A newly named space within 91ɫ's Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery will offer visitors another way to engage with exhibitions and the University's art collection, while recognizing a gift from longtime 91ɫ supporters Julia and Robert Foster.
The Julia and Robert Foster Petite Gallery will be a flexible, multi-use space, says Lauren Gould, interim director of Goldfarb. Starting in late Spring 2027, visitors can use the area to read about and reflect on works featured in the gallery’s next round of exhibitions.
The Petite Gallery will showcase works from 91ɫ’s permanent collection of nearly 2,000 artworks. It will also be used as an extension of the gallery’s three main exhibition spaces, complementing the Goldfarb’s design that encourages visitors to explore different paths through the facility and encounter art along the way.
“[It’s] a space that will create opportunities for students to engage with art, for artists to share their work and for our community to come together around new ideas and perspectives,” said Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps at a special unveiling event on Sept. 22.
She noted the Petite Gallery represents a milestone for the gallery, as Julia and Robert Foster are the first donors to name an individual space within the building.
Julia Foster has a longstanding relationship with 91ɫ, including serving as Chair of the University's Board of Governors from 2012-15, when she became the first woman to hold the position. A member of the Order of Canada for her service promoting the arts and Canadian culture, she has also chaired the National Arts Centre, Ontario Arts Council and Stratford Festival.
The Fosters made their gift in recognition of Rhonda Lenton's service as 91ɫ's former president and vice-chancellor.
For Gould, the naming reflects the couple's commitment to education, arts and culture.
"It is important to recognize and honour those individuals that place emphasis on giving to spaces and organizations that help us connect more to each other as people," she says.
Gould hopes the gift will encourage others to support the gallery and expand what it can offer.
“Our hope is that this inspires others to … enable the gallery to continue to build upon its programming, provide more engagement opportunities for students, and to serve as a bridge from our local to global artistic communities,” she says.
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