In 2006, within the south-central Manitoba community of Altona, stood a large, vacated, turn-of-the-century home. The Schwartz House, as it is known locally, was built in 1902 by Mr. Johann Schwartz for his family. Johann built his first grain elevator almost as soon as it was evident that the CPR would establish a railway station. Schwartz was an innovative, ambitious businessman, who also built elevators elsewhere and over the years realized considerable wealth. This stately house served as his family's residence for many years and later functioned as a residence for Elim Bible School students before it was obtained as a Heritage Home, moved to its current location, and run as a Bed & Breakfast until 2003. Ultimately, when the B & B closed its doors in 2004, the Town of Altona took over the structure and in early 2005 a local committee was struck with the intent of finding a new purpose for this grand structure. Struggling to find an affordable and appropriate use for this heritage structure, the committee turned to the Town of Altona in hopes of finding an affordable and appropriate reuse. Every alternative studied was costly and some in the community suggested simply tearing it down.

When Friesens CEO David Friesen and President Curwin Friesen approached Mayor Melvin Klassen in late 2005 with their vision for an art gallery and sculpture garden a new dream was formed. Friesens, a premier printer in Canada, has had a long relationship of commitment and philanthropy in the Altona region. Coined as “Gallery in the Park”, this project would help mark Friesen's 100th anniversary in business and would leave a lasting legacy of the appreciation for art and culture in this region. Friesens envisioned that this new gallery and outdoor sculpture garden would position Altona as a destination for tourists and art enthusiasts alike.

With community commitment and Town Council's approval, the project was started in earnest. Friesens contributed more than half of the funds towards this $1,200,000 project, but their commitment didn't end there. Their leadership, corporate fund-raising and willingness to contribute hours upon hours of staff time to bring this vision to reality were equally impressive. Friesens worked hand in hand with the Town to plan and direct the construction of the outdoor gardens and water features as well as being directly involved in the renovation of the Schwartz House, whose interior has now been converted into a modern art space. The Friesens involvement with this project continues even today as they have committed staff members to be involved in the community based steering committee that helps operate the gallery.

This initiative epitomizes the notion of a Public-Private Partnership. Both private and public partners have contributed to the success of the project and at the same time to the benefit of each other. The level of innovation in converting a century old residence into an art gallery and the creativity and ingenuity involved in taking artistic sketches and turning them into engineered plans was significant. This was a coming together of the community, as private citizens joined along side artists and corporate citizens to manually lift stones and plant trees. It truly was a community wide partnership that has given the community an added sense of pride.