Art Books 1983 – 2026

Exhibitions come and go, but art books are forever. Since opening in 1976, Thunder Bay Art Gallery has punched above its weight in Canadian art publishing. Over the years, the Gallery has created a historically significant library of art books and exhibition catalogues that serve as a record of exhibitions and artists in Northern Ontario that have changed Canadian art history, such as early solo exhibitions by artists Carl Beam (b. 1943 – d. 2005), Susan Ross (b. 1915.d. 2006), and Roy Thomas, (b. 1949 – d. 2004) or little-known regional juried shows that included early works by Anishinaabe artist Rebecca Belmore. Every page contributes to our collective history in Northern Ontario.

Art Books 1983-2026 presents a selection of art books published by the Gallery and works for the collection, serving as a living resource for artists, curators, researchers, and, most importantly, art lovers. As part of this legacy, we will launch a new publication during this exhibition. This exhibition is part of the Gallery’s programming celebrating our 50^th anniversary.

Talking Collection: Art Books + Book Launch for Copper Thunderbird Survives with Help of Water Spirits (2026)

Thursday 19, November

6:30 – 8:30 pm

Thunder Bay Art Gallery

FREE and Open to All

Light Refreshments Served

Talking Collection is a new, accessible tour through the Gallery’s exhibitions. With a casual cinq à sept vibe, this social event is hosted by a selection of artists, curators, historians and others who share insights into exhibitions, artworks, projects, and our permanent collection. The Gallery’s collection is alive, historically significant, and growing. Step behind the scenes of Art Books 1983-2026, an exhibition celebrating the Gallery’s storied history of art publishing. 

Talking Collection hosts: 

Janet Clark, former Curator of Thunder Bay Art Gallery, on the Susan Ross (b. 1915 – d. 2006) artist experience and impact of the 1994 exhibition and publication celebrating one of Thunder Bay’s most well-known artists: Susan Ross: Painting is a Way of Life – A Retrospective Exhibition. 

Louise Thomas, owner of Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, introduces a new short film, Honour of the Paintbrush (2026, 8 mins), celebrating the life and work of her late husband, Roy Thomas (b. 1949 – d. 2004), and their life together. She looks back at the major retrospective exhibition and publication, Vision Circle: The Art of Roy Thomas, A Retrospective Exhibition (2012). 

 Bob Gravelle, MarComs Coordinator at Thunder Bay Art Gallery, shares the design story behind the Gallery’s latest publication: a thoughtfully designed, accordion-style book celebrating a historic donation of works by Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau (b. 1932 – d. 2007). Let’s launch this beauty.