Winter 2025 Exhibitions at Orillia Museum of Art & History

Special Reception: Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 1 – 3 pm

Nathalie Bertin, Wisakedjak and the Sea Gulls, mixed media, 12″ diameter, 2019.

Loup Garou & Mocassins
Nathalie Bertin

January 25 – April 19, 2025
Mulcahy Family Gallery

Connections – more than labels – are what make us human. No matter where we come from, we all have a story that evolves. We are told stories about our ancestors to anchor us to our past while we look to the future. We share stories as teachings, to entertain or to soothe. While stories come in all kinds of formats – from oral tradition and printed text to art and photos – stories are common among many cultures around the world. Stories connect us. – Nathalie Bertin

Loup Garou & Mocassins is an exhibition that weaves compelling stories through vivid imagery and heartfelt words. It delves into identity, family, and traditions while engaging in a profound dialogue with both lost and newly discovered ancestors. Through her evocative words and images, Bertin reveals a steadfast determination to deepen her understanding of herself and her Métis heritage as a whole. – Tanya Cunnington, Curator

Nathalie Bertin is a multidisciplinary visual artist from Toronto, Ontario. She has lived near the shores of Lake Nosbonsing, between North Bay and Mattawa, since 2021. She is of French, Métis and Algonquin ancestry with roots in Trois Rivieres (QC), Michilimakinac (USA) & Nipissing (ON). Bertin worked as a graphic designer for over 20 years. She went on to earn a B.A. in Adult Education with distinction before deciding to pursue her true passion, the arts, in 2009. Not content with just one medium, she delved into painting, illustration, photography, sculptural installation and a variety of traditional crafts.

Harley Duck, Battle of the Apples at our Kitchen (After Albrecht Altdorfer), acrylic on canvas, 18″ x 24″, 2023.

Behold a Man Who is a Bean
Harley Duck

January 25 – March 1, 2025
Lounge Gallery

Behold a Man Who is a Bean is a suite of work that explores Duck’s recent interest in the compositions and embellishments of medieval and neo-classical artworks. The paintings are unified through the inclusion of motifs such as drapery and trompe l’oeil frames. These features are combined with his interests in portraits and unremarkable circumstances. The title of the exhibition is taken from the English translation of the Latin lyrics sung by the choir in the opening sequence of the television series Mr. Bean.

Harley Duck is a multidisciplinary artist, teacher, and curator specialising in painting. His practice is heavily influenced by historical art and literature, leading to frequent historical references juxtaposed with common items resulting in paintings which portray a distorted reality. Duck holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree with Distinction in English and Studio Art from the University of Guelph, and a Museum and Gallery Studies Graduate Certificate from Georgian College. Duck lives and works in Orangeville, Ontario.

E. Conyers Barker, Little Joe Lake II, oil on board, 16″ x 20″, date unknown.

Four Seasons in Orillia
A Collection-Inspired Exhibition

January 25 – May 17, 2025
Upper Gallery

In Orillia and its environs, we embrace the beauty and challenges of all four seasons, from crisp winter winds to humid summer days—and yes, even the occasional mosquito. Both residents and visitors can enjoy a diverse range of year-round activities, indoors and outdoors alike. Four Seasons in Orillia: A Collection-Inspired Exhibition, featuring art and artefacts from our permanent collection, celebrates the unique charm of winter, spring, summer, and autumn in Orillia.

With over 23,000 artefacts spanning thousands of years of history from Orillia and the surrounding area, displaying every piece in our museum is no small task. To meet this challenge, OMAH is thrilled to continue its series of “Collection-Inspired Exhibitions,” which highlight more of the art and artefacts in our care. This exhibition is curated by Hannah Arndt and Tanya Cunnington with writing contributions from Kathy Hunt and support from Orillia and Lake Country Tourism.

Also at OMAH this Winter:

Orillia: Then & Now
Until May 3, 2025
Franklin Carmichael Gallery
Learn more

For information/Media Contact:
Tanya Cunnington Arts Programming Coordinator
705 326–2159 x109 | artscoordinator@orilliamuseum.org

Orillia Museum of Art & History
30 Peter Street South
Orillia, ON L3V 5A9
orilliamuseum.org
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OMAH has been the hub of art, culture, and heritage in the heart of Orillia’s Arts District for over twenty-five years. Located in downtown Orillia, the clocktower of the Sir Samuel Steele Memorial Building is a beacon for the museum. OMAH’s mission is to provide inclusive space to engage community, inspire creativity and celebrate culture, by exploring art and history.

The Orillia Museum of Art & History respectfully acknowledges our presence on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg which includes the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We respect and observe the long and enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples – First Nations, Métis and Inuit – on this land. Their teachings and stewardship, culture and way of life have shaped our City’s unique identity.

Museum Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm. Suggested Admission is $5

The museum is fully accessible.

Acknowledgements
The Orillia Museum of Art & History gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, the City of Orillia, and our community supporters and contributors.