By Rosanne Dolan, Colborne Art Gallery artist and liaison
On March 8th, the Colborne Gallery’s first show reception of 2025 celebrated the installment of a long-awaited gallery sign.
The gallery’s iconic yellow noodles created in 2011 by Claus Heneicke are now supported by the building’s clear identification.
The embrace of the intertwined noodles titled “Empathy” represent peace and harmony, a vibe that the gallery fosters.
Gallery artists and a crowd of 30 enthusiastic supporters gathered for the sign celebration. On behalf of the Cramahe Township, Deputy Mayor Sandy Arthur also attended, standing in for Mayor Mandy Martin, an avid fan of the gallery.
In his welcome address, Charles Funnell, artist and curator of the gallery, stated that the “beautiful sign” now on the gallery’s west exterior wall will “hopefully tell everyone who doesn’t know we’re an art gallery that we are an art gallery.” The sign was designed by Erin Hobbs from “Willow Printing and Publishing” in Brighton.
Charles expressed the gallery’s ongoing gratitude to the township for the building being given to artists 28 years ago. “I’d like to thank the township for giving us this beautiful space… 28 years and strong.”
The building was constructed in 1859 as an archives and land registry office. Charles pointed out the original vault door (now painted orange) and the bars still on the windows. He emphasized that the gallery is “probably one of the most secure buildings in the area” as a result of its past.
Currently there are 11 artists in the cooperative artist-run centre: Charles Funnell, Helen Van Poorten, Elizabeth Vercoe, Eileen Myers, Ed Hagedorn, Ken Solilo, Ian Davis, Margaret McDonald, Heather Stubbs, Wrex Roth, Rosanne Dolan.
Five new art exhibitions are featured each year at the gallery. It boasts a public subscriber list of almost 800 mostly local Northumberland County residents.
In the Heritage Room of the gallery, The Heritage Committee of the Township of Cramahe exhibits 3 historical displays yearly.
The Colborne Art Gallery is one of the jewels of Northumberland County located on the Apple Route at 51 King Street East, Colborne. Gallery hours are 12 to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, or by appointment.
All artworks are for sale and admission is free.
Further information about artists, gallery news and exhibitions can be found at www.thecolborneartgallery.ca
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
