The Elliot Lake Art Gallery marked its 10-year anniversary with an open house this afternoon at its new location at 152 Ontario Avenue at the rear of the Sticks and Stones retail store.
“We are celebrating our 10th anniversary,” artist Murray Finn told a group of artists and gallery supporters at the open house. “It was 10 years ago in June the gallery opened in the civic centre. There have been in the past 10 years, I would estimate, about 60 artists that have been in the gallery, some for a short period of time, some for a longer period of time.”
“It’s been a good turnover, lots of activity,” he added.
The gallery was forced to move after the civic centre roof collapse in February forced the closure of the building. The new location opened up in June.
Mayor Dan Marchisella attended the open house to present gallery members with a certificate recognizing the anniversary.
“On behalf of the city of Elliot Lake I’d like to congratulate you for 10 years of commitment to the Elliot Lake community,” the mayor said acknowledging the work of artists and volunteers who have worked at the gallery. “We hope that you will continue to be successful for years to come.”
Artist Linda Finn thanked the city for its support in getting the gallery going, providing grants and assisting with grant applications.
“All along the way the city has supported us,” she said both financially, referring to subsidize rental of facilities within the civic centre.
Murray Finn told those attending that the gallery plans a special exhibit of angel-themed pieces to be sold as gifts prior to the Christmas season.
The gallery’s business hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.