Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/803844
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2017 8 A L T O N A Imagine a world where everyone lives generously. Through Abundance Canada, you can give creatively and generously both now and in your estate. Maximize your giving with our flexible and professional charitable giving services. Call any time for a no‑charge, confidential and one‑of‑a‑kind consultation. 1.800.772.3257 | abundance.ca Because generosity changes everything CULTURAL OASIS IN ALTONA Gallery in the Park is world-class attraction S pring has almost sprung at Altona's Gallery in the Park. The newest addition to the impressive permanent collection in the gallery's outdoor sculpture garden is the whimsical Spring — a single, bright orange spring standing about two metres tall. The work by Alberta-based artist Alexander Caldwell will be unveiled at the Friends of the Gallery opening gala on June 1. Frank Friesen, chair of the Gallery in the Park operating committee, says the first of two seasonal exhibitions in the main- floor gallery will also open June 1. It features the works of Jordan Miller, from Winnipeg's Cre8ery Gallery and Studio. As always, admission is free to the gallery and the stunning grounds, which feature a pergola and a walkway along a lengthy pool leading to a fountain. A frequent destination for local residents, some of whom bring lunch to enjoy in the outdoor seating area, the gallery and garden are a well-deserved source of pride for the community. "We have a guest book and I'm always impressed by how many people from Altona when they get guests from out of town bring them to the gallery," Friesen says, adding the guest book always contains a number of comments from tourists who've journeyed from overseas and discovered the cultural oasis during their travels. The gallery is housed in a historic home built in 1902 by businessman Johann Schwartz. It was used as a residence for Elim Bible School students and as a bed and breakfast, among other things, before the Town of Altona bought it in 2004. In 2005, Altona-based printer Friesens Corporation initiated the transformation of the home and grounds into an art gallery and sculpture garden. Friesens has been a strong supporter ever since, gifting the organization with several of the two dozen sculptures in the permanent collection, including a whimsical work depicting three women deep in conversation — The Gossips, by Ontario's Rose-Aimée Bélanger — and the new Spring. Among the diverse works in the garden, visitors enjoy famed Manitoba sculptor Leo Mol's Bear Cubs, a bronze of a child splashing in a puddle, called Puddle Jumper, by New York artist Susan Geissler, and Plunge – a piece consisting of a diver's legs entering a pool of water. "Everybody's got their favourites," Friesen says. While more people are discovering Gallery in the Park each year, Friesen says attracting more artists who want to exhibit their work in the gallery is at the top of his wish list. That and attracting and retaining donors. While the Town of Altona cares for the property and hires summer staff to run the gallery – usually college or university students are who studying the arts — fundraising is always a challenge. "It took a lot of volunteers to get it going and a lot of donors and a lot of money," Friesen says. "Now the trick is to keep it relevant and fresh and give people a reason to come back." Open from June 1 until the end of September, gallery hours are 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. A donation box is provided. The sculpture garden is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Learn more at www.galleryinthepark.ca. As always, admission is free to the gallery and the stunning grounds, which feature a pergola and a walkway along a lengthy pool leading to a fountain.