Harold Feist-Selection from the Permanent collection
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Harold Feist: Selection from the Permanent Collection
November 2024-November 2025 Harold Elmer Feist was born on January 23, 1945. His father was an American Air Force pilot who worked as a flight instructor. During his early childhood, Feist lived in places like El Paso County, Texas to the Terceira Island in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. Feist won a scholarship to study architecture at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Though he had mathematical skills, he decided to switch programs since he had a strong interest to explore the visual arts. Feist’s early paintings depict bars of colour radiating from a focal point or a hub. He would then experiment with mixing dish soap into his paint in order to create translucent drip patterns on the surfaces of his canvases. These series of works can also be associated with colour-field paintings that were popular between the 1950s and 70s. After finishing his bachelor’s degree in 1967, he decided to move to Baltimore to pursue his master’s at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Feist secured a job at the Alberta College of Art (now the Alberta University of the Arts) in Calgary while finishing his degree remotely. Luckily, abstract painting had already begun to flourish in the Canadian prairies. He had his first solo show at the Glenbow Museum in 1970 and was included in an important group exhibition called Prairie ’74 at The Edmonton Art Gallery. Feist would transition from grid-like structures to painting from the center of the canvas in wide bands of colour. These vibrant strokes of colour radiating outwards would be known as ‘spoke paintings’ since they resembled spokes on a wheel. After teaching in Calgary, he moved on to be an instructor at the University of Regina and Mount Allison University in New Brunswick in 1975. Three years later, he decided to fully dedicate his time to painting. With the Canada Council grant, he spent a year in New York before settling permanently in Toronto in 1979. Feist would be represented by Gallery One in Yorkville from 1980 to 2006. He continued to develop his abstract inclinations with the support of his good friend Jules Olitski and the renowned art critic, Clement Greenberg. Though Conceptual art, video art and photography were becoming more popular than abstract painting during the 1970s in Canada, Feist stayed true to his style and technique. When contributing to the catalogue of his retrospective exhibition at the Agnes Etherington Art Center at Queen's University in 1988, he wrote: I think about painting as a way of putting something good into the world. Adding to it the best I can. Nothing about 'moving' anybody or communicating, just trying to keep busy the way Nature does and maybe making a little something good before leaving. When something's at home in a work of art there's really something home there, something to be reckoned with, something concrete. You can never have enough of something ‘home.’ Presence. With the assistance of Gallery One, his paintings were bought by numerous corporate and public collections across Canada and the United States. In the age of new technology during the 1980s, he took an interest in programming and taught himself coding while working on his paintings. In fact, Feist collaborated with various tech startups to investigate the use of CD-ROMs to store art images and work on developing 3D tours. From 2018 to the end of his life, he continued to paint and exhibit at Gallery House in Toronto. Despite his failing health, he produced another show before passing away on May 7, 2021, due to a heart attack. The Art Gallery of Algoma is fortunate to have over 900 works by Harold Feist in its Permanent Collection. The pieces before you are just a sampling from this significant collection. |
Harold Feist (1945-2021)
Untitled, 1980
Acrylic on paper
Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma
Gift of Charles & Ronaye Malette and Lance Morgin
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Dibaajimo. She tells a story.
September 20 - October 26, 2024
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Explore Indigenous storytelling with Ontario Culture Days through Creative in Residence Lucia Laford’s (Waawaaskone Kwe’s) installation and gathering: “Dibaajimo. She tells a story.”
