Contact
Phyllis Imhoff, E.D.
(306) 248-7072
Mandate
To preserve and restore the Imhoff Historical Heritage Site and its buildings. The Society is also concerned with the promotion of this site worldwide as a unique Canadian cultural and heritage site.
History
Nestled in the prairie bluffs of the rolling plains near St. Walburg in northern Saskatchewan stands one of the most unique art galleries in North America. The gallery was built in 1920 by the German-Canadian liturgical artist Berthold von Imhoff (1868-1939) who lived and painted there for 25 years. Imhoff painted more than 110 church interiors during his prolific career, mostly in Pennsylvania, but also at least 12 churches in Saskatchewan. St. Peter’s Cathedral near Muenster, Saskatchewan is one of his masterpieces. A bronze statue of the artist on horseback by Saskatchewan sculptor Susan Velder has been a tourist attraction in St. Walburg since 1998. It has been said that Imhoff paintings are able to open windows between heaven and earth. The studio and farm site was awarded a Provincial Heritage Designation in 2005.
Imhoff created “The Glory of Prince Frederick William” (King of Prussia for 90 days), at age 16, a painting that won him the Art Academy Award of Berlin in 1884.
Many Imhoff paintings are on exhibition in Lloydminster at the Barr Colony Heritage Cultural Centre.
The artist was knighted by Pope Pious XI in 1937.