Visiting the Whitby Station Gallery, Whitby, Ontario: art in an historic building

This well appointed art gallery in Ontario Durham region's Town of Whitby is house in the former railroad station.

Some history and features

The building was erected in 1903, and served the Grand Trunk Railway and the Canadian National Railway also. In 1971 the building was moved, having been saved from demolition. Its current site at 1450 Henry Street in Whitby, it was used by Whitby Arts Incorporated. Today, the entity it houses is known as the Whitby Station Gallery, thus fulfilling the local function of a community visual arts centre.

The distinctive building exudes an aura of solidity, and its striking roof design, which incorporates pointed turrets, is a familiar local sight. Facility Expansion work was undertaken in 2005 by Goldsmith, Borgal and Company.

The Town of Whitby has designed the Station Gallery as a Heritage Building. A historical plaque has been supplied, close to the main entrance.

Railcar workshop

In keeping with the railroad past of the building, a former railcar has a permanent home at the gallery.

The railcar's interior is used as a workshop, and is referred to as the Nicholas Novak Print Studio, named for a local artist, who died in 1980. Its exterior bears the names of various sponsors.

Exhibitions and activities

Artists featured in recent exhibitions include Catherine Hill, who has specialized in colourful and highly realistic paintings of insects. These paintings have included Rhomborrhina resplendens , acrylic on canvas, 2009 and Eupholus bennetti , gouache on paper, 2008.

Family Art Days, and arts workshops are organized, as are numerous other events. These are often with an emphasis on learning for young people,

The Ontario Arts Council is one of the many sponsorship supporters of the Gallery's activities.

Also worth seeing

Ajax (distance: 10.4 kilometres) Post Hill House is a noted, historic building.

Pickering (distance: approx. 15 kilometres); its barrier beach on the Waterfront is a prominent feature, relevant to wildlife preservation. The Erskine Church dates from the 19th century.

Oshawa (distance: 10.4 kilometres); Parkwood National Historic Site of Canada is the former home of GM Canada tycoon Colonel Sam McLoughlin.

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How to get there: Air Canada, flies to Toronto Pearson Airport, with wide North American and other connections, from where car rental is available. (Distance from Toronto Pearson Airport to Whitby : 63.7 kilometres). GO Train operates a service between Union Station, Toronto and Whitby. Highway 401 gives easy road access to Whitby. Please check with the airline or your travel agent for up to date information.

MJFenn is an independent travel writer based in Ontario, Canada.