Art gallery honours one of its founders

Sudbury artist Ivan Wheale remembers when the Bell Mansion — now better known as the Art Gallery of Sudbury — was just a big, old house in poor repair.

“The roof was leaking, the walls were wet, and it was mouldy,” he said. But Wheale saw the building's potential, and along with other local artists, he raised thousands of dollars to get the new art gallery — which officially opened in 1968 — up and running.

He was actually offered the position of the art gallery's first curator, a job he eventually turned down.

But Wheale has remained involved in the organization throughout his life, fundraising and donating several of his own works to the gallery's permanent collection.

During the Art Gallery of Sudbury's annual general meeting Oct. 21, Wheale was made the gallery's first honourary fellow, recognizing his long-standing contributions to the organization.

“Ivan has been such an important contributor to the art gallery for more than 40 years,” said the gallery's executive director, Karen Tait-Peacock.

“It was just time to recognize him as someone who's not only an artist, but also such a wonderful individual.”

It “felt fantastic” to be honoured by the gallery he helped to start so many years ago, Wheale said.

He said he's proud of how far the gallery has come, especially when he sees children enjoying arts programming at the facility.

“I think what a great place,” Wheale told those gathered to watch him receive the honour, with emotion evident in his voice.

The artist, who was born in Sunderland, England in 1934, said he's always had a penchant for art, but decided to quit his day job and become a professional painter in the 1960s, after seeing an exhibit of Van Gogh's paintings.

“My wife was pregnant at the time,” he said.

“It wasn't really the right time to quit my job. My wife said 'You're not going to be happy if you don't try, and if it doesn't work, get back to work.' It worked out, it's been great ever since.”

Throughout his career, Wheale has had nearly 100 solo exhibitions. His work hangs in 42 public and corporate collections, including the Royal Collection and the Dean's Collection at Windsor Castle in England and the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa.

Those who want to see Wheale's work should go to Artists on Elgin during the month of November, where there's an exhibition of his recent paintings. An opening reception takes place starting at 1 p.m. Nov. 8.