Laford paints to connect people and herself back to our original obligations as caretakers of this land, the waters and all of creation, guiding those that occupy this land towards reconciliation and decolonization. Painted in the Woodland style, “Dibaajimo. She tells a story.” speaks to the process of reclaiming culture, and the Indigenization of city spaces. Laford will create a multi-site art installation and host a gathering in Sault Ste. Marie’s Cultural Corridor. This multi-site installation is presented in the lobby of the Art Gallery of Algoma as well as the Sault Ste Marie Museum, Sault Ste Marie Public Library, Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. For more information about this event, visit the link below: https://onculturedays.ca/creatives-in-residence/lucia-laford/ Dibaajimo. She tells a story, by Lucia Laford is commissioned as part of Ontario Culture Days Creatives in Residence series presented in partnership with the Art Gallery of Algoma. Special thanks to the City of Sault Ste Marie, Destination Northern Ontario, SSM Public Library, Bushplane Museum, Ermatinger Clergue and Sault Museum. This project is proudly supported by the City of Sault Ste Marie's Arts and Culture Assistance Program. |
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Norval Morrisseau: Selection from the Permanent Collection
June 21 - September 18, 2024
Norval Morrisseau (1931-2007) Artist as Frog in Life Cycle, n.d. Oil on Canvas. Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma. Gift of the Ontario Heritage Foundation
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Norval Morrisseau is the most known and recognized Indigenous artist in Canada. He is considered the founder of the Woodland School of art, which is the art style based on the traditional Indigenous legends. It is unmistakably recognizable through the use of bright colours, bold lines, heavy black outlines of forms and X-ray views of people, animals and spirits.
Morrisseau was the first Ojibwa to break traditional rules by depicting spiritual knowledge in his paintings. Morrisseau’s images carry powerful messages, they are full of symbolism and spirituality translating oral into visual stories. Norval Morrisseau was born in 1931 in Beardmore, Northern Ontario. In keeping with Anishinaabe tradition, he was sent to live with his maternal grandparents at Sand Point reserve on the shores of Lake Nipigon, Ontario. There, Morrisseau learned the stories and cultural traditions of his peoples. At age six, Morrisseau was sent to a residential school, St. Joseph’s Indian Residential School in Fort William, where he faced abuse which left permanent emotional scars on him and influenced his life. His life was complex but always included making art. By the 1960’s he began having some commercial success. In 1969 he had a solo exhibition in France, which added to Morrisseau’s credibility as an artist and established his international reputation. It is also when he became known as “Picasso of the North,”. In 1972, there was a joint exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery with Jackson Beardy, Alex Janvier and Daphne Odjig named Treaty Numbers 23, 287 and 1171 referring to the Numbered Treaties of their respective bands. It was a ground breaking exhibition where Indigenous modern art was brought into the forefront for its artistic merit. In 1973, the Indian Group of Seven was formed in Winnipeg at Daphne Odjig’s home. Norval Morrisseau was one of the founding members. The Group enabled artists to discuss their mutual concerns about art, support each other and have joint exhibitions. It all contributed to the promotion, understanding and recognition of Indigenous art on the Canadian art scene. Over time Morrisseau became known and recognized as an artist but also his troubled life was ongoingly scrutinized by the press. He spent some time in the Sault and as a result of that, there is a collection of his works at the Art Gallery of Algoma as well as many artworks in private collections in the city. |
Asheleigh Moorhouse
April - June 2024
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Asheleigh E. Moorhouse (1924-1989)
In 1975, local artist Asheleigh Moorhouse (1924-89) thoughtfully described his love for painting in a Sault Star article by Jackie Hampel. He said: “It took me a long time to find out painting was such a joy. After my retirement, I can have 20 years of active, full-time painting. To work as a painter is an active, exciting life. I’m too old to have too many commitments but if I were 25 or 30, I’d go into it full-time.” In addition to being an artist, Winnipeg-born Asheleigh Moorhouse pursued a diverse range of career paths during his time living in both Canada and the United States. He was a pilot with the Royal Navy from 1943 to 1946, and in 1949, he earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Manitoba. He worked as an architectural designer from 1949 to 1952, and after becoming ordained in 1954 and working as an Episcopal/Anglican priest from the 1950s to 1970, he moved to Sault Ste. Marie, ON with his wife, Alison P. Moorhouse, who was also known as Sally. It was in Sault Ste. Marie that Moorhouse taught both English and film studies at Korah Collegiate as well as worked as a painting instructor at Sault College from 1980 to 1983. However, visual art was a lifelong passion for Moorhouse. He studied art with both Lionel LeMoine FitzGerald (1890-1956) at the Winnipeg School of Art and Carl Schaefer (1903-95) at Trinity College School. He was also part of the Society of Canadian Artists from 1976 to 1983. Moorehouse created both paintings and collages. He represented varied subjects and themes in his work, ranging from Biblical figures, to abstract scenes, to people, and to spots throughout Sault Ste. Marie. He loved living in Sault Ste. Marie and both the city’s urban landscape and northern Ontario’s natural beauty inspired him. Moorhouse’s artwork was predominantly presented in solo and group exhibitions in Sault Ste. Marie, but his work was also featured in exhibitions outside of it in Toronto, ON and Athens, OH. A retrospective exhibition, Asheleigh Moorhouse, A Survey 1970-1989, was also presented at the Art Gallery of Algoma in 1990 to commemorate his life and artistic work after he passed away from cancer in 1989. |
Asheleigh Moorhouse (1924-1989) John, Oil on canvas,
Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma. Gift of the Artist
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Ken Danby (Canadian, 1940-2007) Skaters, 1992, Watercolour on Paper.
Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma. Gift of Mr. Peter Black and Geordie Brown.
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Winter WonderlandDecember 2023 - April 2024
Welcoming winter with our current lobby display featuring artwork from our permanent collection by artists David Bierk, Robert-Ralph Carmichael, Ken Danby, Myrtle Harrison, Jean Hay, and Zoltan Szabo. |
Norval Morrisseau (Ojibway, 1931-2007) The Thunderbird, 1980, Oil on Canvas. Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma. Gift of the Ontario Heritage Foundation.
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Woodland Art from the Permanent Collection
January 2023 Our current Lobby display features artwork from our permanent collection by Indigenous artists Norval Morrisseau, John Laford, Jackson Beardy, and Eddy Cobiness. |
Mane, Gus. Ruby Throated Hummingbird, Acrylic on Paper. Permanent Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma. Gift from the Artist.
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Busy Pollinators: Bees, Butterflies, and Birds
August 2022 Our current Lobby display features artwork by artists Aganetha and Richard Dyck, Norval Morriseau, Robert Chelmick, Gus Mane, and Will Ogilvie. The selection focuses on pieces articulating in detail the fascinating nature of bees, butterflies, birds, and their natural environment in the spirit of the Summer season. Featured artworks take the form of chromogenic prints, acrylic and watercolor paintings, and a macro photograph. |
MacDonald, J.E.H. (British Canadian, 1873-1932).
Untitled, 1919.
Oil on Board, 21.2725 x 26.67.
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Celebrating the Group of Seven
July 2021 The AGA will be celebrating the Group's impactful and inspirational work by showcasing pieces from the permanent collection created by members of the Group of Seven.
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Ken Danby (Canadian, 1940–2007). Skaters, 1992. Watercolour on Paper. Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma; Gift of Mr. Peter Black and Geordie Brown.
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Welcome Winter
March 2021 Join the AGA in welcoming winter! The AGA will be celebrating the beauty of winter by showcasing pieces from the permanent collection.
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A.J. Cason (Canadian, 1882–1974)
Oxtongue Lake, 1978 Oil on Board, 30.1" x 38". Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma; gift of the artist. |
Group of Seven Collection
July 24, 2020 2020 marks the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the iconic Group of Seven. The AGA will be celebrating the Group's impactful and inspirational work by showcasing pieces from the permanent collection created by members of the Group of Seven.
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Nérée De Grâce (Canadian, 1920–2002)
Le Petit Forgeron, 1979 Oil on Canvas board Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma; Gift of the Estate of Thomas John Huckson |
Aba Bayefsky (Canadian, 1923–2001)
Caravan, India, 1958 Mixed media on Paper Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma; Gift of the Algoma Art Society |
Bierk, David (American Canadian 1944-2002)
Sault Ste. Marie Tree/ Reflection 1990 Oil; Photograph on Canvas Gift of David Bierk |
Old Stone House.
Watercolour.
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Irene Oktaba
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Ellen Van Laar
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Kanata 14150.
Mixed media.
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Russ Raven
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Cobble Fantasy with Yellow Polka Dots and Swirly One
Acrylic.
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Heather Sinott
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Sally Gibson
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Stitchery with wires #1 Salicorn in Chesapeake Bay (detail).
