A Memorable Day at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection 🎨
Today, 30 members and friends of the St. Catharines Art Association (SCAA — www.stcatharinesart.com) spent a joyful day immersed in art, nature, and learning at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario. Since 1952, this national treasure has been dedicated exclusively to Canadian and Indigenous art.
The permanent collection features over 6,000 works by historical masters as well as First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and contemporary artists. Set on 100 acres in the scenic Humber River Valley, the site includes forest trails, a sculpture garden, and the historic Tom Thomson shack — truly a must-see for any art lover!
Personal highlights for me included works by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, and Norval Morrisseau. I was also captivated by the special exhibition "Morrice in Venice," showcasing stunning paintings by Canadian artist James Wilson Morrice, created during his visits to Venice between 1894 and 1908.
Although the Tom Thomson shack was closed for public, due to the current artist-in-residence arrangement, I had the delightful surprise of meeting Toronto-based conceptual artist Iris Häussler, who kindly gave me a personal tour of this humble and historic space. She is working there on her forthcoming solo exhibition.
SCAA Ambassador & Adviser to the SCAA President – Dr. Debra Attenborough tested our visual art knowledge with a 50-item quiz during the bus tour.
-- Chandi
