McMichael Canadian Art Collection

I was hoping to revisit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg before the end of the summer, and today was the day.

The greatest thing about the McMichael gallery, other than its stunning collection, is its unique location in woodlands north of Toronto. As you tour the gallery, there are regular opportunities to sit down and gaze at the lush foliage outside. After your visit, you can enjoy a walk on the trails in the valley of the Humber River, and get your nature fix.

The gallery, which opened in 1966, is in the former home of Robert and Signe McMichael, designed in 1954, on ten acres of land.

More Nature at McMichael — The gallery very thoughtfully provides a decent map so you can explore the surrounding trails, including the sculpture garden, cemetery, and Tom Thomson Shack.

As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m drawn to the work of Indigenous Canadian artist Norval Morrisseau (1932-2007). In 1979, Morrisseau was artist-in-residence at the McMichael, which I find really intriguing, since I can remember a visit there as a youngster in 1975 with my family … and oh, wouldn’t it have been neat if we’d have come back a few years later while he was painting there. Alas!

Today’s paintings which caught my attention were the pair below, Untitled (Blue) and Untitled (Gold), 1979. I can’t get enough of the way he combines vibrant colours, and layers paint to make those concentric circles in the floral motif. Pure beauty.

Norval Morrisseau, Untitled (Blue) and Untitled (Gold), 1979

Sarah with father and grandparents at McMichael Canadian Art Collection, May 1975.

McMichael Canadian Art Collection is museum no. 14 in my #100museums challenge (see 100 Museums Challenge).