This year, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery marks its 45th anniversary. That’s 45 years of celebrating the creative work of artists in our community, our region, and across Canada. Through close to 900 exhibitions, we’ve shared art that is beautiful, sometimes provocative, and always meaningful.
They say that art helps us to imagine who we are as a community. It was community support that built the Art Gallery and that allows us to continue as a vibrant part of Thunder Bay – 45 years on. We think that’s worth celebrating.
There are over 1600 works in our permanent collection, many by artists from Northwestern Ontario. We are proud to own and share significant works by Norval Morrisseau, Benjamin Chee Chee, Daphne Odjig, Christi Belcourt, Roy Thomas, Ruth Tye McKenzie and Susan Ross, to name a few. Exceptional art by any standard, right here in Thunder Bay.
Every year, hundreds of school children visit the Gallery and discover how art can fire their imagination. Our popular tour/workshop program makes artmaking fun and accessible. Children, youth, and their teachers leave with new skills and ideas for learning through art.
As we celebrate 45 years, so much is yet to come. Our work continues on the New Waterfront Gallery this award-winning state-of-the-art facility will usher in an exciting new era for honouring and sharing the artistic expression of our community and region.
This is your invitation to be part of the creative story. Join us as we continue to celebrate our past while looking forward to the future. Visit our safe gallery spaces and be inspired. Thunder Bay Art Gallery – ‘see yourself here’.
— Sharon Godwin, Director
Thunder Bay Art Gallery