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A new addition to Victoria’s downtown arts scene opened its doors on July 4. The Legacy Art Gallery and Café, a collaboration between the university and Heritage Realty Properties Ltd, is made possible by the generosity of well-known local benefactor Michael Williams.
Williams passed away in November 2000. He left his estate to UVic, including an extensive art collection and real estate portfolio which includes the building at Yates and Broad where the gallery is located. Williams bequeathed his collection with the express wish that it be made available for public viewing at a downtown location.
The gallery features Pacific Northwest art, as well as an enticing selection of gourmet café fare.
“Michael wanted to share his passion for art with the people of the city he loved so much,” says UVic President David Turpin. “We’re so grateful to Michael for his tremendous generosity and his support of teaching, learning, research and culture at UVic and Victoria.”
The gallery program will be based around Williams’ collection of over 1,000 paintings, drawings and sculptures by some of the most renowned artists of the Pacific Northwest.
The inaugural exhibition, “Michael’s World,” showcases a number of works by studio artists, many of whom received support from Williams in the early days of Old Town Victoria’s artistic revival. From the 1970s to the 1990s, more than 100 artists and craftspeople were situated in downtown studio space and constituted the core of this revival.
UVic and Heritage Realty Properties, the company that manages much of the property from the estate, including Swans Hotel, are working together to maintain Williams’ vision and tradition of combining great food, excellent service and a stimulating setting.
“UVic will provide the art and the expertise to present it in this wonderful new venue, while Heritage will bring knowledge in the hospitality business,” says Janina Ceglarz, Heritage Properties’ CEO. “In the coming years, the gallery will continue to evolve and will provide opportunities for UVic students and faculty to showcase new works and to interact with the downtown public. Heritage Properties is honoured to help continue Michael’s patronage of the arts and culture in Victoria.”
The most recent tenant of the building, Starfish Gallery, opted not to renew its lease, creating the opportunity for this new use of the structure.
In announcing the gallery, UVic is respecting Williams’ wish that it not bear his name.
Admission to the Legacy Art Gallery and Café, located at 630 Yates Street, is free. The café features menu items such as panini sandwiches, bagel melts, espresso coffee and various desserts. There is also a gift shop. The Legacy Art Gallery and Café’s regular hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is also available for private functions.
To view the Williams’ art collection online, visit www.maltwood.uvic.ca/mcw/.
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