55 Plus Centre to Host Exhibit and Sale

By Pat Forrest

The work of a renowned Thunder Bay artist, the late Greg Zelinski, along with paintings by many of his students will be the focus of the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre’s upcoming art exhibit and sale taking place at the centre on River Street. Zelinksi, who died in 2020, was widely recognized for his talent as a watercolour artist, including receiving awards from the Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council awards, among others.

Lisa Galon, the City of Thunder Bay’s program and marketing coordinator for older adult programs and services, says that Zelinksi, who had taught at the centre since its opening 1991, was much loved by his hundreds of students. “Greg was one of the nicest and most talented people I’ve ever known,” Galon says. “He made his classes so much fun that many of his students would just continue to take his classes over and over for years. He was kind, encouraging and patient with everyone.”

The centre’s last exhibit and sale was held in 2019 and, with Zelinski’s passing, the staff, volunteers and program participants have been anxiously waiting for the opportunity to celebrate the man, his art, and the works of those he mentored.

Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of styles and media in the centre’s auditorium, including watercolours, acrylics and even photography, with often more than 100 works of art on display. Galon says that people are often amazed at the level of professionalism they’re seeing at the show. “I’m often blown away by the calibre of the work our participants are able to produce after just eight or ten weeks of instruction,” she says.

The event gets underway with an opening reception on May 26 from 7 to 9 pm, and the exhibit will continue to be open during the centre’s operating hours until May 31. Admission is by silver collection, with funds going to a variety of good causes, including covering the tuition for those who can’t afford to pay for a class, buying art supplies, and supporting the centre’s art programming.

In Zelinski’s obituary, it was noted he once said, “what it all comes down to in life is love” and that his art and life reflected that belief in every way. The Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre’s upcoming art exhibit and sale is an opportunity for people to show their love for this beloved and passionate artist.