Art collector donates 50 works by notable Quebec artists to McMichael gallery

YorkRegion.com
Nov. 20, 2014
By Adam Martin-Robbins

Christmas has come early at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.

The Kleinburg gallery announced Thursday that Robert Fitzhenry has promised to donate 50 works by notable Quebec artists from the collection he and his late wife Andree Rheaume Fitzhenry amassed over the years.

“The McMichael is deeply honoured by Mr. Fitzhenry's remarkable gift, and delighted by the opportunity to showcase and preserve such an exquisite collection," Victoria Dickenson, executive director and CEO of the gallery, said in a news release. "...The extraordinary generosity of individuals like Mr. Fitzhenry is vital to the growth and success of our country's cultural institutions. This promised gift complements and builds upon the works by Quebec artists included in the McMichael's permanent collection."

The donated works - which include pieces by Marc-Aurele Fortin, Robert Wakeham Pilot, Jean Paul Lemieux, Paul-Emile Borduas and Jean Paul Riopelle - are currently on display at the McMichael as part of the exhibition dubbed Eyes on Quebec: Treasures from the Andree Rhéaume Fitzhenry and Robert Fitzhenry Collection.

"The McMichael has done a truly amazing job exhibiting the collection that Andree and I built together," Robert Fitzhenry said in a media release. "Were she here, I know she would have been very pleased. The McMichael possesses a wonderful collection of historical Canadian art housed in an intimate setting, making it the perfect fit for our collection long-term."

Among the artworks being donated are eight pieces by Lemieux, created at the height of his artistic development.

There are also watercolours and works on canvas by Fortin, the first works by the celebrated Quebecois painter to be added to the McMichael’s collection.

Eyes on Quebec is on display at the McMichael, 10365 Islington Ave., until Feb. 1.

For more information, visit mcmichael.com.