'I've had a good life': Manitoulin Island artist Ivan Wheale looks back at his legacy

When Manitoulin Island artist Ivan Wheale looks back on his career, he says he has no regrets.

Wheale followed in the footsteps of the Group of Seven with his paintings that depict the boreal forest and windswept rock of Manitoulin Island and the North Shore of Lake Huron.

One of his paintings is displayed at Windsor Castle, and many others are at galleries across Canada, and in the Parliament buildings. 

In addition to his own artwork, he's also left behind a legacy for other artists in the area through the annual La Cloche Art Show, which he helped establish in 1978.

"I figured if, you know, we had a couple of dozen people, that would be just fine. I think it was more like 200 people that showed up," he said about that inaugural art show.

From his hospital bed at the Manitoulin Health Centre in Little Current, Wheale sent out a final message to the artists who are participating in this year's event.

"I would just like you all to know that really, from the very beginning, you are all part of the dream … which has all come true, far beyond what I ever expected," he said.

Wheale told CBC News he doesn't expect he will live to see his 91st birthday.

He has terminal cancer and is now in palliative care. His doctors told him he has about one month to live.

"I'm all ready for whatever happens," he said.

"And I've had a good life. I've met so many great people in my journey and really couldn't ask for anything better at the moment."

Wheale said he believes the La Cloche Art Show will only grow bigger in his absence.

"I think it's going to get bigger and bigger as the time goes by. It's going to have to look for a bigger space to show the work," he said.

Wheale said the art show has helped place a spotlight on many of the artists from the region.

"It has opened people's eyes as to what kind of talent we have in this area," he said.

Judy Boyd, the president of the Manitoulin Fine Arts Association, said she met Wheale 42 years ago when she took one of his art classes.

"He is such an amazing person," she said. "Very down to earth, great mentor."

Boyd said Wheale has had a positive impact on many people in the community.

"Everybody knows Ivan here," she said.

"He was never a recluse or anything. He was always out, whether it was at the Anchor Inn for lunch. That was Ivan, he would talk to anybody and everybody."

This year's La Cloche Art Show runs from June 28 to July 5. 

Wheale said he had the opportunity to see the artwork before the show started, and has already chosen the winner for the Ivan Wheale Award, which he has given out annually to one select artist.