Popular Art Exhibition Returns to Thunder Bay

Celebrating Artists Past and Present is returning for its highly anticipated 2024 edition. Curated by local artist Biljana Baker, the art show aims to honour the region’s vibrant artistic heritage while showcasing the talents of contemporary artists. 

Having first launched in 2022, the art show received an enthusiastic response, prompting Baker to bring it back this year. “I was only going to produce the show as a one-time exhibit,” Baker says. “Due to the success of the first show I was asked to produce another one by the artists and the families of the people that passed away. It was such a moving moment for the family members to see the work of their family members on display. It was touching and also a closer for most of them.”

Biljana Baker

Biljana has dedicated years to promoting local talent through various initiatives and events. As a working artist, she understands the challenges faced by her peers in thriving within the Thunder Bay arts community. This show is not just an exhibition; it’s a heartfelt tribute to artists who have made significant contributions to the local culture but are no longer with us.

“I have names of about 60 artists that have passed away,” she says. “We keep losing artists, musicians, authors, etc., but no one, as far as I know, has kept track of their names. This was a great opportunity to  showcase them.”

Marcel Tardif

Set against the backdrop of the transformed Valhalla Inn Ballroom, the 2024 show promises to be a visual feast. Attendees can expect over 30 booths featuring more than 50 artists from the Thunder Bay region, showcasing an impressive range of artwork that includes oil, watercolour, acrylic, mixed media, pottery, stained glass, woodwork, metalwork, jewelry, and fibre arts. The exhibition also highlights the next generation of talent with contributions from art students at Superior CVI and Westgate High Schools, as well as a collective of artists from the 55 Plus Centre.

Danielle Kantola

Scheduled for the weekend of November 16-17, the exhibition is timed ahead of the holiday season, making it the perfect opportunity for attendees to discover unique pieces for gift-giving or to enrich their art collections. 

Baker invites the public to immerse themselves in this creative celebration. “This event is a wonderful way to connect with the local art community, discover exceptional talent, and pay tribute to those who have paved the way for artists today.”

Ryan Mackett

Celebrating Artists Past and Present will take place November 16, from 10 am to 5 pm, and November 17 from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information, contact Biljana Baker at biljanabaker@shaw.ca.