The Muse, The Douglas Family Art Centre

The Muse is comprised of the Lake of the Woods Museum and the Douglas Family Art Centre, a recent addition in 2019. The Douglas Family Art Centre was prompted by the generous offer of two long-time lake residents, Nicki and Bryce Douglas. They have been collecting the Lake of the Woods themed colour woodcut prints, watercolours, and engravings of Canadian artist Walter J. Phillips for over 30 years. Because of their connection to, and love of, Lake of the Woods and Kenora, they have gifted their collection of 67 pieces, to the City of Kenora through the Art Centre. Their gift presented a wonderful opportunity and initiated a process of establishing an Art Centre in Kenora, the community’s first public art gallery. Bryce Douglas put words to their vision for the Art Centre: “We would like to see a vibrant art centre that would present opportunities for students of all ages to learn about art and for the arts community to share ideas and develop their talents. As well, it would be a place to display not only the Walter J. Phillips collection but the work of local artists, Indigenous artists, and aspiring artists.” With the generous support of local and lake residents and all levels of government, the dream of an Art Centre in Kenora has come to fruition.