Special photo taken for Vaughan Today (well actually on Sunday)

ONE OF A SERIES PICTURES TAKEN AT THE McMICHAEL GALLERY IN KLIENBURG, ONTARIO FOR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

It was snowing really bad so it was not a shock to find out that Vaughan Today couldn't free up a reporter to attend a media preview for the newly installed Norman Rockwell exhibition at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. They were willing to run something "good" about the show, but what?
It was Sunday, the kick-off to March Break and I had this picture taken exclusively for Vaughan Today. The picture, by McMichael volunteer (and professional photographer) Jason Hashimoto shows 20-year old Alexandria Maida, assuming a pose for the camera made famous by Norman Rockwell in his triple self- portrait. It shows the late American aritst painting a painting of himself using a large mirror.
All day Sunday visitors to the gallery were invited to dress up like a Norman Rockwell painting. Hashimoto took their masterpieces and the gallery emailed the pictures to the visitors. 20-minutes before quiting time I convinced Hashimoto to try his hand at copying the master. Ms Maida, a University student and weekend guide at the gallery, agreed to be the model.
Did it work? "Brilliant Steve,Thanks" wrote editor Dan Hoddinott. Within hours of receiving the photograph it was posted on their website. Did get a call from a competing media wanted to know why they didn't get a copy too?

Promised to get Hashimoto to take another masterpiece just for them the next time he was at the gallery with his Cannon and lighting kit. Could be a new career!

CUTLINE

Top: Alexandria Maida strikes the Norman Rockwell Pose from the painting Triple Self Portrait
Middle: Triple Self Portrait by Norman Rockwell
Bottom: My picture of Jason taking a picture for Vaughan Today.

Norman Rockwell - Media Preview of the McMichael Gallery's newest show this Thursday

MEDIA PREVIEW
THURSDAY,
March 10, 2011
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

In Search of Norman Rockwell's America, a poignant exhibition that pairs the work of American icon Norman Rockwell with images by award-winning photojournalist Kevin Rivoli, is on view at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection from March 12 through April 25, 2011. On the 10th of March the media will get a preview of the show prior to the public opening on Saturday

When: Thursday, March 10th, 2011, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg (just north of Major Mackenzie Drive)

Why: Unprecedented in concept, this exhibition features a selection of thirty-five black and white photographs by Kevin Rivoli alongside original Rockwell paintings, drawings, and lithographs of similar imagery, forming a captivating comparison exhibition of seventy works. Included in the exhibition is the never-before-published painting The Golfer, a rare subject for Rockwell and one of his earlier works. The Rockwell exhibit offers a sharp contrast with two Marilyn Monroe exhibitions that will be on display until the middle of May. The Rockwell exhibition runs from March 12 through April 25, 2011.

Who: Tour the exhibitions and meet with McMichael Chief Curator, Katerina Atanassova and Curator, Chris Finn.

What: The two-year tour is comprised of many loans from major institutions and private collections. Norman Rockwell paintings, prints, and drawings are on loan from Albright Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY; Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY; Midwest Museum of American Art, Elkhart, IN; National Scouting Museum, Irving, TX; United States Golf Association Museum, Far Hills, NJ; and Ingrid Bond Fine Arts, Santa Fe, NM. The companion book for the international tour, published by Simon & Schuster is also titled In Search of Rockwell's America, also includes inspiring quotes and anecdotes of Rockwell's' paintings and Rivoli's photographs.

About the Gallery

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,500 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $30 for families. There is a $5 fee for parking. For more information about the gallery, visit www.mcmichael.com.

- 30 -

Please RSVP:
Stephen Weir, Publicist
Gallery: 905.893.1121 ext. 2529
Toronto Office: 416.489.5868
Cell: 416.801.3101
sweir@mcmichael.com

Cutline: cover of the exhbition hard-cover show guide

The Eyes Have It For Norman Rockwell Show At The McMichael

In Search of Norman Rockwell's America
MARCH 12 to APRIL 25, 2011

For Immediate Release

First Exhibition to Compare Norman Rockwell's Art with
Photojournalist Kevin Rivoli's Images: 'Rockwell's America' Exists

February 28, 2011 Kleinburg, ON - In Search of Norman Rockwell's America, a poignant exhibition that pairs the work of American icon Norman Rockwell with images by award-winning photojournalist Kevin Rivoli, is on view at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection from March 12 through April 25, 2011.

