The Permanent Collection

The Shurniak Art Gallery houses the founder's private collection of original paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from around the world. Opened in July 2005, the 8,000 square foot gallery welcomes visitors with a warm, hospitable atmosphere. The landscaped courtyard and grounds feature sculptures by esteemed Canadian artists Robert Davidson and Joe Fafard.

Seven gallery rooms, named after former and current villages in the area, showcase the permanent collection, which is changed periodically. Canadian paintings include pieces by Alan C. Collier, Nicholas de Grandmaison, James Henderson, Doris McCarthy, Franklin Arbuckle, Yehouda Chaki, William Winter, Robert Genn, Jeannette Perreault, Pat Service, Goodridge Roberts, Ross Penhall, Laurie Campbell, Alan Sapp, Robert Scott, Arthur Schilling, as well as many others. Several Group of Seven paintings (A.Y. Jackson, A.J. Casson, Arthur Lismer and Lawren S. Harris) form the focus in the beautiful Limerick Room. Denyse and Rod Simair, Pauline Newhouse, and Frank Sudol have pottery and turned wood pieces in the Gallery. A whimsical bronze sculpture by Hélène LaBrie, and a beautiful silver and gold bowl designed by the renowned West Coast artist, Bill Reid are also on display.

International art provides an interesting dimension to the permanent collection, acquired during a lifetime of travel and working abroad. Paintings, scrolls and furniture from China and Southeast Asia are quite prominent. Several hand-knotted carpets from Iran, Kashmir, and Afghanistan as well as tribal rugs from Tibet are currently on display. A substantial Australian collection featuring contemporary art, including many paintings and carvings by Aboriginal artists, was recently featured in the Gallery.

European artists represented include Bernard Cathelin (France), Jacob Esselens (Holland), Phillipe Ancellin (France), Carlos Nadal (Spain), Archie Forrest (Scotland), Athos Faccincani (Italy), and David Paskett (England), just to name a few. Solid glass sculptures by Loredano Rosin of Venice are truly outstanding. A large assortment of unique hand-crafted items, from around the globe, rounds out the collection.

An extensive library of art books is available for visitors to browse on the premises. Enjoy a few leisurely hours with beautiful books in a lovely setting.