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Through the efforts of its volunteers and staff, the Alex Dufresne Gallery achieves its mission by exhibiting local artists residing within a 50km radius of Callander. The Gallery also organizes educational programs to stimulate knowledge and interest in the visual arts.15
Installation view of one of the student based exhibition conducted by the Alex Dufresne Gallery2010
Callander, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Alex Dufresne Gallery
16
The Gallery presents approximately six exhibitions each year consisting of both group and solo shows, and operates in accordance with professional museum and gallery standards and practices. There is also a gift shop located at the entrance of the building where visitors can purchase local artworks and souvenirs.17
Tim Gravelle receiving a haircut from Alex Dufresne.1940's - 50's
Callander, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Alex Dufresne Gallery
18
Alex Dufresne was a local barber with a passion for the preservation of local history. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the Callander Bay Heritage Museum (originally known as the North Himsworth Museum), and much of the museum's original collection came from his private collection. The site chosen for the museum was the former home of Dr. Allan Roy Dafoe, the world famous country doctor of the Dionne Quintuplets. After a call out to local residents for donations of historic value, the renovation of the house, and the documentation and preservation of the donations the museum finally opened its doors in the summer of 1982. Unfortunately, Alex Dufresne passed away before the museum held its grand opening.19
Installation view of gallery space at the Alex Dufresne Gallery2009
Callander, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Alex Dufresne Gallery
20
For 13 years the museum opened its doors every week, showcasing its historic treasures and helping to catalogue other collections. In 1994 an extension was added to the original building to be used as an art gallery. It was named the Alex Dufresne Gallery in honour of the man whose generous contributions to the founding of the museum started it all.21
Installation view of "Spinning and Weaving," 2010, Alex Dufresne Gallery2010
Callander, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Alex Dufresne Gallery
22
Over the next 12 years the space was used to have themed museum exhibits and other events, but was not primarily used as a "gallery" until 2006 when an exhibition was staged as part of a museum promotion.23
Installation view of Alex Dufresne Gallery2009
Callander, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Alex Dufresne Gallery
24
Since then the Alex Dufresne Gallery has hosted some fantastic exhibitions, including the very successful Native Art and Story Telling exhibition in the spring of 2007. The grand opening included a smudging ceremony with traditional drummers and ran for 3 months.25
Installation view of Alex Dufresne Gallery2009
Callander, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Alex Dufresne Gallery
26
The Gallery was also used as a work space for a group of artists working on the newest carousel for the North Bay Water Front in 2008. The artists used the space for painting and assembling some of the carousel pieces, and several were put on display at the Gallery after they were completed.27
Students learning about spinning and weaving, 2010, Alex Dufresne Gallery2010
Callander, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Alex Dufresne Gallery
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