SASKATOON – The Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan has received a $1-million donation from a well-known family in the Saskatoon real estate business.

Tom McClocklin Jr. was at the Mendel Art Gallery on Wednesday for the announcement and spoke on behalf of his parents Diane and Tom McClocklin Sr.

He said the investment comes at a time when the city is growing and is a tribute to the generosity of its citizens.

He said Saskatoon has been good to his family, which has “deep, longstanding roots” in the province.

McClocklin Jr., who is also president of Colliers International, said with more tourists coming to Saskatoon, it’s important to nourish the arts and culture of the city.

In honour of the donation, the $71-million art gallery will name its atrium after the McClocklins.

The future art space, which will be located on River Landing, will be three times the size of the Mendel and will house travelling exhibits as well as a permanent collection of more than 7,000 art pieces valued at $16 million.

The Remai is set to open in 2015.

(CKOM)