Ivan Wheale memorialized at 2026 La Cloche Art Show

Ivan Wheale, co-founder for the La Cloche Art Show, passed away at 90 years of age on Aug. 9, 2025. While he had been unable to attend last year’s art show due to ill health, Wheale still managed to send his congratulations and encouragement to all of the participants. This year the art show committee [...]

Article content Ivan Wheale, co-founder for the La Cloche Art Show, passed away at 90 years of age on Aug. 9, 2025. While he had been unable to attend last year’s art show due to ill health, Wheale still managed to send his congratulations and encouragement to all of the participants. This year the art show committee made sure to have a memorial area for him, as well as hanging three of the works he had completed.

Wheale painted right up to the very end of his life. This year’s pieces by Wheale were Breakers, La Cloche, and Prairie Wagon. Recommended Videos Wheale was honoured with the title “Artist Emeritus” in 2007 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the La Cloche Art Show.

His art was the highlight of the La Cloche Art Show each year and was not included in the jury process. According to his bio at the Perivale Gallery in Spring Bay, Wheale’s work, “hangs in numerous public and corporate collections including the Queen’s Collection, Windsor Castle, the Government of Ontario, the Provincial Buildings, Ottawa and the Lieutenant Governor’s, Queen’s Park, Toronto.” A prolific artist, Wheale held more than 94 solo exhibitions, including three touring exhibitions throughout Ontario, and his work has been included in over 75 group exhibitions.

His awards include, “an Honorary Degree from Laurentian University, the Rotary International Paul Harris Award and the Canada Council.” Wheale also spent many years as an art instructor. He taught at Haliburton School of Fine Arts, Elliot Lake School of Fine Arts, Cambrian College, Georgian College, the Ontario Arts Council and Laurentian University.

He had a 50-year retrospective at the Centennial Museum in Sheguiandah as well as being a featured artist at Perivale Gallery since 1981. Wheale worked in both watercolour and oil. His paintings have been described by the gallery as “strong studies in realism, capturing the atmosphere, texture and nature of the landscape.”