RiverBrink, Niagara on the Lake's petite, attractive art gallery
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RiverBrink, Niagara on the Lake's petite, attractive art gallery run by the Weir Foundation opened its doors last Friday to celebrate a
special showing of art on loan from local residents. From the outside, the unassuming building is deceiving, an easy drive by; however, its commanding view of the Niagara River below and Art Park in Lewiston is prelude to a terrific collection inside.
I talked to contributing locals such as Bob Knight and Joan Draper, collectors and historians in their own
right, who had loaned artwork for the display. The display areas are attractive, inviting, well-lit and offer comfortable spaces to sit and observe.
This year's exhibition includes more than 200 art works from the collection, as well as ceramic, bronze, pewter and glass artifacts - many not shown before and some new acquisitions.
The New Gallery features watercolours by Canadian artists from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The Living Room features works by late French Impressionists and by artists from other countries, influenced by artistic trends evolving in France. The Dining Room displays historic prints, drawings and paintings of the Queenston area, including the "Battle of Queenston Heights." Upstairs the Group of Seven paintings and treasured sketches by Tom Thomson are hung in Mr. Weir's bedroom. The North bedroom features prints and paintings on a horticultural theme.
Samuel Weir was a lawyer who practised in London, ON. He started collecting in his twenties, purchased the Queenston land and lived there in his home until 1981 when he died, leaving his estate to the Foundation. The gallery opened in 1983.
All of the area politicians greeted the audience with short remarks - M.P. and Justice Minister, Rob Nicholson (newly elected), M.P.P. Kim Craitor (fresh from
"Big Becky's" breakthrough at
Niagara Falls's new hydro dig), Regional Chair, Gary Burroughs and NOTL Lord Mayor David Eke.
We enjoyed fine wine from NOTL's
Reif Estate Winery , (the Riesling was excellent) and tasty cheese from the
Upper Canada Cheese Company located in Jordan.
RiverBrink is located in the historic village of Queenston, on the Niagara Parkway, midway between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. The gallery is open from Victoria Day weekend to Canadian Thanksgiving, seven days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM. (May until October) Group tours and a research library are available throughout the year by appointment. Visit the website at
www.riverbrink.org or email: manager@riverbrink.org. Address: 116 Queenston Street, Queenston, ON, L0S 1L0, (905) 262-4510
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