Art is a universal language that transcends boundaries and communicates when words cannot. Eclipse Art Gallery at Deerhurst Resort transcends such boundaries by displaying a wide array of art by various Canadian artists, available for purchase or simply enjoyment by anyone at any time.
Karin Kriekaard, curator of Eclipse Art Gallery, hopes to continue this ideology with the upcoming Mendelson Joe exhibit taking place at the gallery from October 25 to 30, 2023.
Mendelson Joe was a Canadian artist, musician, songwriter, and performing artist who passed away in February 2022 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was known for his unique and colourful style of art which consisted mostly of landscapes and portraits of famous Canadians. Joe often used his art to express political views and create thoughtful dialogue.
“He was iconic and a little bit controversial,” Kriekaard says. “Some people couldn’t stand him and some people loved him. He had an edgy side…”
It is this edginess that Kriekaard hopes will bring new and vibrant life to the gallery.
Joe was a longtime resident of Emsdale where he lived with his wife and representative Karen Robinson, who still owns a gallery of Joe’s work. He frequented Huntsville and was a well-known staple around the town. Kriekaard says he was “easily recognized by many wearing his paint-spattered overalls and boots.”
The exhibit will display a select series of Joe’s artwork and will be the main focus of the gallery for the duration of the week. After the exhibit is over, Joe’s work will have a smaller ongoing presence at the gallery year-round. His work will also remain available for purchase online through the gallery’s website.
A larger Mendelson Joe art show will take place at Eclipse Art Gallery in 2024.
Eclipse Art Gallery was founded in 2002 by Kriekaard and Deerhurst Resort’s then-manager Ann Larcade. Kriekaard owned a business in interior decorating and design in the early 2000s. Larcade was interested in enhancing the size and quality of the small art display at Deerhurst, so she approached Kriekaard with a proposal to form the Eclipse Art Gallery.
“I was asked if I was interested in doing this, I didn’t know much about art but I always like to say yes to opportunities. So I said yes,” Kriekaard says. “I learned along the way. It was all such a learning experience and everyone who helped me in the beginning was great. And now twenty some odd years later, I’m running this still.”
Over the years, the gallery has grown to become an established presence at Deerhurst Resort. The art selection reflects the beauty and diversity of Muskoka, from its landscapes and forests to its lakes and wildlife. The gallery showcases work by a large variety of talented Canadian artists from Muskoka and all over Ontario, as well as Quebec and the East Coast. Due to this diversity of artists, the gallery has attracted a national and international customer base.
“What we represent is Muskoka and artwork that reflects Muskoka and the landscape around Muskoka, that’s our niche,” Kriekaard says. “So essentially, we bring the outside, inside.”
The art in the gallery changes seasonally, but also on a consistent basis, so Kriekaard emphasizes that it is worth it to come more than once, as there will be something new and different to see each time. The art can also be found adorning the walls not only in the gallery but all over Deerhurst Resort.
Eclipse Art Gallery sees art enthusiasts from all over Canada, mostly Toronto and the GTA, as well as some Huntsville locals. The gallery also has a prominent online presence, and a great deal of art is sold through the website. Delivery is free with purchase to select areas of Ontario. To ensure the client’s satisfaction, gallery staff will also set up sampling and custom pieces.
“It took a few years to learn but now I can truly say I am an art gallerist,” Kriekaard says. “It takes passion, it takes commitment, and lots of love for art. And it takes love for people too.”
For more information on Eclipse Art Gallery, visit eclipseartgallery.ca
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The love of my life for the last 17 years was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease nearly 4 years ago, at age 52. He had a stooped posture, tremors, muscle stiffness, horrible driving skills, and slow movement. He was placed on Sinemet 50/200 at night for 7 months and then Sifrol and rotigotine were introduced which replaced the Sinemet but he had to stop due to side effects. He started having hallucinations, lost touch with reality. Suspecting it was the medications I took him off the Siferol (with the doctor’s knowledge) In March this year his primary physician suggested we started him on Natural Herbs Centre Ayurveda Parkinson’s Protocol which eased his anxiety a bit, i’m happy to report this PD Ayurvedic treatment worked very effectively. His Parkinson’s is totally under control, he had a total decline in symptoms, the tremors, shaking, stiffness, slow movement and speech problems stopped. I can personally vouch for these remedy but you would probably need to decide what works best for you
I would like to acknowledge Maureen Elliott of The Icing Interior Design , who was a business partner of Karin`s . Local artists knew her well . RIP Maureen and Joe .