The Memorial University Art Gallery opened in 1961 to collect, champion and showcase the work of local artists.

It is heralded for having played a role in launching the careers of legendary artists like Mary Pratt, Christopher Pratt, Gerald Squires, Helen Parsons Shepherd and David Blackwood.

In fact, Christopher Pratt served as the gallery's first curator in the 1960s.

In the following decades, the famed Memorial University permanent collection grew to 4,600 pieces of art, with a special focus on works from Newfoundland and Labrador.

When The Rooms opened in 2004, it assumed the role of housing and managing Memorial's permanent collection.

As part of the university’s 100th anniversary celebrations, select pieces from the collection will be featured at a new exhibit at The Rooms, titled To Launch Forth Into the Deep: A Legacy of Supporting the Arts at Memorial University.

“As Memorial University celebrates its centennial, we're not just displaying art — we are showcasing works that transformed our cultural landscape and launched our province onto the national stage," said Lisa Browne, vice-president (administration, finance and advancement), Memorial University. "This collection is a testament to Memorial's visionary spirit.

“While we’re all familiar with monumental names like Mary Pratt or Gerald Squires today, at the time Memorial was collecting these works, they were emerging figures in our culture," she added. "We continue to foster emerging figures in culture through various programs, including the Fine Arts Program at Grenfell Campus.” 

Exhibit details

The exhibit will run from Feb. 15 until Oct. 19, 2025.

A free public opening reception will take place on Feb. 21. 

From The Rooms’ exhibit description: “By empowering artists to thrive at home, Memorial transformed Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural landscape, enriching local life and elevating the province’s voice on the national stage.”

Showcased artists include Anne Meredith Barry, Peter Bell, Jerry Evans, Gilbert Hay, Frank Lapointe, Heidi Oberheide, Christopher Pratt, Mary Pratt, Helen Parsons Shepherd, Reginald Shepherd, Gerald Squires and Don Wright.

“Like universities, cultural institutions are spaces where art thrives — where experimentation, risk-taking and bold ideas are not just encouraged, but essential,” said Anne Chafe, CEO, The Rooms. “Memorial University and The Rooms foster critical discussions that challenge norms, spark transformation and inspire change.”

Reproductions for sale  

To celebrate Memorial’s centennial year, six pieces from the Memorial permanent collection will be available for sale as a poster and postcard.

They will be available at The Rooms gift shop and the St. John’s campus bookstore (in person and online) by late February.

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For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact Chad Pelley, media relations manager for Memorial University, at chad.pelley@mun.ca or 709-853-4281.