Shurniak Art Gallery — Attraction in Assiniboia

Somebody else mentioned the Frick Gallery in New York which I have visited. I thought that was apt. Like the Frick, this gallery does not allow any photography in the galleries. Like the Frick, this place exceed expectations. (They have a few items inside that they apparently 'just forgot' to mention on their website). If this was in a big American city I would only give it Four Stars but because it is in a small prairie town I will give it Five. Art seems to be organized thematically. So one room will be all portraits while another contains paintings from around the world that feature horses. Most of the collection is figurative with few landscapes and only a couple pieces that I would classify as 'modern art'. There are no prints or etchings. The art has a strong Canadian emphasis. Note that this place is only open Monday to Friday in the daytime. Admission is free. There is an attractive 'Fresh Start' cafe inside the entrance. It had a lineup on the day that I visited and looked busy. I look forward to trying it on my next visit...

We stopped at the Shurniak Gallery today on our way back to Regina from Grasslands National Park. It was a wonderful respite from a very hot drive.

We had a personal tour from Mr. Shurniak who working in one of the galleries changing an exhibit. It's an eclectic collection that reflects the art that caught his attention during the time that he lived and worked in many different countries. Saskatchewan artists are well represented.

This was our second visit and we look forward to visiting again. We also had an excellent lunch in the cafe located in...

What a wonderful surprise and way to spend a morning!! From the welcome inside and out to the beautiful (always changing) collection of art from around the world including the Group of Seven, Albertans Kim Penner and Steve Hoar to works from China and Jamaica to a great lunch in the cafe -Fresh Start…. Nothing disappoints including the local collections and flowers made of sugar!! Such a gem in the small town of Assiniboia that is...