Celebrating Ivan Wheale

NEWS RELEASE

CAROL HUGHES, MP

************************* Celebrating the life’s work of Ivan Wheale, world renowned artist

OTTAWA – Carol Hughes, New Democrat MP for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing assisted in the celebration of the life’s work of renowned artist Ivan Wheale at the Art Gallery of Sudbury on Saturday, January 16.

“The cultural richness that Ivan Wheale has been able to portray through his art work has inspired generations of Canadian artists and others abroad,” Hughes said. She added that his “journey has enriched the lives of many and continues to ignite the creative passion in us all."

Also on hand for the celebration was Alan MacNevin, deputy mayor of North Eastern Manitoulin Island (NEMI).

MacNevin referred to Wheale as “an extremely community-minded individual who has not only contributed so much to the art world, but has also given so much of himself to Manitoulin Island through his many hours of volunteer work.”

He added that Wheale was “an ambassador to us all."

Wheale graciously accepted the recognition he was given and was extremely moved by the fact that over 100 people were in attendance to help celebrate his life’s work.

“It’s been an interesting journey,” Wheale said. “I paint every day; everything I do is a major part of who I am; I only paint what touches me right here (as he pointed to his heart)."

He also attributed his success to his wife Jean Wheale who was by his side throughout the celebration.

Ivan Wheale is a resident of Manitoulin Island who immigrated to Canada in 1957 and began painting professionally in 1960.

His art work is internationally renowned and his pieces are displayed across the word in places including Windsor Castle, provincial legislatures and the Parliament of Canada.

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