The Yvette Moore Gallery is an iconic destination in Moose Jaw — something people travel here to see — and the business is celebrating 20 years since it opened its doors in 1999.
Yvette Moore, owner and artist, is so pleased when she hears someone describe her gallery as a famous part of the city, as her intention wasn’t to be famous; she was just looking to provide a place for herself and other artists to be seen.
“I know how hard it is for artisans to be able to find places to showcase, to have people come in and enjoy and see and be able to purchase it,” said Moore. “So I think sometimes when I see people saying that about the gallery, its just wonderful to be part of it. It's an honor to hear that and it feels really special for people to say that.”
The award-winning gallery is a project borne of passion and brought to fruition by Moore and her family. It’s continued success over the years is attributed to not only the art, but also the historic building, the café, and the many partnerships with other local businesses.
Moore is an artist who tells the stories of the prairies and has been given numerous awards over the years, the most recent being the Senate of Canada 150 medal in 2017.
She finds that the gallery and the work that it displays really plays a part in people’s stories — those who live here in the city, as well as those visiting who take a piece of Moose Jaw home with them.
About 90 per cent of the wares available in the gallery are Canadian-made, and Moore and her staff hear often that both the quality of art and the experience of the gallery are something uniquely Saskatchewan — uniquely Moose Jaw, even.“We’re ‘hands’ people,” said Moore, about the overwhelming talent of Saskatchewan artists.
Transforming the old Land Titles Building from a government office back to its original grandeur, and then into an art gallery, required dedication and hard labour from Moore — and friends and family. Built over 100 years ago, the interior had seen years of carpet, paint, and plaster damage.
Yvette and her team tore out the suspended ceilings, which covered the arches on the doorways and windows. (supplied)“I always say if I ever had to build a gallery from scratch, I wouldn't change anything about this building,” said Moore. “It has worked perfectly for us in all aspects, every room, every layout. We've just made it work.”
The building is a point of pride for Moore, as she has a love of heritage sites and preserving the past; but she also finds joy in the collaboration she has within the gallery walls.
Her son, Tyler, operates a custom framing business from the gallery; her daughter, Sarah, runs the café in the back corner of the space. Numerous other artists and artisans from across western Canada display their work, amongst Moore’s own art.
“I could live anywhere as an artist. I really could. But I found Moose Jaw to have what I needed and it was neat to be part of what's happening,” said Moore. “I think that's really the neat part, and now to see my own children be part of it, too, is even a better part of it.”
And the hard work hasn’t stopped; to celebrate the success of the last 20 years, Moore has been hard at work preparing 20 new paintings, set to be revealed at a gala on May 16.
The guest list is by invitation, so they can prepare for the evening, but Moore welcomes those interested in coming to call the gallery at (306) 693-7600 and let them know — she’s not calling it a closed event.
Moore is grateful to everyone who has supported her dream for all these years.
“None of [the gallery’s] successes would have come to be without the support of family, friends and staff. But most important of all, are our customers,” said Moore, in an email. “Those from here at home, and those that have traveled from all over the world and have taken the time to visit our Notoriously Historical city.”
