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History

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 Prince Albert 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 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), 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.

Staff

Meet the Team

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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Acting Curator &
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.

Receptionist/Administrator
Sharie Bird (she/her)

reception@mannartgallery.ca

Sharie was born and raised in Prince Albert before moving to Saskatoon to attend University. Being a restless sort, she has also lived in Saskatoon and Edmonton before moving back to Prince Albert in 2009 to be closer to her family. Besides several years in university, Sharie’s education & training also includes Radio Broadcasting and Office Administration. As the daughter of an artist, Sharie has been immersed in art from the day she was born. She enjoys pottery and painting with acrylics, among other forms. She is currently focusing her creativity on cold-process soapmaking and running a small local soap company.

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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 Director/Curator an email!

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Jennifer Brown, Chair

Curtis Kerr, Treasurer

Patty Canon-Levesque, Secretary

Emma Anderson

Geroge Glenn

Kurt Fuchs

Daniel Arnot

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 1(306) 763 7080 or admindir@mannartgallery.ca

Board of Directors
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