McMichael Canadian Art Collection Announces Purchase of Iconic Painting
by Charles Pachter
May 28, 2009 Kleinburg, ON –The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is pleased to announce that The Painted Flag, the iconic painting by well-known Toronto artist Charles Pachter, has been acquired for its collection at the Joyner Waddington’s auction of fine Canadian art in Toronto held on Tuesday evening. The artwork will be installed at the McMichael over the next several weeks and will be on view to the public for the first time on Canada Day, July 1st, as part of the gallery’s opening celebration for its summer exhibition season.
The large painting, 195 centimetres by 135 centimetres, sold for $37,760 and the McMichael’s purchase of it was made possible in part by the generous financial support provided by an anonymous donor. This was an auction record for a Pachter work. “I’m delighted that this large painting from my inaugural 1981 exhibition The Painted Flag has been acquired for the McMichael permanent collection,” said artist Charles Pachter. “It’s a fine match for a uniquely Canadian gallery in a unique and wonderful setting, and a cause for celebration. I hope the public will see it as a welcoming symbol of the achievements of all the artists whose work it proudly displays.”
The timing of this art purchase is ideal as the McMichael gallery prepares to open Charles Pachter and Margaret Atwood: The Journals of Susanna Moodie, one of three special exhibitions this summer organized by the McMichael. Opening on July 18th, this exhibition will explore the unique collaboration between Pachter and Atwood. Curated by the McMichael’s Chris Finn, the exhibition will include a collection of approximately thirty original prints with the accompanying poems from Atwood and Pachter’s livre d’artiste, a limited-edition artist’s book.
“Charles Pachter’s image of the Canadian flag exudes the strength, vigour, pride and love of country that is the hallmark of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection,” said Noreen Taylor, Chair of the McMichael Board of Trustees. “There could be no better gallery to steward this fine artwork than ours.”
McMichael Executive Director & CEO, Thomas Smart, is thrilled with this latest addition to the gallery’s collection. “Charlie is one of Canada’s most talented, respected and beloved artists, whose works resonate with all Canadians and instill in them a feeling of national pride.”
Pictured Above:
Charles Pachter
The Painted Flag
acrylic on canvas
signed and dated '81
78 ins x 54 ins; 195 cms x 135 cms
About the Gallery
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,500 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations and Inuit artists.
The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
For further information:
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
Cathy Lepiane, Communications Coordinator
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
905.893.1121 ext. 2210
clepiane@mcmichael.com
