Photo Credit: From left to right
Ashleigh Oke, MacLaren Art Centre Operations Director, Margaret Driscoll, Albarrie CEO, Kevin Horner, Albarrie Vice President, Andrea Araujo, MacLaren Art Centre Development Officer
Barrie, ON – September 19, 2025 – The MacLaren Art Centre is thrilled to announce a generous donation from the Albarrie Foundation, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting artists and community development in the region. This gift will directly enhance the Gallery’s programs, providing children, youth, and emerging artists with opportunities to explore their creative potential.
Founded in 1983 and based in Barrie, Albarrie is a global leader in developing and manufacturing advanced technical felts that help protect our air, land, and water. The company’s innovative products, including industrial air filtration fabrics, environmentally friendly material handling solutions, and oil-reactive spill containment technologies, are designed to replace harmful alternatives and reduce environmental impacts across industries. Albarrie’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and mentorship continues to shape both industrial progress and creative growth in the community.
In 2015, Albarrie’s current CEO, Margaret Driscoll, invited a young Studio Arts student to create an installation for the company’s main floor boardroom, highlighting the industrial textiles Albarrie produces. Before the commission, Vice President Kevin Horner guided the student through the facility, explaining materials and production processes. That early commission, which helped shape the career of Andrea Araujo – now Development Officer at the MacLaren – remains a powerful testament to how Albarrie’s support continues to share the future paths of emerging artists.
“When I was a student, Albarrie invested in my abilities and gave me opportunities to grow,” says Andrea Araujo. “This donation is not only generous, but it gives young people at the MacLaren the chance to explore their creativity and potential. Albarrie’s commitment to nurturing talent is longstanding and inspirational for others in the community.”
Ten years later, Albarrie continues its steadfast support for creative people in the region, culminating in this final gift to the MacLaren Art Centre.
“Supporting our community has always been at the heart of our company’s values,” said Margaret Driscoll. “Our original founders believed that a long-term vision is key to our success. Our current teams and leadership groups have carried on with the same mantra, with a commitment to giving back locally – we are proud to continue this legacy. It is especially meaningful that Andrea Araujo assisted Albarrie with a display that explains to visitors what Albarrie does, what it manufactures. She is now a Development Officer at the MacLaren Art Centre, and it was only natural that Albarrie give back and support the MacLaren’s efforts, bringing this partnership full circle.”
The Albarrie Foundation’s gift will support the MacLaren Art Centre’s mission to deliver contemporary visual art and educational programs to connect diverse communities and partners. The Gallery extends heartfelt thanks to Margaret, Kevin, and the Albarrie Foundation for their unwavering support of artists and arts education in the region.
“This generous donation is a testament to mentorship, vision, and the transformative power of the arts,” says Ashleigh Oke, Operations Director at the MacLaren Art Centre. “What began as a spark of creativity for one student now helps nurture the next generation of artists and cultural leaders.”
This contribution from the Albarrie Foundation marks the closing chapter of a legacy of generosity, innovation, and belief in the power of the arts to inspire and uplift the community.
For more information about how to donate to the MacLaren Art Centre, visit https://maclarenart.com/donate.
Media Contact:
Andrea Araujo
Development Officer
MacLaren Art Centre
andrea@maclarenart.com
705-720-1044 ext. 236
About Albarrie:
Albarrie is a Barrie-based manufacturer of advanced nonwoven textiles used in environmental and industrial applications. A family-owned business, Albarrie is committed to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, where they develop cutting-edge materials while supporting local initiatives through the Albarrie Foundation.
