Horse Power: In Collaboration with the Fort Erie Racetrack

Rookleys Exhibition Pays Tribute to Fort Erie’s Horse-Powered Past

 

This spring, the worlds of fine art and thoroughbred racing will collide in a celebration of local heritage. To mark the milestone 129th anniversary of the Fort Erie Race Track, Rookleys Canadian Art is stepping out of the gallery and into the winner’s circle with a brand-new exhibition titled “Horse Power.”

 

The exhibition was created to celebrate the enduring legacy of the “Horse Power” that helped build Fort Erie from the horse-powered workforce of the past to the thundering hooves on the racetrack. The heart of the exhibition features the work of local artist Peter Cheung, known for his ability to capture raw energy and movement. His work bridges the gap between the animal’s physical strength and the cultural power that the racing industry has contributed to the town’s identity for over a century. In a unique cross-town collaboration, the art will be accessible at both Rookleys gallery and the Fort Erie Race Track.

 

The main body of the exhibition will be hosted at Rookleys Canadian Art, 329 Ridge Road North, in downtown Ridgeway. The public is invited to view the “Horse Power” exhibition during Rookleys’ regular hours, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, starting May 30. Following the daytime public launch, the gallery will host a private event on the evening of May 30. Select “Horse Power” pieces will be installed throughout the Fort Erie Race Track on its opening day, May 31, allowing racing fans to engage with the history of the sport amid the excitement of the 129th anniversary.

 

The “Horse Power” project is the latest example of Rookleys’ evolution from a traditional art dealer into a local historical powerhouse. Rookleys recently authored a comprehensive book on the life of artist Jack Beder. They are also currently working on a second volume dedicated to the career of local modern impressionist David Drum, with a third book focusing on a Crystal Beach artist already in the pipeline. The “Horse Power” exhibition continues the community storytelling, treating the Fort Erie Race Track not just as a sporting venue, but as a living museum of Niagara’s social history.

 

Beyond its role as a cultural hub, Rookleys specializes as a brokerage for Canadian art, bridging the gap between national heritage and private collections. Their portfolio frequently includes rare works from the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, offering collectors a curated alternative. The gallery provides professional valuation and appraisal services, leveraging market research to help families and estates navigate the complexities of art legacy and succession.

 

Rookelys’ Gallery Manager Grace Jackson emphasizes that the gallery is always open for visitors to browse the collections at their own pace. For those looking for a deeper dive into the stories behind the canvases, the gallery also offers tours that provide an educational look at the artists and the history that defines its inventory. Whether you are an art collector, a history buff, or a racing enthusiast, this exhibition offers a rare chance to see the history of our community reflected through the eyes of its most talented creators.

 

Millicent Simonics,  FEO, May 28, 2026, Volume 7, Issue 19