McGuinty Government Celebrates
40TH Anniversary of McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Ministry of Culture, November 17, 2005
TORONTO — The McGuinty government is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Minister of Culture Madeleine Meilleur announced today.
"The Ontario government is proud of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection for preserving and exhibiting Canada’s art, and recognizing the important contribution made by Canadian artists to our national heritage", said Meilleur.“This could not have happened without the vision and generosity of Robert and Signe McMichael.”
On November 18, 1965, the Province of Ontario and the couple signed a formal agreement enabling the founding of a public art gallery. At that time, the McMichaels also gave 194 works of art along with their home and ten acres of parkland to the people of Ontario. Since the gallery first opened in 1966, its permanent collection of Canadian art has grown from the original gift of 194 works to 5,500, many of which have been donated to the gallery by private collectors. The original log and fieldstone home has been expanded into an 85,000 square-foot facility and receives more than 120,000 visitors a year.
Throughout this year,many special events, outstanding exhibitions and other activities will be held to commemoratethe 40th anniversary of McMichael Canadian Art Collection. The gallery has chosen to honour Robert and Signe through The Founders’ Story,a tribute to the couple through a photographic installation that opened today.
“The McMichael Canadian Art Collection reflects the richness and diversity of our nation and our people,” said Noreen Taylor, Chair of the Board of Directors.“The gallery possesses one of the country's most important collections of Canadian art. Through popular exhibition and educational programs, and using our unique setting to attract visitors of all ages, the gallery is dedicated to expanding the cultural experience of all Canadians. Our founding collectors, Robert and Signe McMichael, poured their passion for Canadian culture into the gallery, and their vision has been singularly influential in shaping our understanding and appreciation.”
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Ministry of Culture, with a mandate to showcase the Group of Seven and their contemporaries.
For further information and/or jpgs:
Stephen Weir, Publicist
Gallery: (905) 893-1121 ext. 2529
Toronto Office: (416) 489-5868
Cell: (416) 801-3101
s1weir@aol.com or sweir5492@rogers.com
