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History
In over 40 years the Mann Art Gallery (Mann) has had three names and one location change. The early days of the Gallery began in 1976, when the Little Gallery Committee was formed by a group of 12 volunteers. Bylaws were registered in 1978 and, by a Special Resolution in 1981, the Little Gallery Committee became incorporated as a non-profit corporation. The main objective of the gallery has been to develop public appreciation of the visual arts and to provide impetus for artistic growth by offering a diverse exhibition program encompassing a variety of media from local, regional, national and international sources. In 1987 the Saskatchewan Arts Board awarded the Little Gallery Incorporated operational status thereby, enabling it to hire a full-time Visual Arts Director. In 1998 the gallery received operational funding support from the Canada Council for the Arts, enabling the gallery to expand its range and depth of community programming as well as to increase curatorial capacity and professional development opportunities amongst artists.
The Little Gallery Committee Inc. served primarily as a community-based gallery in the old Prince Albert City Hall building, now designated the Margo Fournier Arts Centre. In 2003, the E. A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts, a twelve-million dollar performing & visual arts facility, was built to satiate the need for a professional art gallery and theatre complex in Prince Albert. The Little Gallery moved to this building and became the Art Gallery of Prince Albert.
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In 2010, a ten-year financial commitment from Roger and Diane Mann, proprietors of Mann Motor Products, signified increased attention to the direction of the organization. A perfect match, the steel structure of the Mann family’s first car dealership (est. 1957) in Prince Albert now defines the shape of the Mann's Main Gallery Space. Their patronage prompted another change in name, a new logo, funding to enhance our Permanent Collection, and a concentrated re-evaluation of the governance structure and the gallery’s long-term strategic plan.
The Mann is Prince Albert’s only public art gallery and the northernmost public art gallery in Saskatchewan. It thus has an important role to play in promoting local and regional artists' work through mounting and touring exhibitions, producing catalogues, and conducting curatorial visits. Adding diversity and community involvement in our programming is achieved by exhibiting works in our three galleries from different artists and art groups. This programming plan allows the gallery to maintain its curatorial focus (Main Gallery), and include community-based arts organizations, guilds, seniors groups, at-risk and minority groups, and emerging artists (Project Space) while encouraging youth and students to actively participate (Studio Gallery/Education Room). In the fall of 2015, the Mann entered into a partnership with the Prince Albert Council for the Arts to program exhibitions at the John V. Hicks Gallery, located at the Prince Albert Arts Centre. The Mandate of the Hicks Gallery is to show work by local Prince Albert artists and notable regional work. The former is curated by the MAG Director/Curator, and the latter is achieved through touring OSAC exhibitions. The Mann and the Arts Council have shared a long and vibrant history in the Arts Centre, as the Mann was formerly located in that space, and both parties are committed to working together for the betterment of arts and culture in Prince Albert. The Hicks Gallery is financially supported by the City of Prince Albert, SaskCulture, and SaskLotteries.
Meet the Team
The Mann Art Gallery is pleased to announce a new leadership structure with the introduction of two part-time directors who will share the responsibilities formerly held by the curator. This innovative approach allows for a broader range of expertise and perspectives, enhancing the gallery's ability to curate exceptional exhibitions and engage with the community more effectively. Our new directors bring a wealth of experience and passion for the arts, ensuring that the Mann Art Gallery continues to be a vibrant and dynamic cultural destination.
Administrative Director
Carolyn Carleton
admindir@mannartgallery.ca
Carolyn is serving as an independent consultant in the Administrative Director position at the Mann Art Gallery, Carolyn brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community engagement to her role.
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With a diverse background that includes public speaking, facilitation, event planning, and organizational management, Carolyn is a versatile professional known for her ability to connect with people and drive impactful initiatives forward. Her expertise spans across multiple industries, including communications, advertising, marketing, tourism, administration, and municipal economic management.
In addition to her work in arts administration, Carolyn is also a respected community leader and business owner. She is the proud founder of Living Skies Fibre Studio, where she channels her creativity into the world of fibre art. From knitting and crochet pattern design to hand-dyed yarn and spinning, Carolyn's work is not only aesthetically beautiful but also serves as a platform for promoting mental wellness through creative expression.
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With her unwavering dedication to fostering cultural enrichment and mental well-being within her community, Carolyn Carleton is a shining example of how passion and expertise can come together to create positive change.
Manager, Education Programs
Lana Wilson, MA (Art History), BFA (she/her)
educator@mannartgallery.ca
Lana is passionate about art history and educational opportunities within the museum/gallery context. She is committed to making the gallery space welcoming to everyone, and seeking the points of engagement that speak to each visitor. Lana has been Manager of Education Programs at the Mann since 2014, and was Acting Director/Curator in 2019-2020. She previously worked as a Program Guide at the Mendel Art Gallery in Saskatoon. Lana completed her BFA (Art History) at the University of Manitoba, and her MA at Queen's University, Kingston, ON.
Administrative Assistant
Leah Henderson
reception@mannartgallery.ca
Leah is the Administrative Office Assistant at the Mann Art Gallery, the first face you'll see when you come into the Gallery. She brings both administrative expertise and a passion for the arts. Originally from Swan River, MB, and now based in Melfort, Leah developed a love for art at a young age. She holds a Diploma of Fine Arts from Grant MacEwan University (2019).
Leah's own creative practice and influences extend to art history, with a particular appreciation for the neoclassical and surrealist movements. Passionate about creativity, she is excited to contribute to the gallery’s vibrant arts scene and foster community engagement with the arts.
Board of Directors
The Mann Art Gallery is governed by a Board of Directors as elected representatives from the Mann membership. We exist in the capacity of an incorporated not-for-profit organization with charitable status. Directors must be members of the organization, and serve a two-year term. Elections occur at each AGM (as needed). Interested in joining? Send our Administrative Director an email.
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Jennifer Brown, Chair
Curtis Kerr, Treasurer
Patty Canon-Levesque, Secretary
Emma Anderson
George Glenn
Kurt Fuchs
Darcy Cullen
Diane Mann
Wesley Moore
Kim Orynik
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Correspondence to the Board can be addressed to the Secretary of the Board of Directors, and mailed to the Mann Art Gallery.
Committees
Committees are comprised of volunteers and board members (chaired by board members). The committees in place are: Facility Improvement, Fundraising, and Piano Bar.
If you are interested in joining one of these committees as a volunteer, contact the gallery at admindir@mannartgallery.ca
The Mann Art Gallery is located on Treaty 6 Territory, the traditional lands of the Cree & Dakota Peoples and homeland of the Métis. We respect and honour the histories, languages, and cultures of all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence grounds us and provides wisdom.
We are grateful for the support of Diane & Roger Mann, the City of Prince Albert, SK Arts, the Canada Council for the Arts, SaskLotteries, SaskCulture, the Community Initiatives Fund, the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Museums Association of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Museums Association.
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