Check out this Op-Ed from Joe Kuchta that appeared recently the the StarPhoenix.

 View Article.

By Geraldine Dowling, The StarPhoenixJanuary 16, 2010

Re: Packing things in (SP, Jan. 11). What an uplifting yet heart-wrenching article this was. We are reminded of the impressive legacy Fred Mendel left in Saskatoon. Through his entrepreneurial efforts, the city had a progressive business for its citizens to make their living at, where they where well treated and respected. They could be proud of this business.

Then there was Mendel's artistic side. He encouraged one of our most distinguished artists, William Perehudoff, by having him paint murals on the walls of Intercontinental Packers offices, and he instigated the creation of his namesake art gallery to enhance the lives of citizens.

Check out this article from the January 11, 2010 issue of the StarPhoenix, about the demolition of the Mitchell Gourmet Foods builiding - the company started by Fred Mendel almost 70 years ago! With some interesting notes about Fred Mendel's contribution to the community.

Read the Article on the StarPhoenix website

Take a look at these letters of support that were submitted to the Saskatoon City Council for their Dec. 14, 2009, meeting adgenda. On the last page you'll find some letters to the StarPhoenix as well.

View PDF

Fred Mendel was born on December 18, 1888.

"...his patronage of the arts has been constant and judicious; his benefactions, both public and private, have earned him great esteem in this University, in this City, and in the whole of Canada. His generous gift, which made possible the Mendel Art Gallery, has earned for him the deep and enduring gratitude of this community. Eminent Chancellor, on behalf of the Council and the Senate, I ask you to confer on Frederick S. Mendel — eminent industrialist, generous patron and good friend of this community and its people — the degree of Doctor of Laws. ~ University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, 1965

View Fred Mendel's Biography on the Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan

View a PDF scan of an article in the StarPhoenix from June 18th, 1965 about Fred Mendel's donations to the Mendel Art Gallery.

Letter to the Editor: By Phyllis Trotchie, The StarPhoenix  December 11, 2009

Re: AGS good news story (SP, Dec. 8). When the city wanted to relocate the Mendel Art Gallery in 2005, Michael Lundholm, the consultant who developed the gallery's conceptual facility plan, said that it undermines an art gallery's stature to be located in a multi-use complex.

He said galleries need a strong identity and a strong visual image, and noted that the Mendel already is a strong institution with a national reputation.

Letter to the Editor: Barb Nankivell, The StarPhoenix  December 11, 2009

In the column Wall's addiction hurts us all (SP, Dec. 5) Murray Mandryk said Premier Brad Wall has become a spending addict and is looking like the political reincarnation of Grant Devine.

With a billion-dollar deficit, Wall should stop looking for places to spend money and start looking for places to save, Mandryk suggests.

Letter to the Editor: By Nick Henselmeier, The StarPhoenix December 9, 2009
 
The announcement of a $58-million replacement for the Mendel gallery at River Landing is irresponsible, as Saskatchewan has just announced a $1.05-billion deficit, its second largest ever.

Letter to the Editor: By C.J. Cote, The StarPhoenix December 2, 2009

Any successful entrepreneur or realtor will expound at length on the importance of "location, location, location!"

The Mendel Gallery has it in spades, occupying a very enviable position as the sole building in the area to attract the attention of passers-by, whether driving, walking, jogging or cycling.