Spotlight on Contemporary Indigenous Art

Collection and exhibition of regional artists draws visitors from around the world.

Expect to see the work of some of Canada’s top contemporary Indigenous artists as you walk through the doors of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

Centrally located in Thunder Bay on the grounds of Confederation College, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, also known at TBAG, is a contemporary public gallery dedicated to the collection, research and exhibition of contemporary Indigenous art. In fact, the gallery has become internationally renowned for its permanent collection and draws visitors from around the world.

There are nearly 25 exhibitions a year, presented in three large showrooms that make up much of the 4,000-square-foot space, featuring regional artists and artists of national significance whose shows make a stop during travelling exhibitions. With a professional in-house curator and professional curators from across the country selecting the themes and artwork for many shows, the TBAG offers you the ability to see some of the best artists Canada has to offer, many who happen to live in the region.


    
When the gallery first opened in 1976 it was understood that they would need more space. Various First Nations, government and citizen groups donated or worked to obtain hundreds of works of art for the gallery’s permanent collection, which generated the galleries first expansion in the 1980s. Much of this artwork is on display in special shows throughout the year.


    
Famous artists include the likes of Benjamin Chee Chee, Leo Yerxa, Susan Ross, Norval Morrisseau, Arthur Shilling, Carl Ray, Roy Thomas, Carl Beam, Allen Sapp, Ahmoo Angeconeb, Rebecca Baird, Rick Rivet, Joshim and Goyce Kakegamic, Bob Boyer, Robert Markle, Saul Williams, John Books, Ruth Tye McKenzie, Christian Chapman, Catherine Kozyra, Chris Stones, and Sarah Link along with many others.


    
Another part of the mandate is to offer classes to youth, promote local artists with high-school art shows, grad shows from the Lakehead University Visual Arts Department, and juried shows for local artists.


    
Today, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery is looking forward to expanding into its future location.  The new, modern facility with bigger and better showrooms will be located in Prince Arthur’s Landing on the waterfront. The new location, when built, will allow for greater visibility and walk-by traffic.

`
About Duncan Weller

A writer and visual artist, Duncan Weller is a Governor General's Award winner who lives in Thunder Bay. You can visit his website at www.duncanweller.com. His latest two books are a novel, Flight of the Silk, and an expanded edition of the award-winning children's picture book, The Boy from the Sun.

Recommended Articles

The Best Sights to See in Thunder Bay

From the legendary Sleeping Giant to Indigenous art galleries these Thunder Bay attractions are not to be missed.

A Bird's-Eye View of Thunder Bay

Mount McKay Lookout - Anemki Wajiw is a must-do in this Northwestern Ontario city

Conquer a Giant

This iconic Northwest Ontario landmark rises 1000 ft above the surface of Lake Superior.

12 Best Places to Stay in Thunder Bay

A boutique courthouse, art-filled hostel, or a luxe waterfront hotel—TBay has accommodations for every taste.

Haunted Fort Night

Halloween Fun At Fort William Historical Park

6 great hiking trails in and around Thunder Bay

Hike the famous Sleeping Giant or the Flett railway tunnel in this Northwest Ontario city.

The Hunger Cabaret

Get your costumes ready for one of Thunder Bay's best (and biggest) parties!

Time to change your clocks—but why?

The Thunder Bay and Northwest Ontario Connection to Daylight Savings Time.

Prince Arthur's Landing on Thunder Bay's Waterfront

A World Class Place to Visit

Top 5 places to view the Sleeping Giant

Thunder Bay's Most Famous Landmark and the best places to see it

Treasure Hunting in Thunder Bay

A longtime thrifter's story—and some hot tips!

A City of Sisu

Finnish Culture in Thunder Bay

Green Mantle and Nanabijou's Wife

Discover the Legends of Thunder Bay's Natural Wonders

Reviving Family Skiing in Thunder Bay

Mount Baldy's new owners on their first year and what's to come.

Memories of a Legend

Remembering Terry Fox at Memorial Sites near Thunder Bay

Rainy Days and Everyday

Indoor Play Areas for Kids in Thunder Bay

Fall Colours on Superior's Shore

5 Ways to Experience Thunder Bay's Incredible Autumn Foliage

12 Places to Go Walleye Fishing In and Around Thunder Bay

Catch your limit and experience the province's best angling near this Northwest Ontario city.

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Thunder Bay

“It was instant panic. Why am I doing this?”

Keeping cool with cold plunges and cryotherapy.