The UNB Art Centre celebrates International Women's Day-FR

Event Details:

Illuminations: Contemporary Silver Candleholders Honouring Canadian Women in the Arts is a travelling exhibition produced by the Metal Collective. The exhibit showcases 15 award-winning Canadian metalsmiths and is on view from March 8 through May 3 at the UNB Art Centre. Curated by art historian Laura Brandon, and inspired by Canada’s 150th anniversary, this collection of contemporary silver candleholders honours Canadian women’s past, present and future. 

Each artist has selected one of the arts and reflects upon the role of women in drawing and painting, dance, architecture, design, music, horticulture, craft, photography, sculpture, theatre, and film. Crafted from heritage tea sets, cutlery and serving dishes, each unique creation includes a recognizable element from the original piece of silver.

Illuminations features the work of some of Canada’s top metalsmiths, jewelers and sculptors, recognized from coast-to-coast: Brigitte Clavette, Charles Funnell, Beth Alber, Ken Vickerson, Jackie Anderson, Fiona MacIntyre, Elizabeth Goluch, Mary K. MacIntyre, Lois Etherington Betteridge, Chantal Gilbert, Anne Barros, Myra Tulonen Smith, Anne-Sophie Vallée, Mary Anne Barkhouse and Kye-Yeon Son.

Illuminations: Contemporary Silver Candleholders Honouring Canadian Women in the Arts opens on March 8 at 5 p.m. The curator, Laura Brandon and several of the exhibiting artists will be present.

In keeping with the theme of women’s contribution to the arts, the UNB Art Centre is pleased to take this opportunity to unveil a plaque dedicated to one of the UNB Art Centre founders, Pegi Nicol MacLeod. She along with fellow artist Lucy Jarvis founded the UNB Art Centre in 1941 in the Brydone Jack Observatory. Until 1948, Pegi spent her summers here, teaching art classes and sharing her passion for art with aspiring artists.

As a leading figure in Canadian art, Pegi Nicol MacLeod was known for her unique modernist style, and her ability to convey the liveliness and energy of the world surrounding her subjects through bold colours and expressive lines. Pegi was a socially engaged artist, and made an important contribution to the art of the Second World War by providing a rare view of women in the Canadian armed forces.

Pegi Nicol MacLeod was recommended to the Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada by Laura Brandon, who has published many articles and several books on the artist. The Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada is mandated to advise the Government of Canada, through the Minister of the Environment, on the commemoration of nationally significant aspects of Canada’s history.

National historic sites, persons, and events reflect the rich tapestry of Canada's heritage and their commemoration provides an opportunity for Canadians to connect with and learn more about our country's incredible history.

The UNB Art Centre is located at Memorial Hall, 9 Bailey Dr., University of New Brunswick, Fredericton. The galleries are open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays and during special events. Starting in 2019, the galleries will be open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays.  Admission is free to members of the public. Everyone welcome!

Building: Memorial Hall

Room Number: West Gallery