Art Windsor–Essex facts for kids
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| Established | 1943 |
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| Location | 401 Riverside Drive West Windsor, Ontario N9A 7J1 |
Art Windsor–Essex (AWE) is an art gallery in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It used to be known as the Art Gallery of Windsor (AGW). This gallery is a not-for-profit organization, meaning it doesn't aim to make money.
The gallery opened in 1943. Its main purpose is to show important artworks. These artworks are by artists from the local area, the region, and all over Canada. Art Windsor–Essex collects, displays, and protects Canadian and Indigenous art. It is one of Windsor's most important cultural places.
Contents
A Look at the Gallery's History
The Art Gallery of Windsor first opened in Walkerville. It was located in a building called Willistead Manor. This special building, designed by Albert Kahn, housed the gallery from 1943 to 1975. During this time, the Art Gallery of Windsor officially became a company in 1944. It also started building its important collection of Canadian art.
Early Years and Growth
Under the leadership of Kenneth Saltmarche, the gallery began to acquire its first artworks. In 1947, the Willistead Gallery, as it was then called, helped start a group. This group was named The Southern Ontario Gallery Group. It later became known as the Ontario Association of Art Galleries.
By 1958, many people were visiting the Willistead Gallery. The small space became too crowded. There were also disagreements between the Art Association and the library board. This put the Windsor art movement at risk. The gallery then talked with the Windsor City Council. After these talks, the Willistead Art Gallery became its own independent place. It now had its own board of directors.
Moving to the Waterfront
By 1967, the gallery faced problems again. The search for a new home began. In 1970, someone suggested the gallery move to an old brewery warehouse. This warehouse, owned by Carling, was on the waterfront. It was a modern setting for a gallery in a city known for making things. The Art Gallery of Windsor, as it was now called, opened its doors there in 1975. Over the next 20 years, it built one of Ontario's most important collections of Canadian art.
Changes and a New Building
In 1993, the Art Gallery of Windsor changed again. It moved to the Devonshire Mall. The gallery rented its old waterfront building to the province of Ontario. This building then became the new Casino Windsor. This move helped the gallery raise money. The money was used to expand the gallery and its art collections.
For six years, the Art Gallery of Windsor was unsure about its future. It couldn't decide whether to stay at the mall, move to another spot, or go back to the warehouse. Finally, in 1999, Dr. Lois Smedick, who led the gallery's board, announced new plans. A new art museum would be built on the old warehouse spot. Soon after, the old Carling warehouse was torn down. A new, modern building was built in its place. This is where the Art Gallery of Windsor is located today.
In 2014, a new museum opened on the first floor of the art gallery building. This museum is called the Chimczuk Museum. The art gallery now uses the two upper floors. The museum is named after Joseph Chimczuk.
Renaming and Future Plans
In April 2022, the gallery changed its name to Art Windsor–Essex. This was part of a new plan. The gallery wants to reach more people through online platforms and outdoor activities. It also plans to offer more "hands-on" activities. This includes opening its education center to the public. The gallery also plans to add activities in Essex County.
See also
- List of art museums
- List of museums in Ontario
