Some of the words heard at the recent opening of the ‘Homage’ exhibition at Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre were “breathtaking”, “incredible”, “inspiring”. What they were referring to were the creations by artist Donald Stuart.
‘Homage’ is a powerful and visually stunning national touring exhibition that honours Canadian women across generations and professions from mothers and artists, business leaders and philanthropists, actors and athletes, inventors and scientists.
The story behind the exhibition’s arrival in Bruce County is a story in itself. Nancy Kuhl, Branch Program Coordinator with Bruce County Libraries was in Fredericton, New Brunswick and, looking for something to do one day, visited the Beaverbrook Art Gallery where she saw the national exhibition, ‘Homage’.
“I thought it was one of the most beautiful and meaningful exhibitions and, when I got back home, I casually mentioned it to Cathy McGirr our Museum’s Director … and here it is!”
In opening the exhibit, Mayor Luke Charbonneau said that the exhibition brings stories of women from across Canada to Bruce County. “I have to say it is very beautiful. I go to a lot of exhibit openings and this is the very first one where excitement has been so generated. It’s the Museum staff that make this possible and Executive Director, Cathy McGirr is an outstanding leader of the Museum and in Bruce County. This exhibit celebrates national achievements and also inspires reflections and pride right here at home. The exhibit is a reminder of the spirit in every community including our own, whether it’s a neighbour who volunteers, a local business owner, an educator or caregiver, it encourages us to see and celebrate the women who strengthen Bruce County every day. We are reminded how communities grow stronger when we recognize contributions from all walks of life.”
Through a series of intricately designed, framed neckpieces, the exhibition pays tribute to the diversity, strength and creativity of women who have shaped Canada’s story.
As a former teacher, Stuart has combined his passion for historic detail in the stories of the women and his artistry in creating a neckpiece for each that depicts their personality, achievements and history.
Among the women recognized is Mary Simon, Lt. Governor of Canada, who was born and raised in Nunavut. Her neckpiece features seal skin, caribou antler, sterling silver, lapis lazuli of Baffin Island and enamel. The neckpiece is an exquisite work of art and the accompanying history tells of Simon being the first Inuk woman to become a Canadian Ambassador, the Chancellor of Trent University, her involvement with Indigenous affairs and her part in the the negotiations that led to the 1982 Patriation of the Canadian Constitution.
Simon’s is only one of the 41 pieces created in ‘Homage’ to Canadian women. Others include the beautiful ‘piano key’ neckpiece honouring Canada’s premier jazz singer and pianist Diana Krall, Canadian Mary Pickford’s ode to the film industry and some who are little known but who have done incredible things throughout history.
For larger view, click on image
The exhibition lives up to all the words used at the opening … “breathtaking”, “incredible”, “inspiring”.
On July 11th, Bruce County Museum continues the exhibition with an artist-led presentation by Donald Stuart. He will take visitors through his collection of the 41 framed neckpieces explaining how they were chosen and the creativity behind each piece. He will also survey his early career, including his founding of the Pangnirtung Weaving Studio in what is now Nunavut, one of only three dedicated studios in the world that creates commissioned tapestries.
