The Director of the Owens Art Gallery, Gemey Kelly, is an active contributor to her profession through published research, participation in Canada Council Juries and Advisory Committees, guest lecturing, and membership in a national community of public art museums. Gallery staff provide advice, assistance and expertise to the University and to their professional communities on a regular basis. The Owens Art Gallery acts as a liaison for the University to its graduates, the Sackville community, and the wider public - regionally and nationally. The Friends of the Owens Art Gallery provide financial support and involvement essential to the vitality, development and growth of the Gallery. The Owens Art Gallery is open seven days a week, year-round.
Programmes are open to the public free of charge.
The Gallery offers a nationally recognized programme of exhibitions of contemporary and historical art. The Owens organizes its own shows in-house, several of which tour nationally, and also attracts major travelling exhibitions from the National Gallery of Canada, the McMichael Canadian Collection, the Glenbow Museum, and others, bringing a wide range of Canadian art to the University campus. Research is an intimate component of the Gallery's curatorial programme. Most exhibitions organized by the Owens are based on original research, presented in catalogues or brochures funded by the Canada Council. The Gallery is also a venue for poetry readings, musical performances and events sponsored by other University Departments.