Sweeney’s Art Gallery was originally called Sweeney’s Photo Studio. It was started by E. Ronald Sweeney in 1962 and it has been proudly serving the central Newfoundland area ever since. Photo-finishing, office supplies, art supplies, and custom picture framing were the services that were originally offered. Custom picture framing is still the mainstay of the business. Hundreds of framing choices are available to suit the needs of all clients. Framing is also available for hockey jerseys, flower displays, needlework, trinkets and mementos. With advances in technology, the photography business has undergone dramatic changes over the years. Digital photography lessened the need for photo labs and in 1997 Aunt Maureen, Uncle Ron and Aunt Maureen’s brother, Sean Sweeney, all became partners in the business and opened what is now Sweeney’s Art Gallery. They employ four people. Sweeney’s Art Gallery is a family owned and operated business and is located Downtown at 52 High Street, Grand Falls-Windsor.
The gallery has been a huge success and is one of the largest in Newfoundland Labrador. Sweeney’s Art Gallery has hosted many successful art exhibitions featuring the works of great Canadian artists. The art gallery currently represents many Newfoundland Labrador artists and it is a proud supporter of the arts in the community. There are many antiques at the gallery and the old cameras used years ago are currently on display. Specialty photographic services such as digital imaging, photo restoration and printing from various types of media are available at the photo lab. Old photographs and negatives can be generated into restored or enlarged photographs. Many artists have their original artwork reproduced using the latest technology available. Over the years, Sweeney’s Photo & Art Gallery has received many awards for outstanding services and for supporting events and causes.
My trip to Sweeney’s Art Gallery with three of my classmates and our Flat Pen Pals from Harlow, England was lots of fun and very interesting. My flat pen pal, Flat Kenzer Gumble, really liked all the nice paintings. Uncle Ron and Aunt Maureen showed us a picture of an endangered leatherback turtle that came upon the shore in Rocky Harbour in Gros Morne National Park. They gave us a picture of it and we gave it to Mrs. Roberts to hang in our school library. There were many antiques at the gallery and we were shown a golden frame and an old camera. The most exciting thing I saw was a painting worth $3000.00. It was a picture of Leech Brook which is now called Thunder Brook. Ms. Warr used to swim in that brook when she was a teenager. I also liked a picture of horses which was worth $950.00. The art that I liked the most was a picture of an Indian and a crow. We even got a loot bag full of nice things to take home with us. Isn’t that great! Thank you, Uncle Ron and Aunt Maureen.
Mark Roberts (2006-2007)