Local Church Transforms into Gallery Showcasing Susan Velder’s Art

A new art gallery has opened its doors in St. Walburg, Saskatchewan, providing a permanent home for the works of local artist Susan Velder. The gallery is located in the town’s historic United Church, which had its final service in April 2023 before being repurposed as an art space. This transformation allows Velder’s extensive collection to be displayed, bringing long-overdue recognition to her contributions to Canadian art.

Velder, now 85 years old, has created notable sculptures across Canada, including a bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II on her horse, Burmese, outside the Saskatchewan Legislature in Regina. Additionally, her bust of Tommy Douglas is housed inside the legislature, and a seven-and-a-half-foot firefighter stands in front of City Hall in Whitehorse, Yukon. Despite these significant placements, Velder’s name remains relatively unknown to the broader public.

In her modest home, which once belonged to her parents, Velder stored numerous pieces of art, including clay portrait heads, watercolours, and sketches. She expressed her relief regarding the new gallery, stating, “It’s an answer to prayer,” as it alleviates the clutter of her artistic past. Bonnie Davis-Schmitz and Deb Kerr-Goodfellow, local residents and the driving force behind the gallery, acquired the church and began its renovation to accommodate Velder’s work.

“Initially, we thought we would just archive her artwork,” Davis-Schmitz explained. “But then it became clear that we should showcase it.” After taking possession of the church in May, they organized the space and opened to the public on July 31, 2023, following a preview for sponsors earlier in the month.

Originally, Velder planned to put her art on permanent loan to the gallery, but she ultimately chose to donate her life’s work. The gallery now features a selection of her bronzes, clay sculptures, watercolours, and acrylics, although many more pieces remain in storage. “She hasn’t done a show since she moved back to St. Walburg in 1986… she had cases of art that were just stacked and stored,” Davis-Schmitz added.

Velder’s journey as an artist began when she left St. Walburg in 1970 to study at the Alberta College of Art in Calgary. After completing her studies from 1973 to 1977, she initially aimed to balance teaching with her artistic pursuits. However, she soon realized that her teaching commitments left little time for her art. “I found out when I became a teacher that I sure didn’t have any spare time,” she recalled. This led her to focus solely on her art career.

After several years of teaching at the University of Calgary and the Alberta Vocational Center, now known as Bow Valley College, Velder returned home in 1986 to care for her aging parents. This decision significantly influenced her artistic direction. “When I moved back to St. Walburg, I realized I had to do commercial art, and people wanted realistic stuff,” she noted. She opened her own shop in town, which she ran until 2014.

Despite her accomplishments, Velder admits she struggled with marketing her art. “Many art people are very good at showing their work and selling it, and I’ve never been good at that,” she said. Instead, she supplemented her income through community art classes while raising her family. “I had one daughter, and she had five children, and those five children have given me 18 great-grandchildren,” she shared, emphasizing that family remains the most precious part of her life.

For Kerr-Goodfellow, co-founding the gallery is a mission to ensure Velder’s work receives the recognition it deserves. “I feel very privileged… I’m actually surprised that her work has been so unsung,” she remarked. The community has rallied around the gallery, providing support through volunteer work and monetary donations. Plans are underway for community events, including a Pumpkin Fest in the fall and a Christmas celebration.

The gallery also serves as a food bank location and offers classes while renting out space to generate revenue as a non-profit organization. “We’re not about making millions; we’re about showing art,” Kerr-Goodfellow stated.

For Velder, the new gallery offers peace of mind as she reflects on her legacy. “I’m 85 years old, and I’m really pleased that my art is taken care of.” She humorously added, “Whether it gets burnt or whatever happens to it doesn’t matter to me… it’s not my worry anymore, and that I like.” This transformation of a small-town church into a vibrant art gallery not only elevates Velder’s work but also revitalizes the cultural landscape of St. Walburg.