Loading Dock Door Replacement at The TOM to Retire Iconic Mural

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery’s current overhead loading dock door (that faces 2nd Avenue West) will be replaced the week of August 25. While this work is part of the City of Owen Sound’s long-term capital projects, the door holds special significance—it has, for many years, been the canvas for a striking mural that has become a familiar part of the TOM’s exterior.  The current door has reached the end of its life and is no longer operating properly, which means both the door and the art on it will be affected by the maintenance.

The City is grateful to artist Nyle Miigizi Johnston whose mural Miigwetch Animikii Bineeyhnshi (Thank You Thunderbird Spirit) was displayed on the door for many years. The mural was originally created for the Canadian Spirit Festival (2012-2017) as a temporary installation, but the TOM was thrilled to be able to extend it for so many years beyond the Festival during which it was created. Staff have been communicating with Johnston about this replacement project and hope to be able to work with him again on a future initiative.

Looking ahead, the TOM and the Library have been collaborating with the Pollinate Owen Sound team to establish a pollinator garden on the west side of the building, where the door is being replaced.  Long-range plans include the establishment of native plants to encourage the development of a pollinator corridor in Owen Sound. As part of this project, the team is considering an opportunity to create a pollinator-themed mural to activate that location and to promote awareness about native plants and their importance to the environment.

The City thanks the community for its appreciation of Johnston’s work and looks forward to the next chapter in activating this important cultural space.

For more information, please contact Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator - Art Gallery, Culture, Tourism at 519-376-1932 ext. 5001 or email aware@tomthomson.org.

Quote:

“With the loading bay door mural at The TOM came an opportunity to showcase traditional Great Lakes Anishinaabek artistry. Utilizing contemporary mediums, I was provided the space to explore Saukiing Anishinaabekiing themes and stories like that of a Thunderbird. I want to say miigwetch to the staff and community at The TOM for helping bring this vision of reclamation on such an impactful scale to life. Miigwetch for providing the opportunity to keep pushing Anishinaabek woodland art into the future.”

- Nyle Miigizi Johnston, Artist, Neyaashiinigmiing Unceded Territory

Quick Facts:

• The Tom Thomson Art Gallery’s collection, made up of more than 2,600 objects spanning over 150 years, includes paintings, works on paper, photographs, sculptures, textiles, installation pieces, and even a Kawasaki motorcycle. 

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