Reflecting on 50 Years of Donations
By Andrea Smith
Writing about the highlights from 50 years of donations was a challenge: 105 artworks have been donated since Art Sales and Rental Society (ASAR) volunteers opened the doors of the first Art Sales and Rental Gallery in 1976 (renamed Teichert Gallery in 2014 to commemorate founding member Irma MacQuarrie Teichert). How and which to choose when all have merit?
Over the five decades, there have been some significant donations given to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) whose stories continue to resonate within ASAR. A standout is the success of the volunteer-led antique sale that culminated in the purchase of “Dog in Car” (1999), a painting by one of Atlantic Canada’s most renowned artists, Alex Colville. The painting depicts a scene that is relatable to me – the woman driver is turned with her back to the viewer, perhaps reversing or perhaps looking into the back seat at the family dog (there is a surreal feeling that the dog is conscious of being chauffeured and is the driving force). In addition to “Dog in Car”, the Society assisted in the acquisition of “Ocean Unlimited” (1962). Both these Colville works are on continuous display in the Ondaatje Gallery of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and are well worth a visit.
Other memorable donations have originated from AGNS exhibitions. Two Artists Time Forgot was a 2006-2007 exhibit that spotlighted the overlooked, late 19th-century careers of Frances Jones Bannerman (1855–1944) from Nova Scotia and Margaret Campbell Macpherson (1860–1931) from Newfoundland. Co-curated by Dr. Mora Dianne O'Neill and Caroline Stone, the exhibit re-introduced the artists’ work to the public. In 2009, a striking oil painting in the impressionist manner, “The Shrimpers” (c 1897) by Margaret Campbell Macpherson, was repatriated to Canada and into the Permanent Collection with the assistance of the Department of Canadian Heritage and a donation from ASAR.
It’s particularly rewarding when an artist exhibiting at Teichert Gallery captures the attention of the AGNS curatorial team. In 2016-2017, Terroir: A Nova Scotia Survey presented artworks by 29 artists practising in the province. Artist Matthew Collins was chosen to participate in that exhibit and in 2017, ASAR donated his work “Carters Beach with Marker Paint” (2015-2016). Along with the Matthew Collins, funds were provided for the purchase of the impressive wooden sculpture by John Macnab that graces the AGNS reception area.
Yet while these contributions are notable, what is of primary importance to us is supporting AGNS in achieving its goals. I sat down with Shannon Parker, Laufer Curator of Collections at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, to discover her perspective on how ASAR donations have assisted the gallery’s mission.
“Art Sales and Rental has always listened to the curatorial team. Even now a major part of our acquisition strategy is and has always been, what are we missing, who are we missing, who’s not represented,” relates Shannon. “We’ve seen that not only with the support and improvement of our Indigenous collections, but also our local artists. Some of them are well known like Alex Colville but also the mid-career artists like Matthew Collins, John Macnab, and others. I think that’s incredibly important.”
It was gratifying to learn that in the 1990s and early 2000s, ASAR “really helped push the Indigenous collection that didn’t exist. Some key pieces were acquired that are exhibited and get researched regularly,” explains Shannon. During this period the Canada Council for the Arts would match funds with whatever donations ASAR provided, effectively doubling them. It was at this time the first carved mask "Meskocipayiwak”, whose name in the Cree language means "they changed on their own" or “they transformed”, was acquired from artist Edward Ned Bear.
Shannon noted how Ned Bear mentored and influenced many Indigenous artists, among them Mi’kma’ki artist Gordon Sparks whose carvings are displayed within the exhibition Ta’n a’sikatikl sipu’l | Confluence on display at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia until September 2026.
As a final reflection, perhaps our Society’s greatest highlight is that our mandate (and passion) remains unchanged 50 years later. We continue to provide funds to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, supporting the acquisition of works its curators consider essential additions to the Permanent Collection. Here’s to another 50!
Andrea Smith is the Executive Director of Teichert Gallery, joining in 2004.
