McMullen Gallery, located in the University of Alberta Hospital, celebrates its grand re-opening and 40th anniversary with an exhibition of exceptional Canadian paintings from the private Westburne Art Collection. The Westburne company, part of Rexel Group, is sharing their corporate collection with the public for the first time to commemorate the company’s 100th anniversary.

Curated by Toronto’s Natalie Ribkoff, this exhibition features several artists from the collection and their distinctive approaches to “painting the Prairie.” The artists include Barbara Ballachey, Harold Feist, Gregory Hardy, Dorothy Knowles, Kenneth Lochhead, Catherine Perehudoff, Rebecca Perehudoff, and William Perehudoff.

“For us, art shapes how we notice and engage with the world. It can transform everyday spaces, prompt reflection, and help communities imagine their future,” said Rexel Canada CEO Jeffrey Moyle. “This revival honours our past while encouraging positive community action.”

“Research has shown that the integration of arts into health care environments enhances patient well-being and improves health outcomes,” says Tyler Sherard, University Hospital Foundation associate director of Arts in Health. “That’s why we are thrilled to partner with Rexel Canada to bring the impressive Westburne Art Collection to the  McMullen Gallery for patients and the public to experience. It’s an honour to have their first-ever public show in our newly renovated space.”

The Westburne Art Collection exhibition runs from November 6 to December 12, 2025 at the McMullen Gallery and is open to hospital patients, staff, visitors and the public. The gallery is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donations to support the University Hospital Foundation Arts in Health program can be made at givetouhf.ca.

About McMullen Gallery

Open since 1986, this public gallery is a haven to which anyone may retreat and relax, reflect or share a quiet visit while viewing displays of visual art by individual artists, collectives and organizations. Situated in the University of Alberta Hospital, McMullen Gallery aims to inspire, educate, and engage its audience – including patients, medical staff, hospital visitors and members of the general public. McMullen Gallery exhibits artwork in all media that is soothing, uplifting, humorous and/or thought-provoking including, but not limited to, health-related subject matter.