By Lea Currie
FOR as long as humans have had flat surfaces and writing utensils, they have created art. While we’ve long graduated from the days of cave paintings, the joy of art is something that humans inherently want and need. While creating traditional art is something most of us stop doing after our Crayola days, all individuals can appreciate and benefit from it – just looking at art can release dopamine, the feel-good chemical.
For over 50 years, one local family has been helping Manitobans boost their connections and passion with art.
“Specializing in seeking out the best in contemporary and historical Canadian art and providing knowledgeable consultation to clients has always been our approach to the art business. Building collections as well as finding that perfect piece for specific locations,” says Bill Mayberry, president and founder of Mayberry Fine Art in Winnipeg.
Originally a picture framer in the 1970s, Mayberry began to represent local artists and deal in historical artworks. Today, Mayberry Fine Art also offers specialty art services including appraisals, consultations, estate planning, art restorations, installation, storage and custom framing. The company has a wide reach with clientele across Canada and the US, and has handled art valuation and resales ranging from hundreds of dollars into the millions.
“I see our Canadian art as unique and something that displays great cultural diversity from each region of our country. Coming to Canada as an immigrant, I believe, gave me an advantage to see Canadian art with fresh eyes and have never taken it for granted,” says Mayberry, who came here from Ireland with his wife, Joan.
The professional contemporary artists found at Mayberry Fine Art are carefully selected. The gallery has worked with many top Manitoba artists for decades, including Andrew Valko, Diana Thorneycroft and Luther Pokrant, who are prominent names on the local art Mayberry Fine Art has two locations: McDermot Avenue in Winnipeg’s Exchange District and in the Tuxedo area.
The gallery also works with rising stars with Mayberry pointing to Eric Ouimet as one to watch. Ouimet originally trained as a graphic designer and has become well known in recent years for his incredible screen printing. He has had solo and group shows at Mayberry’s galleries and credits the company for allowing his work to reach a wider audience.
“I think for any business to stay relevant decade after decade, it boils down to good human relations along with a depth of knowledge. I think as a family-run enterprise, this is obvious to anyone who has ever dealt with the Mayberrys. Each with their own individual strengths, together they offer a wealth of experience and are a one-stop shop for anything art related. They have set the benchmark for the other galleries in the city for years,” says Ouimet.
The family-run company now has three generations of Mayberrys working throughout the business and across its locations, including on McDermot Avenue in Winnipeg’s Exchange District and in the Tuxedo area.
“Specializing in seeking out the best in contemporary and historical Canadian art and providing knowledgeable consultation to clients has always been our approach to the art business. Building collections as well as finding that perfect piece for specific locations.” — Bill Mayberry, president and founder of Mayberry Fine Art in Winnipeg
Mayberry says his gallery is well positioned to address the needs of art lovers everywhere. A gallery in Toronto and an extensive online catalogue help the local business service clients beyond the province. Mayberry Fine Art is also a partner in one of Canada’s largest art auction company, Cowley Abbott Art Auctions, and will be expanding as they launch their own art auction company in Winnipeg. Our central location in Canada has proved to be very convenient, affordable and beneficial to the business over the years.
“We are still in Winnipeg as this city and Manitobans have stayed our loyal clients,” says Mayberry.
“We would hope after 50 plus years in the art business, we have had a positive effect on art in Manitoba and across Canada.” As the art industry evolves, Mayberry Fine Art is well positioned to address the needs of art lovers everywhere.
“The art industry has always been changing as the next generation of collectors expand their likes and dislikes, however knowledge of how to see art is key to finding quality art,” says Mayberry. Although we have long evolved from painting on walls, even cave people recognized art adds richness to our lives. Mayberry Fine Art specializes in contemporary and historical Canadian art.
