McMichael Canadian Art Collection marks 50 years with masterworks show

A half-century after Robert and Signe McMichaelmade alandmark donation of their picturesque home and remarkable art collection to the province of Ontario, the gallery established in their name is revisiting those foundation masterpieces to mark the occasion.

It was 50 years ago Wednesday that the coupledonated 194 paintings,along with their home and land in Kleinburg, Ont.,to the province. The gift laid thefoundation for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, whichopened the following July.

To celebrate the momentous anniversary of the gift agreement, the galleryisshowing off some of those original artworks in A Foundation for Fifty Years: McMichael Masterworks.

Along with the verypainting that started the couple'spersonal collectionMontreal RiverbyLawrenHarris, a canvasthey purchased for $250 the exhibitionincludes landscape paintings by Harris' fellowGroup of Seven members A.Y. Jackson and J.E.H. MacDonald, as well aspieces by Tom Thomson, Emily Carr, David Milneand others.

The canvases on display are those donated by the McMichaels andsome of their friends and peers to get the gallery started.

Moving forward past earlier controversies

While there is a lot to celebrate, there are also concerns about the McMichael'sfuture.The galleryhas been dogged by controversy over the years, most prominently disputes between the founders, the board and curators over the mandate of the institution.

The McMichaels had stipulated that the collection should continue to reflect the character of the original gift. Robert McMichael once sued the province over what he saw as a violation of the original terms of their agreement.

Now, with the McMichaels gone Robert died in 2003 and Signe in 2007 and after legislative changes in 2011, the gallery has a more flexible mandate and can exhibit non-Canadian art, although its collection remains focusedon Canadian, First Nations and Inuit art.

"There is no question if you go back to the post-gift era of the McMichael, there has been significant controversy," UpkarArora,chair of the gallery's board of trustees, told CBC News.

Headmitted that problemshave at times overshadowed theart.

"It's been very politicized, it's sometimes been personal."

Now, facingthe challenge ofattracting a greater number of and more diverse visitors, he's confident that the future is bright because of the gallery's unique assets.

"What we need to do is continue to deliver great exhibitions, do the right things with great people, build strong relationships both in local communities and outside," Arora said.

We need to get people to experience it for themselves, so when you come here... you're thinking about "Why haven't I been here for so long?"- UpkarArora, McMichaelboard of trustees chair

"We need to get people to experience it for themselves, so when you come here...you're thinking about 'Why haven't I been here for so long?'"

Unlike galleries located in city centres or other urban environments, the McMichael is situated on 100 acres of forest and trails, close to a quaint village. This setting is a huge part of the venue'sattraction and fits in with the art on display inside since many are Canadian landscapes capturingour nation's picturesque wilderness.

Sarah Stanners, the McMichael's recently hired chief curator, calls the gallery a "sleeping giant" that she's hoping to wake upby finding new ways to showcase the permanent collection, as well as incorporatenew and contemporary artincluding work byforeign artists, if it connects somehow with Canada.

"Although we are saying we're going to be doing new and exciting things, we're not turning our back on our traditions," she said.

McMichael the 'sexy rec room' of Canadian art scene

9 years ago

Duration 1:24

Sarah Stanners, chief curator of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, on the gallery's youthful appeal and adaptability

Stannersalsoplans to find ways to attract gallery goers who may not have visited the McMichael since their school days, but have anappreciationfor its natural setting along with its masterpieces.

"We have a fantastic aesthetic here that targets dare I saythe 'lumbersexual' in our young people today," she said, "the young explorerswho want to wear beards and buns. I think, in fact, we're totally primed for that young audience now."

The gallery will also unveildetails about furtherevents and programs celebrating the 50th anniversary soon.