The facility has been closed to the public since March 2020 during the pandemic, with the space recently being used to host City Council meetings. The intention is to re-open the gallery to exhibitions again later this year. Money has been set aside in the budget for a re-opening in July, but there is still uncertainty about whether they can reopen then or have to wait a couple of months. Public health measures might still be in place that would prevent a move back to council chambers, where there is not enough space for social distancing. If council meetings have to stay put at Chapel Gallery for a little longer, it will constrain the space within the gallery for potential exhibitions.
In 1988, shortly after the death of her husband, Dr. Allan Gonor, Ruth Gonor made a significant donation to the City of North Battleford consisting of 80 original paintings by world-renowned Cree artist Allen Sapp. This donation formed the basis of the Allen Sapp Gallery’s collection, now known as the Gonor Collection. Since then, Ruth Gonor has continued to support the gallery through contributions and additional donations which have substantially grown the collection to several hundred pieces of art. “Dr. Gonor and Ruth Gonor played a significant role in the history of North Battleford and her passing is a great loss to our community and to the gallery,” says Leah Garven, curator and manager of the galleries with the City of North Battleford. “The Gonors were great supporters of the arts as it was their vision and desire to establish a world-class art gallery in North Battleford to feature the art of Allen Sapp. Through their dedication and vision they were able to bri
Pedersen writes the following about her latest work: COVID-19 Virus was the inspiration to stitch this piece to use up thread on hand and fill in lockdown time. When you live 2 ½ hours away from possible supplies, you collect what you can at garage sales, seminars, and online. So I had accumulated quite a stash and the lockdown provided opportunity to use up the stash. In developing this design I was looking for a circular hardanger piece. I found two samples from Ruth Hanke and Jeannette Sorensen, so adapted Jeannette’s to suit the size of fabric I had on hand.