The Gallery on 47th Street
The Gallery on 47th Street, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
This past fall I was pleasantly surprised when my daughter Lara asked if I would like to join her in an exhibition at a local gallery in Yellowknife, NWT. The event would be held at the Christmas break. How great was that I thought, mother and daughter under one roof for a show. Our vision of the North as chronicled in drawings and paintings.
You see, I have been visiting Yellowknife for the past ten years, returning home full of ideas and images. The light in the North is incredible, brilliant, sublime. It takes my breath away regardless of the season. I must say late winter is my favorite time of year, especially March and April. The colours are incredible. You need to see and experience a Northern winter. You must. The rugged landscape calls me to paint her, to record my thoughts and feelings on canvas. And now this opportunity presented itself to show people of Yellowknife some of my paintings. It was thrilling, to be sure.
Lara reassured me everything would be taken care of. The hanging of the work, the opening event, refreshments, some nibblies for young and old, press releases were sent out and so on. It was all done by Ainsley and Colin. I needed not to worry at all. Opening day came and despite the blisteringly cold temperatures, we had a great turn out and several of our paintings were purchased.
The Gallery on 47th Street has undergone a number of changes. Initially the gallery operated from the home of Colin and Ainsley Dempsey. The focus was more on prints and sculptures from Nunavut and small communities. However, they also saw the potential of showing work by local artists ~ a huge benefit for everyone especially for artists. It can be difficult to find a reputable gallery to exhibit and sell your work.
After a brief hiatus, the gallery reopened September 2022 at a new location. As Ainsley states “Our vision for this larger space is the same - we want to focus on the amazing local talent both within Yellowknife and throughout the three territories and, of course, welcome other artists who have a Northern focal point as well. Work we have exhibited includes paintings, lithographs, prints, photography, carvings, basketry, ceramics, weavings, and other mixed media pieces. The Gallery on 47th Street is a family business and 100% locally owned. Our exhibits rotate weekly, so there's always new collections to see and experience.”
Ainsley is full of ideas and energy, and it really shows. The place has a positive vibe, you feel welcome, there is something new to see and experience weekly, and are great people to work with. They are prompt with any questions I have had and prompt with sales. They also have a pleasant, informative website that’s easy to navigate. Listed there are upcoming events, artists exhibitions, and an online shop of available art works. Shipping is free in Canada. How can you beat that?
Ainsley has also branched out into special events at the gallery such as private parties, corporate events, pop-up shops, and other special occasions. The location features a licensed space with commercial kitchen.
Recently, I sent new paintings that will be featured for Father’s Day. As Ainsley said to me because of my bright, strong color palette she wants “lots of eyes on the work”. I have heard nothing but positive comment about my paintings and the gallery. A great place to show and visit.
Have a look at her website www.thegalleryon47thstreet.com/about and enjoy some of the beautiful creativity from the North.
Kaija
