Tag Archives: sculptures

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.

 

ROSEDALE ART FAIR THIS WEEKEND @ RAMSDEN PARK, TORONTO

Thank goodness the weather cooperated today with more sunshine than raindrops, and FLY was able to buzz around the artists’ tents of this year’s ROSEDALE ART FAIR – the first time for nearly 3 years, thanks to Covid. Usually held further up Toronto’s Yonge Street at Summerhill, the park setting was lovely with lots of green grass and leaves.
FLY’s first port of call was the charming display by Michelle Hutchinson – her abstract florals were so colourful you’d expect to see bees hoping from flower to flower!  www.MichelleHutchinsonArt.com…and next door to Michelle was Gail Williams whose paintings were fun and filled with wonder. www.gailwilliamsartist.com  FLY particularly like one titled “Prince” so here’s a closer look… Sculptor Chaka Chikodzi always has a busy tent…FLY had to do some pretty fancy flying between his potential buyers just to get a couple of great close-ups!  www.chakachikodzi.com  Mark J. Gleberzon has been a friend of FLY’s for many years, and his work is definitely a favourite of the winged-one! Mark recently had great success exhibiting in Chicago, selling multiple paintings and even before today’s Fair opened, he had already sold 2 of his Barbie & Ken pop portraits. Bravo, MJG!  www.markgleberzon.com Jibola Fagbamiye was too busy selling his fabulous portraits to stop and chat with FLY – bravo Jibola- but FLY grabbed a few shots of his booth in action!  www.jibolastudios.comThe weather started to cloud over so to avoid getting wings wet, FLY flew over to another aisle sheltered under the trees and immediately stopped when spying FLY’s favourite colour…cobalt blue…at Andrew Stelmack‘s booth. www.astelmack.com  Next door was another FLY favourite, Michael Toole, who greeted FLY with another gorgeous blue graphic artwork! www.michaeltooleart.comMeet the delightful Ghazaleh Naderian who showed FLY around her booth, filled with beautiful floral mini-paintings. Perfect for that little space you need to brighten up.  www.ghazal-arts.com
 FLY’s bestie, Erena, ran into one of her favourite artists, Olaf Schneider – she has a number of his paintings herself. Those parrots were magnificent but scared FLY somewhat as they like eating little insects….oh dear!  www.olaf.ca  
You still have another opportunity to visit the Rosedale Art Fair tomorrow, Sunday June 12 so please go visit and say hi to all the artist – they’re so pleased to get back to “normal” and show their work to art lovers and (hopefully) buyers.