2007 Annual Report Mendel Art Gallery

Gallery Shop / Library / Museo Coffee
The Gallery Shop
The Gallery Shop continues to be an integral part of the
Mendel Art Gallery. It functions not only as a gift shop,
but as reception, information, and communications,
as well as a valuable public service provided by the
Mendel.
Throughout 2007 the Gallery Shop focused its
purchasing on high quality merchandise produced
by local, national, and international artisans. Every
year, staff from The Gallery Shop attends a major
international gift show. In 2007 Gallery Shop Supervisor
Michael Gibson attended the Edmonton Gift Show.
Merchandise was selected and purchased for resale at
this show.
Library
The library collection continues to grow, with a special
emphasis on contemporary exhibition catalogues
and critical arts related publications. We maintain
subscriptions to several national and international
arts magazines, such as Blackflash, Canadian Art,
and Art Forum. Our library remains a vital resource
for curatorial, public and professional programs, and
extension staff. Books, catalogues, and periodicals from
our collections are often featured in the space between,
and are available for the general public to peruse. Library
volunteer Cheryl McFie is responsible for maintaining
the library database which was implemented in 2001,
re-shelving books, ordering publications and periodicals,
as well as assisting Mendel staff and external researchers
with finding relevant support material. The Library
volunteer is responsible for conducting one publication
exchange per year, exchanging new Mendel publications
with over fifty different venues in Canada and abroad.
Rattles by Michael Hosaluk were available in the Gallery Shop during his exhibition
Containment. Photo: Betsy Rosenwald
In order to connect the Gallery Shop with Mendel
exhibitions and events held throughout the year, the
shop purchases and sells merchandise relating to
these programs with special emphasis on exhibition
catalogues and art-related publications.
A fundamental focus of the Gallery Shop is to make
quality works from local artisans available to the public.
The Artist of the Month program continues to attract
local and regional artisans, who display and sell their
works on consignment through the shop. When there is
sufficient interest in a particular artist’s work, the shop
considers carrying and selling their works on an ongoing
basis. The artists of the month in 2007 were Michael
Hosaluk (woodcraft) in March–April, Lorraine Sutter
(porcelain & pottery) in May–June, Sue Twigg (stained
glass) in July–August, and Roxanne Enns (pottery) in
September–October.
Museo Coffee
Yakym Oneschuk (Jimmy) at Museo Coffee. Photo: Troy Mamer.
In 2007 the Mendel engaged Jimmy Oneschuk to do
a study and pilot project to test visitor response and
the feasibility of operating a for-profit café onsite now
and in the expanded gallery. Museo Coffee opened
on a trial basis in 2007 and will be evaluated in 2008.
This venture—which is located in the tea lounge—is a
departure from the self-serve tea lounge.
Mendel Art Gallery 2007 Annual Report
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