Franklin Carmichael  at the Art Gallery of Sudbury

There can be no doubt that Franklin Carmichael was passionate about the landscape of northern Ontario. It’s fitting then, that the Art Gallery of Sudbury presented an exhibition of works by Franklin Carmichael as part of the Group of Seven project.

The exhibition reflected on his experience in the northern region and captured the spirit of what makes it distinct. It focused on works created in the La Cloche Mountain area where his cabin was built on Cranberry Lake. 

One of the most successful components of our exhibition programming was an excursion to the area.  This began with a bus trip from the gallery to Willisville, a small village nestled in the La Cloche Mountains, about 30 minutes north of Manitoulin Island. 

From there we embarked by boat down Cranberry Lake, past Carmichael’s cabin to a portage trail at the north edge of Killarney Park.  From this point there was a one-hour hike through old-growth forest to the shore of Grace Lake, easily identified by the many small islands sprinkled across its breadth.

We hoped to create an awareness of the relationship between this extraordinary natural environment and the artists who have been inspired by it and our community.  Not only did local artists and enthusiasts participate, artists from Southern Ontario travelled to join us on the trip.  Our participation in the project increased our profile within this region and well beyond. 

We were able to double our exhibition attendance and increase memberships and participation in all our summer programs.   

Working with the Group of Seven Project was a wonderful way to enhance our efforts and celebrate our role as a public gallery situated in northern Ontario.

Celeste Scopelites
Director
Art Gallery of Sudbury

 

 

 

 

Photo 1 (Top)
Grace Lake excursion. Retracing the footsteps of Franklin Carmichael. (Photo: courtesy of the Art Gallery of Sudbury)

Photo 2 (Bottom)
Participants sketch, paint and photograph the landscape that inspired Franklin Carmichael near Grace Lake. (Photo: courtesy of the Art Gallery of Sudbury)