Upstairs, 970-2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound
519-376-7914

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Gallery de Boer – Fine Art & Jazz owner and curator Ron de Boer has always loved art. His interest in art began as a six-year-old in Amsterdam when he was introduced to a neighbour, Jacobus Columbus, who happened to be a master painter and organist. This unlikely pair bonded, forming a relationship that lasted until a 15-year-old Ron immigrated to Canada with his family.

As a young adult, Ron started his career in architecture, but art continued to be a passion. An avid amateur photographer, Ron had the opportunity to accompany renowned wildlife artists Robert Bateman and Ron Parker on a photo shoot in northern British Columbia. Transfixed, Ron watched these talented painters capture an animal’s nature and personality on canvas. This trip was the first in a series of many worldwide field trips, which cemented Ron’s love of photography as an art form. Consequently, photography continues to play a big part in the success of the gallery.
Early on Ron discovered the creative spirit that drives artists to produce works of art is often mixed with eccentric, non-conformist personalities. Whenever he bought a painting or a sculpture, it became important to him to speak with the artist and understand their motivation to create that particular piece.

This interest not only in art but in the artists and their stories eventually led Ron to open his first official art gallery in 1978, on the outskirts of Palmerston, Ontario. He moved the gallery to Meaford in 1988, while simultaneously operating a part-time gallery in Toronto. Finally he opened his gallery in Owen Sound in 1993.

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Business Hours:

• Tuesday to Thursday 9:30 – 6:00
• Friday: 9:30 – 7:00
• Saturday: 9:30 – 5:00 or by appointment
• or anytime by appointment