James Henderson, Road to the Valley, c.1935, oil on canvas. Collection of James Lanigan. (Mendel Gallery)The first major exhibition of paintings in nearly 40 years of works by early 20th century Saskatchewan painter James Henderson was to open Friday at Saskatoon's Mendel Art Gallery.

Henderson, known for landscapes but also for his iconic and dignified portraits of early 20th century aboriginal people, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1871 and after training in London as an engraver, came to Regina in 1910 and then moved to Fort Qu'Appelle in 1916.

Dan Ring, the gallery's chief curator, said the first Henderson exhibition in 1969 was a straight-up affair — pictures on walls with little commentary.

James Henderson, Sun Walk - Blackfoot, c.1924, oil on canvas. Collection of the Mendel Art Gallery. (Mendel Gallery)"This time there is an abundance of background material telling the life story of Henderson and the people in his portraits," he said.

The exhibit features about 150 paintings and photographs — and incorporates the most extensive use of interactive technology in the gallery's history.

Henderson painted such illustrious figures as Sitting Bull, Crowfoot and Standing Buffalo. And partly due to the sympathetic treatment of his portrait subjects, Henderson was named honorary chief by the people of Standing Buffalo near Fort Qu'Appelle.

He was given the name Wicite Oawapi Wicasa which in Dakota means "the man who paints faces" for his portraits of First Nations people in the 1920s.

Gallery spokesman Troy Gronsdahl said the interactive website will allow both gallery visitors and online visitors to engage in the exhibition.

"People can leave comments about the work or contribute stories about James Henderson," he said. "It's really quite a large site that houses a lot of different information that should make people's experience of the exhibition richer, more interesting."

The exhibition runs to Jan. 10.

On Sunday afternoon there will be a talk and tour by the curators and researchers.