The Perivale Gallery in Spring Bay, Ontario, hosted the final exhibition of renowned Manitoulin artist Ivan Wheale, titled 'THROUGH IVAN’S EYES - A NORTHERN VISION LIVES ON.' Wheale, who passed away in September, had been a fixture at the gallery for over four decades. The opening featured his last works, including 'Tranquility,' his final completed painting, which he finished from his hospice bed. An unfinished piece sat on his custom easel, marking the end of a long tradition of annual shows.
The exhibition matters because it closes a significant chapter in Manitoulin Island's art history. Wheale’s influence was instrumental in transforming Perivale Gallery from a small antiques shop into Northern Ontario's premier art gallery. The show draws a large crowd of loyal followers, underscoring the deep community connection to his work and the enduring legacy of a beloved local artist.