Vol ‘n’ Tell

Vol ‘n’ Tell is an ongoing series of blog posts written by RMG Volunteers. Raechel Bonomo is an Oshawa native, art enthusiast and second-year Print Journalism student at Durham College.

Painters Eleven (P11) began in the fall of 1953 in Oshawa, launching them as Ontario’s first abstract painting group. P11 includes members such as Alexandra Luke, Jock Macdonald and Jack Bush – Luke being the catalyst of the group’s formation. The group held their first exhibit under the name “Painters Eleven” in February 1954 at Roberts Gallery in Toronto, Ontario.

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery has had a long-term relationship with Painters Eleven, which explains why the gallery is the owner of the largest collection of the group’s work. The history of the group is woven into the history of the RMG, creating the symbiotic relationship that is prevalent in work displayed from the gallery’s archives. Oshawa native Alexandra Luke, an advocate for abstract art, brought this style of painting to the city through the South Ontario Art Gallery Circuit. The RMG’s foundation as a gallery began with a focus on collecting, preserving and displaying the group’s work. It is because of Luke’s munificent, extensive donation of the group’s work that allows the RMG to continue its original mandate and introduce new pieces to the public.

In a time where the landscape style of the Group of Seven dominated the Canadian art world, the work from P11 would soon become the new foundation for modern art in Canada. The new installation at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery features work from the collection from every member of the P11 and demonstrates their then breakthrough abstract style, evident in works such as Melville’s Island (1961) from group member Ray Mead.

Ray Mead, Melville’s Island, 1961; oil on canvas; Donated by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, 1988; gift of M. F. Feheley

With each new installation, there is a cohesiveness that is present within the collection despite the differences in technique and imagery from the artists. For example, the imagery of Alexandra Luke’s piece Encounter (1959) contrasts the more heavy appearance of Cloud (1962) by William Ronald.

William Ronald, Cloud, 1962; oil on canvas; Donated by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, 1988, gift of Dr. and Mrs. S. P. Starkman

Alexandra Luke, Encounter, 1959; oil on masonite; Gift of Mr. and Mrs. E. R. S. McLaughlin, 1971

Despite abstract being a lesser of my personal favourites, the work of the P11 evolve the style to encompass traditionalist approaches of painting in their work – creating an appeal to both the classical and modern art enthusiasts.

A new exhibition is installed every eight months and features, fittingly, eleven original paintings from the group that is worth a visit to the Robert McLaughlin Gallery.

Raechel Bonomo

Volunteer Blog Writer

Robert McLaughlin Art Gallery

A Poem by Marlene Laplante

Marlene Laplante visited the RMG with her daughter in early December. She was so inspired by her visit that she wrote a poem about it. Marlene has allowed us to share her writing with you! Enjoy!

in the gallery

they are gone now – their work remains

compelling stories in colour

alive on white walls around me pulling me in

a journey of the human spirit on canvas

each reclaiming a time a place an event

capturing life around them in an intimate way

life spread out in a visual language

revealing despair and hard times

beauty and innocence

overcome by the spiritual strength of their presence

humbled – emotional

I became part of the sadness in their painted eyes

before me – silhouettes in golden light

majestic mountains silent waters

and bright colours splashed about in harmony

inspired by life – motivated by passion

most worked in solitude and silence

in tune with the rhythms of nature

seeing beauty in what surrounded them

they painted the feeling of a place

that which feeds our soul

others dream inspired – created from within

letting the energy in their work speak for itself

their stories had to be told…

I came to listen

in the gallery

The Mother’s Day Gift Guide

This post comes from the desk of Norah O’Donnell, Volunteer Co-ordinator & Gift Shop Operations.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’re setting up for our annual Spring Fling Sale at the RMG Shop on Thursday, 8 May. As head of Gift Shop Operations, I often see guests torn between products, searching for that special gift. For mom, it must be unique, expressing your love and gratitude for everything she has done. At the RMG Shop, there is something to suit everyone’s taste – we carry a wide variety of handmade and locally-sourced products, one of which could be the perfect gift for mom!

This year, let me be your personal shopper – here are my top five choices for that ultimate Mother’s Day gift, straight from the RMG Shop:

Aide Bodycare – the Ultimate Handmade Spa Package

Aide Bodycare offers a variety of handmade soaps, scrubs and lipbalms that are perfect for pampering mom. Soaps are created using the traditional cold-process technique and feature such popular scents as Vintage Rose, Lavender and Organic Oatmeal, and Sweet Orange. What makes them even better? Owner, Michelle Treen, makes all products on location in Bowmanville.

