Remember This? How an art gallery was formed

From the archives of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library:

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Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area has some of the most beautiful scenery and it is this scenery that has attracted many artists throughout the years as they try to capture even a little of it for others to appreciate. 

The natural beauty of the forests, waterfalls and numerous lakes and rivers has been the subject of many a painting or photograph. 

The Group of Seven are probably among the most well-known artists to visit the area during the early part of the twentieth century.  

As the appreciation for the work of these artists grew, it eventually led to a need for some way to display these works of art so that the community would be able to appreciate them as well. 

Small local art shows were held in a variety of spaces including the former Centennial Meeting Room at the Centennial Library. 

This was a favourite spot for many art shows. Unfortunately a lack of space at the library forced the closure and redesign of this space during the early 1990’s forcing many artists to find new venues.

In the fall of 1974, a group of people interested in the development of the artistic community formed a Board of Directors with the goal of developing the Art Gallery of Algoma. 

During the next two years, this group organized shows that were held at the Old Stone House and the newly opened Civic Centre to promote both local and out of town artists. The success of these shows demonstrated the need for a permanent facility so a fundraising campaign was organized.  

The first permanent location for an art gallery opened at 421 Bay Street (in the Station Tower) on June 30th, 1976. 

While at this location, the art gallery was finally able to establish programs, exhibitions, create art classes for both children and adults and offer educational seminars for those who were interested in pursuing their interest in art. It would be four years before the Art Gallery would have its own building.  

By 1978, City Council selected a site next door to the Centennial Library in Clergue Park as the future home of the Art Gallery. 

From the archives of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library

Local architect, R.V.B. Burgoyne, came up with a design that would be a “people centre” featuring distinctive diagonal roof lines and large two-storey windows in the lobby. 

The building would be 10,000 square feet and have both exhibition and educational space.  A small gallery gift shop was included in the design.  Construction began in September 1979 and a year later, the doors opened to the public in September of 1980. 

Since its opening there have been some renovations to the space, including the moving and redesign of the Gift Shop and office space.  

Michael Burtch served as the Director-Curator for 27 years before retiring from this position in 2008. 

Dr. Curtis Collins joined the Art Gallery of Algoma as the new Director in April of 2009.  During the next two years, he oversaw upgrades to the facility before announcing his departure in November of 2010.  The Gallery’s third Director, Jasmina Jovanovic, joined the Art Gallery of Algoma in August 2011 and has continued to find ways to advance the profile of the Art Gallery to the community during the past five years.  

Did you know that there are more than 5,000 items in their permanent collection which include paintings and sculptures by many well-known artists? 

As stated on their website, their Mission is ‘Celebrating culture, educating visitors and enriching lives through the visual art.’ 

However, as is the case for many facilities dedicated to the advancement of the arts in their communities, the success of the Art Gallery of Algoma has been due the loyal staff and in large part to the dedication and support of their volunteers and donors throughout the years who have worked together to make the Art Gallery of Algoma a rich repository and display area for the wealth of art in our community.  

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Each week, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and its Archives provides SooToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.

Find out more of what the Public Library has to offer at www.ssmpl.ca and look for more Remember This? columns here