Shurniak Art Gallery is a not-for-profit charitable organization.
Its staff and volunteers are dedicated to ensuring that visitors are warmly welcomed to the Gallery.
Vision
Shurniak Art Gallery exists to honour its founder, William Shurniak’s legacy of promoting and discovering the arts as a world class centre in a rural community.
Mission
By sharing and celebrating its collection, Gallery and legacy, the Shurniak builds an inclusive community through arts experiences that inform, stimulate and inspire.
Located in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, the Gallery has become a vibrant hub of cultural activity in the agricultural area of southern Saskatchewan. Shurniak Art Gallery respectfully acknowledges that it is situated on Treaty 4 territory, traditional lands of Indigenous and Metis people.
Our History
Shurniak Art Gallery was officially opened to the public on July 30, 2005 by Linda Haverstock, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. The gallery is the vision of William (Bill) Shurniak, who was born & grew up in neighboring Limerick, Saskatchewan. The Gallery houses his extensive private art collection from Canada and around the world.
Construction of the gallery began in 2003, on the site of the former Lodge Hotel. Architect for the project was Gerry Norbraten of Regina. The general contractor was Leeville Construction of Assiniboia. The impressive entrance to the gallery features a long cedar stripped barrel ceiling that extends beyond the front door. The exterior is complemented by beautifully landscaped grounds and a sculpture courtyard. Seven gallery rooms are named after former and existing villages in the RM of Stonehenge. The gallery is dedicated in memory of Bill Shurniak’s parents, John and Anna Shurniak and the scores of people of their generation, who settled in Southern Saskatchewan. Their portrait above the fireplace in the Old Post room serves as a tribute to that generation of very special people.
I want the gallery to be a place that people will feel free to visit frequently; a place where they will be able to linger, relax, and enjoy the paintings. Art is to be appreciated by people of all walks of life.”
Bill Shurniak
Bill Shurniak’s permanent art collection, comprised of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts, is rotated periodically. During its first five years of operation, the gallery displayed its Opening Exhibition, followed by an Australian Art Collection. Next, visitors had an imaginary trip through art, Around the World in 88 Minutes, and in the fifth year 90 Saskatchewan artists participated in a Prairie South Art Exhibition. Since 2010, invited individual artists have been featured for short term two to three month solo exhibitions. In addition, several OSAC (Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Council) exhibitions of Saskatchewan art come to the gallery each year, and the Group of Ten Photo Competition is held annually. Special exhibitions were mounted for the 2012 Centennials of Assiniboia and Limerick, the Gallery’s 10th Anniversary in 2015, and Canada 150 in 2017. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we could not celebrate our 15th Anniversary in July 2020.
Assiniboia and District Arts Council
The Arts Council maintains an office in the Gallery. Several OSAC (Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils) “Saskatchewan… Arts on the Move” exhibitions are held each year, facilitated by Assiniboia & District Arts Council.
Since 2015, Shurniak Gallery and Assiniboia & District Arts Council have co-hosted an Artists’ Retreat for one week each summer. The Retreat enables artists to work on individual projects, collaborate together, and enjoy the mentorships which develop. Participating artists also are a part of a group exhibition at the Gallery.
The Arts Council coordinates 50+ community-minded volunteers to assist in the Gallery. Please call (306) 642-5294 for more information about becoming a Gallery volunteer.
Programming and Education
The Gallery is committed to excellence in programming and education. We serve the community by providing arts exposure to all ages. Visual, literary, and musical experiences engage visitors in appreciating the wide world of culture. The arts matter! Come, enjoy the experience!
