We asked and they answered. Hansen-Ross House.

Get to know your local gallery.

We spoke with Hansen-Ross House located in Fort Qu’Appelle. The building, formally home to the Saskatchewan Arts Board craft house, was purchased by artists David Ross and Folmer Hansen in 1960 where Hansen-Ross Pottery continued for 45 years.

All of the artwork shown in the gallery is made locally in Saskatchewan by a selection of artists. They also offer art classes and workshops in a variety of mediums, and an Artist-in-Residence program for long and short term stays in their very comfortable residence.

We asked owner, gallerist, and artist Connie Chaplin to tell us more.

SG: Why did you purchase your gallery?

CC: When I was a potter at Hansen-Ross Pottery I also lived in the top floor of the house. It was a part of my “growing up in art”. I kept in touch with Folmer Hansen throughout the rest of his life and when he put his house up for sale I heard someone wanted to make the house into apartments - it broke my heart. My husband Jim and I talked and he said to me “do what you have to do”. I then put a plan in place and approached Folmer - an artists-in-residence and gallery was the dream I had for the house. He loved the idea and sold me the house. He would be very proud of how it looks today.

I purchased the building in 2014 and did major renovations before opening in May of 2018. I never had a plan to start a gallery, but sometimes your passion and heartstrings just pull you down a new path. It was the right thing to do! I’m very pleased to be able to offer this “renew” to our community and Saskatchewan, to showcase our professional and upcoming artists locally, while keeping the memories of the Hansen-Ross House alive for the future.

SG: What is the most surprising piece in your vault?

CC: Several pieces of art and pottery were left for me to discover when I was renovating the Hansen-Ross House. A very special watercolor by David Ross that he had painted of the Qu'Appelle Valley, and several pots done by both David and Folmer Hansen were among the amazing discoveries and I display these for others to enjoy.

The art we have for sale in the gallery is all beautiful, I could not choose my favourite.

SG: What did you do before you were a gallerist?

CC: Since I have already lived a lifetime, I have done many things including being a full-time potter, full-time mother of three, owned and managed an 18-hole golf course and resort, established and managed a successful equine facility, and throughout it all, continued supporting art as well as continuing my art education and skills in leather, batik and dyeing. Now that I can choose what I do with my time I am able to combine my business skills with my passion for art.

SG: Why did you name your gallery Hansen-Ross House?

CC: I named it "Hansen-Ross House" because that’s what it was. It was the home, studio and pottery shop of the late David Ross and Folmer Hansen. I had worked at Hansen-Ross as a potter when I was in my early 20's and had a deep respect for all they had accomplished as potters and artists in Saskatchewan and internationally. It is important to remember those who paved the way for new generations of potters and artists. We are also an artists-in-residence and teaching facility.

SG: Why should someone come to your gallery?

CC: We invite and welcome everyone to the Hansen-Ross House. Walking through our front doors you will feel right at home in our comfortable and relaxed gallery. Artisans are here most of the time creating and visiting. You can watch, join in on a conversation, read our text boards on the history of the Hansen-Ross House or shop and purchase paintings, pottery, scarves and eco-dyed original clothing, leather or woodwork - all locally made right here in Saskatchewan.

Learn more about Hansen-Ross House on their website, Facebook or Instagram. You can also give Connie a call at (306) 332-7494.

See the current Hansen-Ross House Art Now Online exhibition here.

Hansen-Ross House in Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan.

“I purchased the building in 2014 and did major renovations before opening in May of 2018. I never had a plan to start a gallery, but sometimes your passion and heartstrings just pull you down a new path. ”

Owner, Gallerist, and Artist Connie Chaplin

Gallery ProfilesKarlie King20 April 2020