Spring 2023 Exhibitions at the Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH)

Reception: Saturday, April 29, 1-3 p.m.

Donald Stuart, Homage to Judy Gingell. Sterling silver, 14k gold, placer gold nuggets, leather, moose hair, wood (pine), glass beads, inlays of Yukon stones, mastodon ivory, caribou antler, 7″x8″, 2017.

Donald Stuart
Homage

April 29 – September 2, 2023
Upper Gallery

I want to design and make beautiful objects in such a way that the beauty and craftsmanship speak for themselves. I have always been fascinated with history and historical figures. I want to celebrate women’s contributions to the story of Canada and my research enabled me to develop this theme: Homage. I also want to share the stories of Canadian women whom I do not believe have the recognition that I think they deserve. I selected the women to represent a wide variety of disciplines and time periods. Canada has so many outstanding women, but I had to limit the numbers due to space and time. I decided that only necklaces would be created, as they are the largest form of jewellery expression. – Donald Stuart

About the Artist

As one of Canada’s leading gold/silversmiths, Donald Stuart has earned an international reputation for his work in jewellery, vessels such as vases, sometimes referred to as hollowware and architectural installations. Born in Toronto, Stuart graduated from the Ontario College of Art, earning his Associates Degree (AOCA) in 1967. In 1981, he received a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) from the School for American Crafts in Rochester, NY.

In October 2002, Donald Stuart was awarded Canada’s highest honour, the Order of Canada, in recognition of his illustrious career as a craftsman and educator. At the investiture, his citation read “his effect on Canada’s arts and crafts industry has been profound and lasting.”

Elizabeth Wyn Wood, Untitled. Lithocrayon on paper, 11″x15.5″, 1931.

Elizabeth Wyn Wood

April 29 – September 9, 2023
Franklin Carmichael Gallery

About the Artist

Elizabeth Wyn Wood (1903-1966) was at the forefront of the modernist movement in Canada as a professional artist, educator and outspoken arts advocate.

Born on Cedar Island in Orillia, Wood attended the Ontario College of Art in Toronto (today the Ontario College of Art and Design University) from 1921-1926. There, she studied under Arthur Lismer and J.E.H. MacDonald (both members of the Group of Seven); and Emanuel Hahn, a renowned sculptor whom she would marry upon graduation. During their honeymoon, Hahn took Wood to Hahn Island on the Pickerel River in Parry Sound District. Visiting Hahn Island started her lifelong love affair with the Northern Ontario landscape as muse for her artistic practice. Returning to the Georgian Bay area summer after summer, Wood would sketch the rocks and trees of this landscape, both for preparatory drawings for her sculptures, and later, during the depression of the 1930s, as artworks that could be produced and exhibited more readily than sculptures. The landscape sketches included in this exhibition are representative of the nearly 100 sketches which she drew in the field.

Catherine Cadieux, All Within A Day. Acrylic on canvas, 36″x36″.

Reimagine: International Women’s Day Art Show

April 29 – July 22, 2023
Mulcahy Family Gallery

The International Women’s Day Art Show is inspired by International Women’s Day held annually on March 8. Its main goal is to encourage women to express themselves artistically in a themed group show which is not juried and inclusive of all abilities, experiences and orientations. The spirit of the exhibition is one of affirmation and cooperation.

In its twenty-sixth year, the more than 130 artists participating this year have embraced the challenge of interpreting the theme Reimagine through mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media and film.

Continuing until June 3, 2023 in the Lounge Gallery

Christine Mack and David Hill
Beyond the Fence

Beyond the Fence acknowledges change from one state to another within our gardens.

Christine Mack revels in the colour and life found in gardens as they grow and change through the seasons. Her images allude to the marvel of how gardens change over time. Christine enjoys alternative photo-based processes that blur the distinction between photography and painting.

David Hill focuses on decay. His assemblages are constructed with found or forgotten objects, each with their own attached memory for the artist. He hopes that within their new arrangement these artworks will challenge the viewer to create their own stories.

About the Artists

Christine Mack studied photography at York University and Humber College while also studying drawing and painting at the Ontario College of Art. She has exhibited her photography in a number of galleries throughout Toronto and Ontario, and is also an educator, teaching photography classes and workshops.

David Hill’s photo career has taken him on an interesting meander through the world of portraits, products, places and ultimately personal artwork. Led strongly by a desire to be creative and original, his artistic practice has expanded in recent times to include assemblage.

They have been exhibiting together since the mid 1980’s.

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

Orillia Museum of Art & History
30 Peter St. S.
Orillia, ON L3V 5A9
orilliamuseum.org
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The Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) is a hub of culture and heritage located in the heart of Orillia’s Arts District. OMAH offers a range of research possibilities and interpretive programs complemented by a body of rich and engaging exhibitions. The historical clock tower of the Sir Samuel Steele Memorial Building is a beacon for our location.

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, Metis 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 and Thursdays until 7 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.