The Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) is curating and facilitating the installation of three new exhibitions for their spring season. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with art created as early as the 1930s to the present by a diverse group of artists with unique life experiences.
The new exhibitions are:
The International Women’s Day Art Show – Reimagine
The exhibition’s 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.
Juliana Hawke, one of the organizers for the exhibition, said “I am so inspired by the enthusiasm and support that this show receives from the art community! Even though this exhibit is in its 26th year, it remains fresh and exciting for us as organizers to put together. Meeting new artists and reacquainting ourselves with long time participants is one of the joys of working with this show. This year over 130 artists from across Ontario, eastern Canada and Ukraine are presenting their art expressed through a variety of media and stories through this unique and diverse exhibit.”
Elizabeth Wyn Wood
This exhibition comprises several drawings, sculpture and personal items from both from the Browne family, Wood’s grandchildren, and OMAH’s permanent collection. Whether capturing the land through drawing or sculpting her impressions of the land in tin or marble, Elizabeth Wyn Wood innovated her own modernist style. From the landscape drawings featured in this exhibition, she pushed the boundaries of contemporary sculpture, solidifying her place as one of Canada’s most prominent artists during her time and into the present. Through her remarkable body of work, teaching, and arts advocacy, Elizabeth Wyn Wood left her mark both locally and throughout Canada. One of Wood’s granddaughters, Sylvie Browne said “Elizabeth Wyn Wood began her career as a nationally renowned sculptor on the shores of Lake Couchiching. It means so much to my family to have this new exhibit devoted to her exquisite sketches of the Canadian Shield, many never before seen by the public, launched in her hometown.”
Homage Donald Stuart
Homage by Donald Stuart is a collection of 40 framed neckpieces created as a celebration and tribute to Canadian women throughout the ages and across the country in a wide range of professions and contributions to our society – mothers and artists; businesswomen and philanthropists; actors and athletes; inventors and scientists. Stuart has always been fascinated with history and historical figures. He wanted to celebrate women’s contributions to the story of Canada and his research enabled him to share the stories of many whom do not have the recognition that he thinks they should. He said, “I am honoured and pleased to have Homage return to OMAH, back to Simcoe County where the concept was first realized in my studio. Everywhere Homage has been shown across Canada, the reception has always been so very positive. From Whitehorse to Halifax, visitors are intrigued by the concept and how the stories of these remarkable women are portrayed by the necklaces. Thank you OMAH! May your visitors be likewise intrigued with the developments since Homage was last shown here.”
There will be a special reception, with an opportunity to meet some of the exhibiting artists on Saturday, April 29. The reception runs from 1 to 3pm with remarks at 1:30pm.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm and open late on Thursdays until 7pm.