Peter Etril Snyder

Peter Etril Snyder is a Waterloo-born artist who, as a child did chores for his father, co-owner of Maple Lane Dairy. Snyder received his formal training from the Ontario College of Art. For the past thirty-five years, he has demonstrated his versatility in paintings of Mennonite country life as well as scenes from across North America and Europe. Snyder continues to express in his work his deep sense of place. Rooted in Waterloo County, he has showcased the traditional Mennonite lifestyle and its connection to our pioneer past. He has exhibited his style through original paintings and murals, limited edition reproductions, collector plates, and books. The Canadian government presented one of Snyder’s paintings, The Homesteaders, to H.R.H. Prince Philip.

Snyder uses his abilities throughout the community. For the past twelve years he has donated approximately 25,000 monthly calendars to volunteers throughout the Region. Snyder is also involved in KidsAbility, formerly the Rotary Centre. His art is included in the rotunda of the KidsAbility centre as well as given as thank-you gifts for donors to the centre.

Snyder is a Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow and the recipient of an Honourary Doctor of Laws degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1999. He is frequently commissioned by corporations and individuals to create unique pieces for collections. Snyder’s wife, Marilyn, is one of his greatest supporters and works with him out of their home. His brother, Doug, has for over twenty-five years provided day-to-day management of his gallery and many specialty projects.

Photo by Pirak Studios, Waterloo