Filipa Pimentel Ceramics – Classic Ceramics

A featured member of Ontario Craft, Filipa Pimentel creates beautiful ceramic pieces that are a mix of functional tableware and decorative art. The RMG Shop features her textured line that includes pitchers, serving bowls and bud vases. Each work is unique and influenced by her love for the ocean. These would be a treat to any mother’s home.

Bella Accessories – The Statement Piece

For those looking for jewellery ideas, the Bella Accessory line has many styles to choose from, making it perfect for the fashionista mom! My personal favourite is the chunky bib necklace made of woven red, orange and gray ribbons – it makes a great addition to any wardrobe and can be paired with a matching bracelet for that extra pop of colour!

Tealish Tea – Give the Gift of Tea!

Who doesn’t love a good cup of tea? Based in Toronto, Tealish makes gifting easy with their loose-leaf tea canisters in a variety of flavours including Toasty Almond, Sweet Macaroon, Dulce De Leche and Chocolate Loves Strawberry.

Filou Designs – Charming Accessories

Mom will treasure these timeless necklaces forever. Fiona Louie, of Vancouver, creates wearable works of art by transforming her own sketches into solid sterling silver necklace charms. Her signature style includes cut-out silhouettes of whimsical bicycles, anchors, fortune cookies and more.

Join us on Thursday, 8 May from 10 am – 7 pm for our annual Spring Fling Sale in the RMG Shop. For one day only, receive discounts of 10-50% off select merchandise!

Mother’s Day at the RMG

From family art activities, relaxing yoga for all ages, a classic brunch in our restaurant, Arthur’s on the 4^th, to thoughtful gifts in our shop, the RMG has you covered! For details on our Mother’s Day events, click here. For our Mother’s Day edition of OPG Second Sundays, click here.

Sneak Peaks: Pan Am Games!

“Hot Topics” blog posts come from the desk of Sarah Felgemacher, our
Communications & Social Media Co-ordinator.

In 2015, Toronto will be host to the Pan American/Parapan American Games, the third largest international multi-sport tournament behind the Olympic Summer Games and the Asian Games. Six thousand athletes from 41 participating countries will compete in 36 sporting events at over 30 venues across 16 municipalities.

That’s a wonderfully wide scope, and the General Motors Centre (GM Centre), Oshawa, will be a host venue for a one month period over July and August, 2015. The stadium at the heart of the City will be the competition grounds for the boxing and weightlifting events. This means the next 15 months will be a thrilling time of preparation, and the RMG is excited to be involved in such a momentous event!

Be sure to save Friday, 11 July on your calendar! The City will be hosting a one-year countdown event at the GM Centre – children’s activities, boxing and weightlifting activation stations and live musical performances are just a few of the events scheduled for the evening. Join us as we countdown to the festivities! The event kicks off at 5pm.

Beginning in May 2015, the RMG presents an exhibition featuring contemporary works focusing on the theme of boxing. What better way to get in the spirit of the games than to see a creative view of athletics?

Pete Doherty, Niagara Falls Memorial Arena, Niagara Falls, Ontario, 2003.

The next year will be in inspirational time in Oshawa. This is an opportunity to showcase what our City and community is about and we are excited to be a part of it all!

For more information about the One-Year Countdown and future events: http://www.oshawa.ca/panam/default.asp

For more information on the Pan American/Parapan American Games in Toronto 2015: http://www.toronto2015.org/

For volunteer information: http://www.oshawa.ca/panam/join.asp

Summer Art Camp in Oshawa!

Ages 5-10
Summer Day Camp at the RMG in Oshawa

The RMG’s summer day camp program offers something for everyone! Inspired by special exhibitions and our permanent collection, each week of camp is full of fun activities in the gallery, hands-on projects in the studio, games, and lots of time to play. Activities are planned so that you can sign up for half or full days and there are pre- and post-camp options for busy families.

NEW! Pre- and post-camp care available.
https://rmg.on.ca/summer-art-camps.php

Free Family Programming for 2013

Happy New Year!

It isn’t an overstatement to say that in 2013 the RMG has big plans to expand our programming to include lots of new free opportunities for families to engage with art. We love our community and we know that families work hard all week and want to hang out on the weekend and have quality family time. We’re hoping that in 2013 you’ll choose the RMG once a month as a place to learn, connect, and communicate with your family through the creative arts.

