For the next five years, at least, the Joyner Gallery, a year-round exhibition space at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, will continue to bear Geoffrey and Lorraine Joyner’s name.
The Pumphouse announced on Aug. 18 that the couple has renewed a $25,000 gift, securing the naming rights until 2030.
Geoffrey said the pair hopes the name remains on the gallery “long after we’re not around.”
“It’s a privilege,” he said in an interview.
“We feel that the Pumphouse deserves all the help that it can get — financially and other ways — and this was our opportunity to make a commitment.”
Pumphouse spokesperson Aimee Medina said the funds will mainly support the gallery, which features local artists and those from outside the community. Some will also go toward operational expenses.
The naming rights were first offered to the Joyners in 2020 and structured as a five-year agreement, which the couple accepted by way of a $25,000 donation.
This year marked the first renewal period and the Joyners were given the first right to renew.
“We sort of jumped at the opportunity,” Geoffrey said, contributing another $25,000 to keep their name on the gallery.
“We never hesitated.”
The Joyners will receive first right of renewal in 2030. If they decline, Medina said the naming rights would be offered to other donors or sponsors.
But Geoffrey said he and Lorraine intend to renew again and again — for as long as they’re able to.
“Seeing our name there, whenever we pop by for an opening or an exhibition — we think back and think, well, it makes us feel good,” he said.
“There will probably come a point when we make an allowance or an endowment.”
In 1990, the couple bought a home in NOTL and in 1994, the Pumphouse site was converted into an arts centre — “since then, they’ve been supporting,” Medina said.
“By way of monetary and also volunteering — they’ve donated significantly,” she added.
“Cumulatively, I don’t have that number.”
A former president of Sotheby’s of Canada, Geoffrey went on to launch his own art consultancy and auction firm, Joyner Fine Art Ltd., in 1985.
Drawing on that experience, the couple helped organize one of the Pumphouse’s early charity auctions — “one of the very first things that we were involved with in Niagara-on-the-Lake,” he said.
Little did they know, they would become lifetime members, drawn by the range of programs and the dedication of staff and volunteers, Geoffrey said.
“It’s a really well-run organization and that makes a big difference when you’re contributing or donating a certain amount of money,” he said. “When you have that, it’s so much easier to work with people.”
“We have nothing but praise for the Pumphouse people,” he added.
The Joyners “love to get involved with cultural activities and programs,” Geoffrey said, pointing to their support for the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, RiverBrink Art Museum, Willowbank school, the Wilderness and more.
A plaque recognizing the couple is displayed in the gallery. Details on upcoming exhibitions and programs can be found at niagarapumphouse.ca.
