Agnes Etherington Art Centre

Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Name	Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Established	1957
Location	Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Type	Art museum
Director	Emelie Chhangur
Website	https://agnes.queensu.ca

Agnes Etherington Art Centre is a public art museum located on the campus of Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Founded in 1957, it serves as a vital cultural hub for the university and the broader community, presenting a dynamic program of historical and contemporary exhibitions. The centre is renowned for its significant collections of Canadian historical art, contemporary art, and Indigenous art, alongside a notable collection of African art.

History

The institution's origins are tied to the bequest of Agnes Etherington, a prominent Kingston arts patron, who donated her historic home at 36 University Avenue to Queen's University in 1957 for use as an art centre. The inaugural director, Andreas Hauser, established its early exhibition program. A major expansion in 1975, funded by the Floyd S. Chalmers Foundation, significantly increased its gallery and storage space. Throughout its history, it has been instrumental in developing the Canadian art historical canon, with early support from figures like François-Marc Gagnon and through landmark exhibitions. In 2000, it underwent a further renovation and expansion, designed by the architectural firm Moriyama & Teshima Architects, solidifying its modern facilities.

Collections

The permanent collection comprises over 17,000 works, with several areas of international significance. The core is the Canadian art collection, featuring major works by artists such as Paul-Émile Borduas, Emily Carr, Lawren Harris, and David Milne. It houses the internationally acclaimed Bader Collection of European art, featuring works by Rembrandt and his circle, donated by Dr. Alfred Bader and Isabel Bader. The centre holds an important collection of historical and contemporary Inuit art, including prints and sculpture. Other strengths include the Molly Lamb Bobak Collection, a growing collection of contemporary Canadian and international art, and the African art collection featuring works from West and Central Africa.

Exhibitions

The exhibition program is noted for its scholarly rigor and contemporary relevance, typically presenting 15-20 shows annually. It balances historical surveys, such as retrospectives of figures like Gathie Falk or Pegi Nicol MacLeod, with cutting-edge contemporary projects often developed through the Isabel Bader Fellowship in Visual Arts. The centre has organized nationally touring exhibitions, including significant shows on Abstract Expressionism in Canada and the work of Joyce Wieland. It also provides a platform for emerging artists through the Queen's University Master of Fine Arts graduate exhibitions and collaborates frequently with institutions like the Art Gallery of Ontario and the National Gallery of Canada.

Architecture

The centre is an architectural amalgam of the historic Etherington House, a restored 19th-century limestone residence, and modern gallery additions. The 1975 Chalmers Wing added flexible, column-free gallery spaces, while the 2000 renovation by Moriyama & Teshima Architects created a new entrance, the Isabel Bader Hall, and improved accessibility. The design thoughtfully integrates the old and new, using materials like glass and limestone to create a dialogue between the heritage building and contemporary architecture, with the Ontario Association of Architects recognizing the design.

Governance and operations

The centre operates as a department of Queen's University, under the Faculty of Arts and Science, with additional guidance from an independent Board of Directors. It is a registered charity, relying on operational funding from the university, grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council, and private donations from patrons and foundations like the Bader Philanthropies. The director oversees a professional staff of curators, registrars, educators, and technicians who manage collections, exhibitions, and public programs.

Public engagement

A robust program of public engagement includes artist talks, lectures by scholars like Mark A. Cheetham, workshops, and family days. It offers extensive educational resources for K-12 students in partnership with local school boards and the Limestone District School Board. The centre also publishes scholarly catalogues and essays, often in collaboration with publishers like McGill-Queen's University Press. Digital initiatives, including online collections and virtual exhibitions, extend its reach beyond Kingston, Ontario to a global audience.

Category:Art museums and galleries in Ontario Category:Queen's University Category:Museums established in 1957 Category:Buildings and structures in Kingston, Ontario