The
Circle Arts story began in 1969 when Gale Jensen - a professor
of Social Sciences at the University of Michigan - persuaded six students
of the Ontario College of Art (OCA) to build an art gallery and studio
on land he owned in Tobermory, Ontario.
The group stayed in the small
town on the picturesque Bruce Peninsula for the summer, producing
oil paintings, watercolours, wood block prints, sculptures, silk
screens, textiles, jewelry and pottery. They returned to Toronto
to finish their studies at the end of the summer, then moved to
Tobermory permanently the following spring.
Over the years, the number of artists working out
of Circle Arts changed and eventually, Allen and Sue Smutylo (two
members of the founding group) became owners of the gallery. In
1983, the Smutylos sold Circle Arts to Ben Goedhart, who directed
its operations until his retirement January 2006.
The Circle Arts story encompasses elements of its
times and locales. It is the story of youthful enthusiasm and artistic
maturity, local involvement and global markets, sound business sense
and high creativity. More than anything else, it is the story of
a commitment to Canadian art, and to those who produce and support
it.
The Owners ...
In
January 2006, Glenda Burrell and Simon White joined Arlene Kennedy
as the new owners of Circle Arts. Together they share a passion
for the unique nature of the Bruce Penninsula and the artists that
are also inspired by its diverse and dynamic character.
Arlene Kennedy was the Director of the McIntosh Gallery
at The University of Western Ontario from 1989 to 2008. She is a
past President, (1986-87), of the Ontario Association of Art Galleries;
the founding Secretary of the London Arts Council; served two consecutive
terms, from 1993 to 1995, as the President of the Professional and
Managerial Association at The University of Western Ontario and
was recognized by her PMA colleagues for exceptional service through
the Nancy Kendall Award in 2001. Arlene graduated in the first Honours
Fine Art class at Western in 1971, (Dean’s Honour List), then
obtained her secondary teaching certificate at Memorial University
of Newfoundland, and later, an M.A. from Nova Scotia College of
Art & Design and Dalhousie University. She also attended the
Museum Management Institute program of the J. Paul Getty Trust in
1993 at Berkeley, California, and participated in subsequent reunion
conferences in 2003 and 2006.
Since January 2006, together with Glenda Burrell
and Simon White, Arlene has been a partner in Circle Arts, a seasonal
gallery established in 1969 and situated in the Bruce Peninsula,
now with two locations at Tobermory harbour.
May 2008
"Circle Arts for me is the realization
of a passion for learning through first-hand experience with the
work of artists and artisans in a very special part of our country."
Glenda Burrell is a former drama
teacher and arts department head. Simon White is a web designer and a former theatre
set designer and production manager.
Both have spent many years enjoying the unique qualities and beauty
of the Bruce Penninsula sharing a passion for kayaking and camping.
Circle Arts has four distinctive
gallery spaces.
In the lower gallery, you will find glassware, one of a kind jewellery,
ceramics, textiles and prints.
In three upper galleries you will find sculptural works, paintings,
photographs, hand-pulled prints and one of a kind furniture creations.
And as of 2007, Circle Arts has expanded to another
building three doors away aptly called Circle
Arts Too. Here we are pleased to continue the tradition of
presenting" many new artists and artisans.
In
January 2006, Glenda Burrell and Simon White joined Arlene Kennedy
as the new owners of Circle Arts. Together they share a passion
for the unique nature of the Bruce Penninsula and the artists that
are also inspired by its diverse and dynamic character.
