Community Profile

April 23, 2025

For Suzanne Allain and Mike Siska, art is more than just something to be admired—it’s a form of connection, healing, and legacy. As longtime supporters of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, their commitment to its capital project is a reflection of their deepest values: community, sustainability, and mental well-being.

Now, with the gallery’s transformation underway, they see a brighter, more inclusive future for Thunder Bay—one where art and nature come together on the shores of Lake Superior, offering a world-class cultural destination for locals and visitors alike.

A Deep-Rooted Connection to Art

Suzanne and Mike’s love of art has been woven through their personal and professional lives. Both come from families where creativity was nurtured—Suzanne’s and Mike’s mothers were painters, and their daughter has carried that passion forward, pursuing Indigenous Studies and art. The couple’s home is adorned with pieces from local Indigenous artists, and they have spent years immersing themselves in the Woodland Art movement.

For Mike, this connection runs even deeper. His uncles were involved in Toronto and Ottawa’s art scenes in the 1970s, one of whom was a close friend of renowned Indigenous artist Benjamin Chee Chee. His admiration for Woodland Art and Norval Morrisseau’s legacy has only grown over time. “With Woodland style, it’s also a method of the legends being shared with us,” he reflects. “At one point, that might have been contentious, but now it’s a great way to learn about our local history from Indigenous people.”

Art, for Suzanne, is both a personal passion and a tool for education and social reflection. “Seeing my mother paint and seeing her encourage me to paint and going to galleries with her as a child has instilled that interest. As adults we’ve been fortunate to be able to travel extensively and see art in various parts of the world. The galleries and religious institutions of a place say so much about the history and culture,” she shares. That sentiment is something they’ve passed down to their children, who themselves have begun collecting local Indigenous pieces.

Investing in the Future of the Arts

The couple’s involvement with the Thunder Bay Art Gallery spans over three decades. From attending lectures and exhibitions to enrolling their children in art programs, they have always believed in the gallery’s role as a vital community resource. However, they also recognized the limitations of its location on the college campus.

“The gallery is wonderful, but it isn’t always easily accessible,” Suzanne explains. “It’s tucked away, and many people—especially tourists or those without vehicles—never had the chance to engage with it. I am glad it’ll be in a spot that’s accessible to tourists who’ll likely want to come to the waterfront or people who might be coming by boat or cruise ship. It’ll be not only a place of art but a place of gathering. The plans include spaces for community events, for a cafe, for art related activities that will be a benefit not just to thunder bay citizens but people in the region and people who are visiting.

With its new prime location along Lake Superior, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery will be an open and welcoming destination, attracting residents, tourists, and cruise ship passengers who step off their vessels to be greeted by breathtaking views of the Sleeping Giant and a vibrant cultural hub.

Suzanne and Mike’s donation has secured the naming of the outdoor café support column, a structural and symbolic feature of the gallery’s new home. Just as that column will support the space, Suzanne and Mike’s contribution will help uphold the arts for generations to come.

Sustainability & Revitalization: A Shared Vision

Suzanne and Mike have always made sustainability a core value in their lives. From riding bikes to work to driving electric cars and maintaining a garden on their property, their choices reflect a deep commitment to the environment. Their daughter’s pursuit of Environmental Studies for her master’s degree further reinforced this belief, inspiring them to support projects that align with a greener future.

“The waterfront was once an industrial zone—unused and, in some places, toxic,” Suzanne recalls. “To see it now, being transformed into a thriving public space where art, nature, and sustainability coexist, is something I never could have imagined when I moved here.”

The new Thunder Bay Art Gallery is part of this bold revitalization effort, supported by a $19.6 million investment from the Green Inclusive Community Fund. With its zero-carbon design, energy-efficient lighting, ventilation, and insulation, it sets a new standard for environmentally conscious architecture in Northern Ontario.

Mike, who has witnessed the waterfront’s evolution firsthand as an avid paddler, has been deeply moved by its transformation. “I’ve been lucky enough to paddle on Lake Superior for over 15 years,” he says. “Back then, the mills were still running, and you could hear the noise. Then everything shut down, and it was quiet—but it didn’t feel right. Now, watching the harbour come back to life, seeing the new art gallery rise—it’s incredible. This is what visitors will see first when they arrive, and it will leave a lasting impression.”

Art as a Resource for Healing

For Suzanne, a psychiatrist, and Mike, who works with the Canadian Mental Health Association, the intersection of art and mental well-being is undeniable. They have seen firsthand how creativity can serve as an outlet for healing, expression, and connection—particularly for those facing personal struggles or financial hardship.

“This new location makes the gallery far more accessible to people who may not have sought it out before,” Suzanne explains. “I already take my patients for walks at the marina, and I often bring them to the site to see the progress. The excitement is palpable.”

Mike envisions Canadian Mental Health Association clients utilizing the space as a sanctuary—whether for quiet reflection, creative inspiration, or simply as a place to be present. “Art can be healing in so many ways,” he says. “This is going to be a space that people can rely on—a place where they can experience something beautiful and uplifting, even during difficult times.”

A Lasting Impact

Suzanne and Mike’s donation is more than a financial contribution—it’s a promise to the future of Thunder Bay. They believe this gallery will inspire new generations, attract cultural tourism, and serve as a gathering place for art, learning, and community building.

“We’ve always loved Thunder Bay, and we encourage people to visit,” Suzanne says. “This will just be another reason for them to come and see it.”

Their hope is that others will see the gallery’s potential and join them in supporting it. “It’s a win-win—it’s going to be such a great thing for the city, and we really want to be a part of that,” Mike adds.

Now, as the new Thunder Bay Art Gallery continues to take shape, there are still opportunities for donors to leave their mark through naming opportunities and contributions. Every donation—big or small—helps build a lasting legacy of art, sustainability, and community.

Join Suzanne and Mike in shaping Thunder Bay’s cultural future. Visit the link below to contribute to the Giant Step capital campaign today.

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