Art Centre

The Douglas Family Art Centre is the region’s premier art gallery presenting rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical Canadian artists as well as international artists. In addition to exhibitions the Art Centre celebrates all levels of artistic interests from child focused studio programs to ongoing community art education, school tours, artist talks, films and lectures.

The Douglas Family Art Centre opened in the fall of 2019 at 224 Main Street South, Kenora. The creation of the Art Centre was prompted by the generous offer of two longtime lake residents, Nicki and Bryce Douglas. Over 30 years they curated a unique collection of Lake of the Woods themed colour woodcut prints, watercolours, and engravings of Canadian artist Walter J. Phillips. Because of their love and connection to Lake of the Woods, they have gifted their collection to the City of Kenora through the Art Centre.

Their gift presented a wonderful opportunity and initiated a process of establishing an Art Centre in Kenora, the district's first public art gallery. Bryce Douglas put words to their vision for the Art Centre: “We would like to see a vibrant art centre that presents opportunities for students of all ages to learn about art, and for the arts community to share ideas and develop their talents. As well, to be a place to display not only the Walter J. Phillips collection but the work of local artists, Indigenous artists and aspiring artists.”

Together the Lake of the Woods Museum and the Douglas Family Art Centre form The Muse. Both locations offer inspiring exhibits and exhibitions, quality programming, and enriching experiences that make the most of the significant synergies that exist between them.