Images Boréales Inuit Art Gallery — Attraction in Montreal

I have been enamored of First Nations art, and Inuit art in particular, for most of my adult life. So, during a visit to Montreal a few summers back, I was delighted to stumble upon Galerie Images Boreales, located in a lovely part of town.

I spent a good while in the Galerie, especially admiring the stone sculptures. I emerged with two small, beautiful loons, one with a tiny chick attached alongside.

That day, I also got on the Galerie’s listserv, and enjoyed looking at creations pictured in the periodic emails I received.

Sadly, my husband jostled the table holding the solo loon, and it fell to the floor in several pieces. He graciously offered to replace it.

This gave me an excuse to go onto the Galerie website. I am partial to birds, and was immediately drawn to a duck created by the Inuit sculptor, Pudlalik Shaa.

I contacted the Galerie by email, and after some discussion complicated by the tariffs situation, was able to complete the transaction. Both Patricia and Ilene were most helpful, and pleasant to deal with.

Within only a few days, an enormous package arrived from Montreal. It sat on my dining room table for about 3 weeks, as I unpacked later after layer. I have never seen such a carefully packed article—ever!

When my duck finally emerged, it was in perfect condition. It was way more beautiful than pictured or imagined; it has a unique embracing, spiritual quality. Pudlalik Shaa’s Bird 16720 now has pride of place on my dining room table for all to see upon entering my house.

I won’t thank my husband for breaking my loon, but I do appreciate his indirect help in securing this wonderful sculpture.

If you are fortunate enough to be in Montreal, visit the Galerie. At the very least, visit their website. Their works of art are stunning, the care taken by the staff extraordinary, both in terms of customer service, and respectful care of the art treasures.

An additional note: I also feel really glad to patronize such an establishment, and to support indigenous artists and Canada in these trying...

Highly recommend a visit to Images Boreales Galerie d'Art Inuit in Vieux Montreal. I had found this years ago while walking about Old Montreal. On this recent visit, Thursday May 2, 2024, we were on an MTL Detour of history, architecture, & culture in this area and there it was again. How fortuitous! A unique gallery of First People's art, sculpture, fabric, etc. "In Canada, the term Indigenous peoples (or Aboriginal peoples) refers to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. These are the original inhabitants of the land that is now Canada." These are commissioned works of the Inuit people of Northern Canada (Nunavut). These objects are carved from bone, ivory, & stone. The gallery also offers First Nations artists, Dene, Haida, Coast Salish, Ojibway and others. Most people will not be able to visit these remote indigenous homelands, so here is a place where you can view & purchase these unique artworks. Open every day 10am-6pm. Thank you to the helpful & informative staffer who answered all our questions on our visit. Nick & Liz,...

My sister and I visited Montreal in late Spring.  I had read only a little about the Galerie but made it the top of my list. It turned out to be the highlight of my visit.  My sister and I spent a good part of the morning there and had to go back the next day because it was so remarkable! Aside from the impressive extent of the collection, each objet d' art more beautiful than the one next to it - I was impressed by the knowledgeable, helpful and warm staff members we met. Sumaiya Zaman helped us and went beyond Sales Consultant and beyond Museum Docent: she is a true and educated expert in the art and the artists she represents!  It was a privilege to have her help us.  We purchased three sculptures that day which are treasures to us both.  I reached out again to Ms. Zaman by email recently to ask enquire about some graphic art I was seeking and she was helpful as she could possibly be. I highly recommend a visit to the Galerie Images Boreales and I look forward to an opportunity to return.  Until then, I visit the...