Mission Statement

Zephyr is a community based group of regional artists who have formed a collective called Zephyr Art Gallery, Inc. We feature quality artwork in a meeting place for artists and art lovers. We share the expenses and duties involved in running a gallery. Although our intention is to sell our work, we also believe that maintaining a dynamic presence in the core of Orillia is an important factor in creating a rich, well-rounded community. We encourage artists of varied media and vision to participate in exhibitions of original artwork.

We require that work be of high quality and well presented. We emphasize art that is experimental, challenging and interesting. Consequently we encourage our members to develop these elements from exhibition to exhibition. In this way their work remains fresh and exciting as they continue to grow as artists. It is an expectation that through their growth, members become familiar with contemporary artistic practice.

Through co-operation with other arts groups in the area, Zephyr intends to create a stronger, more positive environment for artists. In turn, this will help the growth and prosperity of the Orillia arts community.

The History of Zephyr Art Gallery

Zephyr Art Gallery was founded in 2000 following the closure of a gallery owned by Lewis HIndle, a respected Orillia painter and textile artist. Lewis had provided a wonderful venue for local artists to show case their work. With the loss of their exhibit location and a desire to maintain a gallery presence in the downtown core of Orillia, the artists met to brainstorm and plan an artist run centre. As a result, the Orillia Artists’ General Partnership was formed and a new venue opened in the basement of la Mezzaluna Café on Mississaga Street East with Lewis Hindle acting as curator and director for the first two years.

In November 2004, the partnership was incorporated as Zephyr Art Gallery, a non charitable, non-shared capital corporation overseen by an elected board that was publicly accountable. In 2005 Zephyr moved to the present day street level location on Peter Street South giving the gallery much needed visibility.

During the gallery’s history, many arts-related projects have been initiated. Events such as poetry nights, art improv, fund-raising for O.M.A.H., life drawing groups and members’ workshops take place on a regular basis. Annually, one month in the gallery is given over to other local groups including the Orillia high school graduating students’ show and the International Women’s Day Show. The ever-popular Starry Night evening studio tour was initiated by Zephyr member artist Kimberly Campbell with the inauguration hosted by Zephyr. As well, one of the most successful visual events in Orillia is the colourful Festival of Banners for which Zephyr was the original host gallery in the inaugural year.

Gallery membership fluctuates with twenty-one the highest and eleven the lowest. Membership today stands at nineteen artists whose work ranges from painting to photography, printmaking and sculpture. As an artist run centre, members share the workload and the gallery operating expense.

The constant objective of Zephyr Art Gallery has been to provide a consistent support for art activity. Beyond merely mounting exhibitions, we are proud to be an integral part of the Orillia downtown community, contributing to the beauty and the attraction of the area.
Zephyr is a not for profit co-operative: artist run gallery, in the heart of Orillia's Arts District, promoting local and regional artists.