New gallery opens with nod to North Bay’s artistic past

Paintings lined the walls. Soapstone carvings sat under gallery lights. In one corner of the room, a self-portrait of Ernest “Ernie” Taylor drew visitors in.

Bloch Bauers Gallery of Fine Art officially opened today in downtown North Bay, drawing local politicians, arts leaders and community members to the new space at 222 McIntyre St. W.

The gallery will focus on regional, Indigenous and Inuit art while also displaying works from private estates and consignments. Friday’s event included speeches, a ribbon cutting and the unveiling of the “Lawrence Nickle Collection.”

For many in attendance, the opening was also a nod to the city’s artistic history.

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says one of the first things he noticed when entering the gallery was Taylor’s self-portrait. Taylor was a longtime local art teacher remembered by generations of students.

“I haven’t seen a painting of Ernie Taylor himself, a self-portrait, in a long, long time,” Fedeli said during remarks. “To see that tells me that you really do understand the history of our city.”

Mayor Peter Chirico echoed those comments during his remarks.

“Ernie was a legend in this town, and to see his face on canvas once again, the self-portrait that he did is amazing,” Chirico said.

The gallery occupies a renovated space inside the Kennedy Building. Guests wandered through the space filled with paintings, carvings and more before and after the formal program.

Stu Campaigne, constituency manager for MP Pauline Rochefort, told attendees he arrived early and spent time walking through the gallery before the ceremony began.

“Remarkable works here,” Campaigne said. “I’m blown away by the talent that’s showcased.”

Joey Nadeau, Gallery co-owner and curator, says the opening marked the end of months of preparation.

“Proof of a lot of work and months of preparing and just gathering all of the art together,” Nadeau said when asked what it felt like to finally unveil the gallery.

Nadeau says many of the works come from estates, giving collections a second life after owners have passed away.

“Art that needs to find a new home,” Nadeau said.

He also noted the gallery features Indigenous art.

“I really enjoy it,” Nadeau said. “I think it’s very important.”

Among the artists represented is Indigenous painter Stephen Snake, who had previously been represented through K Bros Maroosis Art Centre.

Nadeau described Taylor as “quite a character” whose work continues to spark memories for residents.

“Everybody recognizes his face and draws a lot of memories of Ernie Taylor,” he said.