A Passion for Abstraction: The Opening of the John Mann Gallery
On Saturday, November 2, 2019,
the John Mann Gallery officially opened its doors with its debut exhibition, A Passion for Abstraction. More than just a ribbon-cutting, the event marked the launch of a new kind of gallery experience in the Niagara Region—one that brought together fine art, a stunning natural setting, and a passion for collecting that had been decades in the making.
A New Cultural Destination in Niagara
Set within the grounds of 13th Street Winery and surrounded by an expansive contemporary sculpture garden, the Gallery offered visitors a vibrant and immersive cultural destination. It quickly became a place where art, wine, and food could be enjoyed in one unique and welcoming setting.
The Exhibition: A Passion for Abstraction
The inaugural show featured highlights from the private collection of John and June Mann—works they had lived with, loved, and collected over the span of fifty years. A Passion for Abstraction offered a thoughtful and visually striking introduction to their curatorial vision: a deep, unwavering appreciation for modern Canadian abstraction.
Curated in collaboration with Ron Moore of Moore Gallery (Toronto), the exhibition featured a dynamic mix of paintings and sculptures, presenting both historical and contemporary works. It set the tone for the Gallery’s ongoing commitment to showcasing Canadian art of lasting significance.
Sharing the Joy of Collecting
The Manns had long believed that art was meant to be experienced—not just stored or preserved. Through the Gallery, they sought to share that belief by making their collection accessible to the public. Each future exhibition would build on this foundation, offering fresh opportunities for visitors to connect with Canadian artists and movements. From the beginning, the Gallery followed a clear mission: “Dedicated to selling Canadian art and providing a full range of services that meet the needs of every art collector.” Whether a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, guests could expect a meaningful, approachable experience.
Looking Back (and Laughing) at the Beginning
The Gallery’s early identity as “The Gallery at 13th Street Winery” came with a memorable but decidedly impractical email:
info@thegalleryat13thstreetwinery.com.
Typing it was a test of patience—and spelling accuracy. If you could get it right on the first try, you deserved a glass of wine and a round of applause. While the email served its purpose, it quickly became clear that a more concise digital identity was in order.
Fortunately, just as the space grew into a bold and independent presence in the Canadian art world, its branding—and its inbox—evolved too.
An Enduring Legacy Begins
A Passion for Abstraction did more than showcase the Manns’ private collection—it launched a living, breathing space for Canadian art to be seen, discussed, and collected. That first exhibition laid the groundwork for what the John Mann Gallery has become: a vital part of Canada’s cultural landscape and a welcoming destination for art lovers near and far.