In 2012 we launched the incredibly successful OPG Second Sundays program. It’s a free art workshop series on the second Sunday of each month, sponsored by Ontario Power Generation. We had a great response and held many jam-packed art workshops. Due to popular demand, we’re expanding that program this year so that registration is no longer required, and all are welcome! All families should drop-in between 1 and 3pm on the Second Sunday of each month to work with gallery staff on guided art projects with themes celebrating the Lunar New Year as well as our many exhibitions.

Check out the OPG Second Sundays Schedule here.

We’re also introducing a new space in the gallery that is dedicated to families who want to visit the exhibitions with kids, and provide a chance for them to play, learn, and be inspired by art. Linger in the new Imagination Station! This space is currently being transformed into a family-friendly area with seating, books, toys, craft supplies, and cool interactive tools that will inspire, educate, and engage kids of all ages and abilities. The Imagination Station is launching in February, with an opening party on Family Day, Monday, 18 February. We are opening on Family Day for the first time in 2013 and are offering a free program to families. Come check out what we’re up to from 1-3pm. Enjoy light refreshments and a chance to try out the new Imagination Station (we’re calling it iStation for short!) The following weekend, we begin the regular iStation schedule, with the space being managed by trained educational volunteers who will help manage and guide craft projects, every Saturday and Sunday.

You might think that was all we planned to offer in early 2013…but you’d be wrong! We’re also hosting a Festival of Colours celebration for families on Sunday 24 March. Phew!

If you’ve ever considered enrolling kids in our PA Day Camps, March Break Camps or Summer Camps, these free family sessions will help familiarize you and your kids with staff and the facility, so that the transition to full day camps is easy and exciting.

The RMG’s staff and volunteers are looking forward to meeting new families and connecting in new ways our community. If you have any questions about our free family programming, do not hesitate to connect with us. Email us at communications@rmg.on.ca or drop us a line on facebook at www.facebook.com/theRMG.

Sharing Our History: Augmenting the Thomas Bouckley Collection

The Curator’s View this week comes from the desk of Sonya Jones, Assistant Curator, and Curator of the Thomas Bouckley Collection.

Thomas Bouckley’s fascination with his father’s collection of historical photographs of Oshawainspired his passion for documenting Oshawa’s past. He was concerned with the condition of the historical photographs, and took it upon himself to learn how best to preserve and reproduce them for future generations. Thus began his collection, which continued to grow in various ways, one of the more unique being from local garbage men who found photographs and albums in the trash. Oshawa families would also provide him with copies of their historical photos. Additionally, Bouckley took up photography himself capturing images of Oshawa as it existed in his lifetime—for example these photographs documenting the demolition of Centre Street United in 1967 (located where Rundle Tower is today).

His vision for the Thomas Bouckley Collection when it was gifted to the RMG in 1985—in addition to it being preserved, a community resource, and used in public programming—was for the collection to continue to grow and also to carry on his practice of documenting Oshawa. Throughout the years Then and Now projects have been done to show the transformation of the city, and donations have added to the collection. There are, however, still areas and time periods that are not well represented in the collection. In the spirit of Thomas Bouckley’s desire to visually document Oshawa’s history, I’m always interested in augmenting the collection and encourage anyone who would like to share their historical photographs to contact me. Seeing as Bouckley himself received copies of family photograph collections, I would continue this tradition by scanning photographs in order to enhance the collection. Everyone will benefit as the collection is a community resource that is available to search online, and in person.

Some time periods that are not well represented in the collection are:

1940s- WWII years
1950s
1960s
Oshawa Generals
Oshawa Airport
Early photos of North Oshawa
Smith Potteries (located on King Street West near the Hollows)
Parkwood Estate
Lakeview Park 1940s onwards

With questions or to share photographs, please contact Sonya Jones
sjones@rmg.on.ca or 905 576 3000 x110

July FIRST FRIDAYS!

We’re excited to announce the RMG’s sixth edition of FIRST FRIDAYS!

July’s First Fridays is on a special date and time: July 8^th. The party kicks off at 5pm with the opening reception for the gallery’s two new exhibitions, FIERCE and Geordie Lishman: Hidden Worlds. At 6pm Boom Bust & Echo will perform, followed by singer-songwriter Kate Boothman at 7pm. Cash bar and free to attend. Party continues until 9pm!

Kate Boothman is perhaps best known for her work in the band Sunbear. Kate will be performing a solo set and we are excited to welcome her to the gallery. Check out Kate’s myspace page here to hear some of her music.

Boom Bust & Echo are a new local act with a tie to artist Geordie Lishman – his brother Aaron Lishman is in the group!

July’s edition of First Fridays is an event partnership with Durham Tourism www.durhamtourism.ca.

We hope you will all join us for this great evening of art and live music!

True Power, Geordie Lishman