Joanne Goodall
THE AQUINIAN
Memories will be relived at this week’s Gallery 78 exhibition opening, The Early Years. The exhibition will celebrate the gallery’s 33rd anniversary by showcasing artwork from artists who have contributed their talents to the gallery during their early years at 78 Brunswick Street.
Inge Pataki, founder of Gallery 78, said she has a lot of pride for the work that has been accomplished over the years and with the artists she has showcased on the walls in her gallery.
Gallery 78 began as a small, private gallery in her home but the number of artists and artwork became too large for the space.
The move from 78 Brunswick Street to the Crocket House, on Queen Street (in 1989), gave them more space and more opportunities for emerging and senior artists to exhibit their collections and to sell their pieces.
Pataki remembers the feelings she felt during opening night in 1976.
“I felt an incredible feeling of happiness and pride. People were very pleased that we were able to open a private gallery in New Brunswick and showcase works from around the Atlantic region. We were highly congratulated that night.”
Pataki’s love for the arts kept the business going over the years. She dedicated herself to provide a diverse collection of artwork in her gallery and prides herself on being able to grow the gallery over many economic uncertain years.
Gallery 78’s philosophy is to “… offer equal hospitality and counsel to all who have an interest in fine art, welcoming both the first time visitor and the experienced collector. Gallery 78 prides itself on fulfilling the needs of the novice as well as the seasoned art connoisseur.”
“I hope people will visit and feel proud of the diversity of art in this part of Canada. I also hope they leave with a sense of reassurance in the quality of work the artists present and the consistency shown with each exhibition,” Pataki said.
Senior artists such as Carol Fraser, Molly and Bruno Bobak were prominently featured in the early years along with then-emerging artists Stephen Scott and Stephen May. Each artist brings their own unique style and personality, and Pataki is proud of the diversity of art that has been presented over the years. Emerging artists who began their career at 78 Brunswick Street are now mid career and senior artists and have large followings.
Finding a favourite exhibition is very difficult for Pataki but she is passionate about the art work of Pegi Nicol MacLeod, the founder of the UNB Arts Centre. MacLeod passed away at a young age in 1949.
“She is a renowned artist and I am passionate about her work. We mounted an exhibition which travelled across the region to nine different galleries as far away as Quebec and this exhibit was very special to me. We also exhibited a group of Newfoundland artists which I remember fondly. It was a big undertaking but it showed artwork from different parts of Atlantic Canada to our visitors,” Pataki said.
Pataki would like to thank all of the artists who put faith in her gallery and shown loyalty to her over the years.
The Early Years will be open October 8 and will continue until November 1. All visitors are welcomed. The gallery is opened Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10-5pm, and Sundays 1-4pm.
