Friend Promo:
Use Promo code:
BAF2025 at checkout

10% off

Art Programs when you sign up for 2 people at the same time!

Looking for a fun and creative way to spend time with your friends? Sign up for one of our art programs together during our Bring a Friend promotion and receive an extra 10% off your HWHG (minimum 2 people) program registration!

  • Offer valid on HWHG program registrations from Jan 1 through Dec 31, 2025.
  • Includes Children’s Art Programs, Adult Art Programs, Family Programs, Day School and Art Camps.
  • Excludes birthday party bookings, field trip bookings, open studio program, and memberships.
  • No adjustments on previous purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent.
Both registrations must be done through one account and on one transaction for the discount to be applied.