Monthly Archives: August 2023

HISTORIC MCMICHAEL ART GALLERY SHOWCASES THE FINEST CANADIAN PAINTINGS + SCULPTURES

FLY was thrilled to visit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, an hour north of Toronto [www.mcmichael.com] capturing some of the stunning Tom Thomson paintings from their current special exhibition “North Star”….as well as the colourful works of legendary Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau (below)The McMichael sits in beautiful woodlands filled with giant bronze sculptures (below)…so join FLY as she buzzes around the gallery…Upon entering the spectacular building, FLY headed towards the various galleries leading up to the Tom Thomson exhibit with all manner of surprises around each corner. FLY loved this handsome fella…FLY’s favourite Group of Seven artist is Lawren Harris and it’s easy to see why. Here’s the big man himself – so many small paintings by Tom Thomson, exhibited effectively in seasonal galleries… In one room, there was a screen set up showing a brief video explaining the curatorial process of putting such a show together, sharing insights into Thomson’s work…comfortable seating that you can turn towards the picture windows…just look at that view outside… Then on to the Norval Morrisseau “salon” the interior of which looks and feels like a log cabin in the woods.
At one end of the large gallery are floor to ceiling windows, the other end you’ll find 2 totem poles…wow! Now let’s head out into the grounds for some “forest bathing” and see what’s hidden in the trees….Ivan Eyre‘s giant bronzes But the trees themselves were works of art and FLY was honoured to buzz along the trails….
Not many people realize that a number of the Group of Seven artists are actually buried on site – here are their humble headstones marking the graves…. FLY flew across the little bridge from the cemetery and back inside to recover from the humidity and heat….her wings were getting a little tired and needed a rest and a cuppa tea in the café where she was waited upon by charming staff.There are so many calm and quiet places to sit and relax in the McMichael…look at the beautiful view from this log benchSo thank you to the staff and management of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection – your knowledgeable docents are welcoming and FLY enjoyed chatting with them and learning so much about the history of Canadian art. Again, here’s the website that gives you directions and info on current and upcoming exhibitions.  www.mcmichael.com  You can follow the gallery on multiple social media platforms, too.