Any time the WAG organizes an exhibition of a Canadian artist it’s a time to celebrate, and when the artist is one of our country’s leading painters—and from Winnipeg—it is doubly exciting. In September, the WAG, in partnership with the National Gallery of Canada, presents a major exhibition of the work of Wanda Koop. On the Edge of Experience features large-scale paintings from the last 35 years. Highlighting the show is a new work, Hybrid Human, combining painting and video with the dance choreography of Jolene Bailie set against a sound piece by Susan Chafe and lighting by Hugh Conacher. And mark your calendars for the Gallery Ball on October 2. This year’s black-tie gala takes its theme and design from the Koop exhibition, and it’s sure to be the most avant-garde and colourful gala event of the season.

Turning to one of my favourite projects – the long-term display of the permanent collection – I am delighted to announce the addition of a European masterwork, thanks to the generosity and vision of a Winnipeg family. The large painting, entitled Afternoon Tea (The Gossips) by the 19th-century British artist Sir John Everett Millais, was donated by the Honourable and the late Mrs. Douglas D. Everett of Winnipeg. Millais’ stunning picture of three young girls having tea is the most significant painting by the artist found in a Canadian collection, and one of the largest gifts of an individual artwork to the WAG in its 98-year history. The painting will be unveiled at the WAG’s Annual General Meeting on 22 September, and will be installed in the permanent collection galleries.

Our building improvements continued this summer with the support of the Federal and Provincial Infrastructure Stimulus Fund which saw the replacement of the entire roof, along with the restoration of the two skylights on the galleries level. The main skylight, one of the largest of its kind in the city, has been rebuilt to one of Gustavo da Roza’s original architectural designs, introducing a spectacular circular wall of glass supporting the main glass panel. The challenging project was led by Bird Construction, Crosier Kilgour & Partners, Border Glass & Aluminum, and Verne Reimer Architecture—and the results are dazzling.

This fall at the WAG is looking great as we round out our exhibitions and programs to cover a lot of cultural territory. Joining the Wanda Koop show are two powerful Inuit sculpture exhibitions, Kiaguk Ashoona: Stories and Imaginings from Cape Dorset and Nunavik North of 60°, as well as the permanent collection offerings represented by hundreds of artworks on display in galleries 1 to 4, and the Mezzanine and MRA galleries. Together, these contemporary and historical exhibitions illustrate the depth of our collections and curatorial vision, and the far reach of our mission.

Stephen Borys, PhD, MBA