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String Pieces #1
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Michael Devoni
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John Laford
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Flying Snow.
2017.
Acrylic on canvas.
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Snow Shoes.
2017.
Acrylic on canvas.
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John Hartman (Midland, ON 1950 - )
Georgian Bay Oil on linen Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma Donated by the Artist |
John Hartman
The artist John Hartman was raised on the southern and eastern shores of Georgian Bay which played an influencing role in the artist's visual narrative of the landscape. Hartman’s path of painting the intimate and intertwined relationship between people and place, took a turn in 2003 when he began to paint aerial views of cities as living organisms.
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Jean Gibson Burke
“There’s talent in everyone, so I think everyone should try and express themselves the best they can.” - Jean Burke
Jean Gibson Burke, AOCA (b. June 20, 1927; d. March 14, 2014) was born, raised and spent much of her life in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Her lifelong passion for art developed early on in her life, and throughout elementary and high school, she was often the student who was given charge of creative projects. Knowing she wanted to be involved in the art world somehow, she attended art school and graduated with honours from the Ontario College of Art. Following that she worked for two years as a commercial artist with a packaging design firm in Toronto. |
24 local artists participated in this show and sale.
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AlgoMini 2014 Art Show and Sale
June 27th – September 2nd 2014
Given the success of last season's AlgoMini, the AGA once again is having a special summertime art exhibition and sale featuring local artists working in a variety of media who have captured their interpretations of the Algoma region in a small scale. |
This project was proudly supported by the following:
Graffiti Reframed Photographers Alisha Beauchesne Dana Chalifoux Alissa Difumeri Sarah Gaudette Micheal McAdams Seamus O’Flanagan Tessa Rotermann |
Graffiti Reframed, Get Photograffed
May 1st – 7th, 2014
The Graffiti Reframed exhibition, ‘Get Photograffed’, was intended to begin a community conversation about graffiti – its role, purpose, genesis and where it is located in terms of creative expression and artistic practice. The exhibition provided a ‘first step’ in the dialogue by engaging youth in documenting existing graffiti and positioning it within a formal exhibition space that is typically reserved for art of a different nature. The show provided the opportunity to re/visit perspectives about graffiti as the community moves forward in investigating its role and impact in social and economic development. 
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Abraham Anghik Ruben,
Migrations.
2011-12.
Brazilian Soapstone with Quartzite Base,
Gift of the Kipling Gallery.
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New Additions: Selections from the AGA Permanent Collection
The Art Gallery of Algoma (AGA) was pleased to share a selection of recent acquisitions to its Permanent Collection. These works, by artists including John Hartman, Ken MacDougall, Irene Akoptanuak, Dr. Roberta Bondar and Abraham Anghik Ruben, have been generously gifted by donors. The Legacy Painting was created by John Hartman in commemoration of the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s 100th birthday and was acquired through the support of the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program, Department of Canadian Heritage.
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25 local artists participated in the Algomini show.
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AlgoMini 2014 Art Show and Sale
June 28th – September 3rd, 2013
The AlgoMini Art Exhibition and Sale, a special summertime show presented through the Art Gallery of Algoma (AGA) Gallery Shop in the AGA Lobby, featured the works of 25 artists of all ages and experience levels, working in a variety of media, who have captured their interpretations of Algoma in small scale: all works shown are roughly one foot by one foot. |
Darryl Hughto, Flow Blue, 1991, acrylic on linen, gift of Mr. Steven Sheather.
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VERNA[cu]L[ar]
March 27th, 2013 - April 29th, 2013
This special exhibition ushers in the Spring season at the AGA and brings together the works of three artists – Karin Doleske, Darryl Hughto and Tom Hodgson – in an exploration of the vernacular, the language, of painting. The vocabulary of marks, brushstrokes, and areas of addition and removal of material evoke natural forms and motions, blend the boundaries between abstraction and representation, and speak of the act of painting as well the creative process. Further, as we enjoy this vernal time of year, we are reminded of the fresh palette in the landscape around us and the cyclical pattern of the seasons, which often evokes the circular form. The colours and forms present in these works further remind us of the lengthening days and the metamorphosis around us. |
