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The Gallery
fulfills its mandate in three specific areas of activity: exhibitions, educational
outreach, and community programming. The motivation for all activity is:
to tell the story of Canadian art, its history and its current state; to
provide challenging art experiences, formal and informal, through exhibitions
and education for all ages; and to actively engage the local community in
the wider possibilities of meaning and enjoyment in art.
The founding of The Robert McLaughlin
Gallery grew from the inspired response of Oshawa designer, William Caldwell,
to an exhibition of work by local artists held in the public library in
1967. He organized the artists to establish a gallery in a commercial space
on Simcoe Street North. Within a short period of time Ewart McLaughlin and
his wife Margaret (painter Alexandra Luke) offered major financial support
and works from her collection toward the establishment of a public art gallery
in the City. Alexandra Luke, was an important artist linked to the beginnings
of abstract painting in Canada and a founding member of Painters Eleven.
The Gallery was incorporated with the name of Robert, founder of the McLaughlin
Carriage Company, grandfather of Ewart, and father of Col. R. S. (Sam) McLaughlin.
Although a very successful businessman, Robert had a lifelong enthusiasm
for art and was a devoted amateur painter. His granddaughter, Isabel, is
an important Canadian artist, a founding member of the Canadian Group of
Painters, and an inspiration to many other important artists as well as
a devoted patron of the Gallery. Because its beginnings are rooted in the
aspirations of local artists, the Gallery has maintained an interest in
and commitment to the regional artistic community.
The Gallery’s origin is vitally
connected to the history of art in Canada; from these roots it takes a good
part of its energy and motivation for programming , both historical and
contemporary. There is, within the mandate, a specific dedication to Painters
Eleven and to concerns that continue to arise naturally in the creative
tension between representational and non-representational expression in
art. In its programming, services, and resources the Gallery gives special
attention to the practices and discourse which are centred in non-representational
art, and in their various developments from modernism to contemporary post-structuralism,
including new media and technology.
Gallery
Hours: Office
Hours:
Contact us at mailto:communication@rmg.on.ca Please
enquire about photography restrictions at the Security Desk. Wheelchair
access throughout the building. Smoking
is not permitted in the Gallery. Admission is by donation. Membership information is available at the Security Desk. Membership enquires 905.576.3000.
Guided tours are $5.00 per person and are approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. To book a tour contact
the Community Relations Department 905.576.3000 ext. 107.
A project
of the Volunteers, offers a selection of unique gift items handcrafted by
Canadian and international artisans.
A work of art is an excellent addition to any wall and can become an exciting part of your surroundings. It can make a statement about corporate image and personality. A work of art also offers something to contemplate. The Art Rental program at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery offers high quality original works of art by local and regional artists to display in your office or home. The works are housed in the E.P. Taylor Gallery and the Gallery Gift Shop. A variety of media are offered for rental including acrylics, oils, watercolors, drawings and mixed media. Through the Art Rental and Sales Program, you have the option of renting or purchasing works. You may purchase a piece right away, or rent it first. Should you decide to rent, you may apply up to three months of your rental fees towards the purchase price. Rental fees vary and are based on the value of the artwork. To book
an appointment with an Art Rental Representative call 905.576.3000 ext.
113
Meeting Rooms are available to arts related groups, service clubs, and the business community, for meetings, receptions, cocktail parties and seminars. Rooms available include the Meeting Room, E.P. Taylor Gallery, Alexandra Luke I Gallery & W.S. Nurse Lobby, R.S. McLaughlin Foundation Gallery and the Isabel McLaughlin Gallery. Please call for rates and additional details.
Full
Menu, Wine List & Bar; Business Lunches; Parties; Catering; Private Parties
(available outside of regular hours). Gallery
Café & Restaurant Hours:
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