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Al Toews

Wood Artist

I grew up on an isolated farm in SW Manitoba back in the 1960’s/70’s. Whenever I was bored, my mother told me to “go read a book, draw something or make something”…so I did. My sisters introduced me to the Winnipeg Public Library postal delivery service which in turn introduced me to the Black Stallion series of books by Walter Farley. I started drawing these mythical horses. Soon however, sports, academics (mechanical engineering/finance/humanities) and adult life absorbed all my time. My career spanned heavy manufacturing, telecom/electronics, logistics and distribution, oil & gas/health care, organization management) with the last 20 years spent running my own consulting company. Hours of the day were fully scheduled.


Recent retirement has given me the gift of time to again “go read a book, draw something or make something”…so I have. I now try to “make things” from wood and metals which imbed lessons of appreciation for the giants whose shoulders we stand on.

R22-award

Route 22 Gallery is located on the land of the Treaty 7 people. In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Treaty 7 territory and the cultural and oral practices of the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations as well as the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, (Métis Nation District 4) within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. It is a privilege and and an honour to share these lands as our collective home.

Route 22 is an inclusive organization. We love our gallery – all are welcome here.

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