Concordia fetes Ellen Gallery anniversaries
Samuel Schecter had a vision. Fifty years ago, the late Montreal entrepreneur established a fund at Sir George Williams University to collect contemporary art, a first for the university. The first six works acquired were exhibited in corridors, lounges and classrooms.
Just four years later, the Sir George Williams Art Galleries, with a collection of more than 300 works, opened in the new Henry F. Hall Building.
From those modest beginnings, the gallery evolved into Concordia’s Leonard and Bina Ellen Art Gallery — named in honour of its benefactors. The gallery can now boast of a collection of 1,800 objets d’arts and a stellar international reputation.
Celebrating the Leonard and Bina Ellen Art Gallery anniversaries on October 10, 2012: from left, standing, the late Samuel Schecter’s sister Sybil Smith, and son, Lorne Schecter, Bina Ellen, Marie Claire Morin, Michèle Thériault and Alan Shepard; seated, Leonard Ellen. | Photo: Studio Joe & Joe
On October 10, about 70 members of the Concordia community, donors, artists and members of the Schecter and Ellen families attended a reception to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Schecter donation. The event also marked the 20th anniversary of the renaming of the exhibition space as the Leonard and Bina Ellen Art Gallery.
Marie Claire Morin, vice-president of Advancement and Alumni Relations, served as the event’s master of ceremonies. Morin attributed the gallery’s success and longevity to many dedicated individuals. “Mr. Schecter and subsequent donors, including the Stern Estate, as well as its directors and curators and participating artists, have played an essential part in the gallery’s advancement,” she said.
“It’s a pleasure to help celebrate one of the most important galleries in Quebec, Canada and the world,” said Alan Shepard, Concordia president. “It has a long and distinguished track record of contribution to the arts.”
Michèle Thériault, the Ellen Gallery’s director, talked about the progressive direction it has taken through the years. “The Ellen has become known for treading where many other art institutions have never tread,” she said. “Concordia can be proud of our success, which has turned the gallery into one of its most dynamic ambassadors and one of its most innovative learning resources.”