Norman Rockwell's illustrations populated covers of The Saturday Evening Post, the American magazine well-read amongst Canadians, especially after World War I when imported American magazines were outselling domestic magazines eight-to-one in subscriptions and newsstands across Canada.

Unprecedented in concept, this exhibition features a selection of thirty-five black and white photographs alongside original Rockwell paintings, drawings, and lithographs of similar imagery, forming a captivating comparison exhibition of seventy works. Included in the exhibition is the never-before-published painting The Golfer, a rare subject for Rockwell and one of his earlier works.

Kevin Rivoli began taking "slices of life" photographs twenty years ago while working as a photojournalist - images of family, community, patriotism, milestones, and people enjoying simple pleasures. It was not until many years later that he realized their similarity to Rockwell's work, not only in mood and subject, but often in composition as well.

Rockwell, who was and remains immensely popular in both Canada and the United States, was often dismissed by critics who claimed his work was too idealistic, sentimental, and nostalgic. One critic alleged that Rockwell created "an America that never was and never will be." Rockwell disagreed, saying he showed "the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed."

Rivoli's photographs disprove critics' claims that Rockwell created imaginary scenes. In Search of Norman Rockwell's America shows us the same world Rockwell painted, an America that is still alive and well. Rivoli's photographs are of spontaneously occurring moments of everyday life - most subjects were completely unaware that they were being photographed. These photos are true to Rockwell's form - storytelling in a single, spontaneous frame that captures a complete picture and celebrates the ordinary.In Search of Norman Rockwell's America introduces Norman Rockwell and his work to a new generation, while providing his existing fans an opportunity to reconnect with this American icon. By pairing these celebrated, familiar works of art to photographs of real people, the exhibition reminds us to look for those moments of happiness, pride, mischief, courage, and patriotism that Rockwell captured and became known as "Rockwell's America."

The two-year tour is comprised of many loans from major institutions and private collections. Norman Rockwell paintings, prints, and drawings are on loan from Albright Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY; Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY; Midwest Museum of American Art, Elkhart, IN; National Scouting Museum, Irving, TX; United States Golf Association Museum, Far Hills, NJ; and Ingrid Bond Fine Arts, Santa Fe, NM.

The companion book for the international tour, published by Simon & Schuster and also titled In Search of Rockwell's America, includes inspiring quotes and anecdotes of Rockwell's' paintings and Rivoli's photographs.

In Search of Norman Rockwell's America is organized by Kevin and Michele Rivoli in collaboration with International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC. International Arts & Artists in Washington, DC, is a non-profit arts service organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural understanding and exposure to the arts internationally, through exhibitions, programs, and services to artists, arts institutions, and the public. Visit www.artsandartists.org.

Kevin Rivoli is an award-winning photojournalist who has photographed everyone from professional sports stars to presidents. But his favourite subjects have always been ordinary people doing ordinary things. When he's not working for one of several national media outlets, he continues to pursue and develop personal endeavours that include several soon-to-be published works as well as a line of licensed products that feature his images. To learn more about Kevin and his work, visit www.kevinrivoli.com.

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,500 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $30 for families. There is a $5 fee for parking. For more information about the gallery, visit www.mcmichael.com.

Cutlines
Top: McMichael Gallery's Education Curator Anna Stanisz
Middle: A Kiss for Mom, 2007 Photo © Kevin Rivoli
Bottom: Home from Camp,1968 Licensed by Norman Rockwell Licensing, Niles, IL

Event Listings sent out in early January for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario

Tom Thomson Shack on the grounds of the McMichael

Events at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in late February and March including March Break


FAMILY DAY LONG WEEKEND

February 19, 20 and 21
MARILYN MONROE AT THE McMICHAEL!
On Family Day long weekend, don’t miss the opening of our two exhibitions, Marilyn in Canada and Life as a Legend: Marilyn Monroe. Enjoy guided tours, films and music along with special programming every day based on these shows. Included with gallery admission.

MARCH BREAK

March 13
Family Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Illustration from Norman Rockwell to Michael Martchenko
Get a jump on March Break! Celebrate illustrations by Norman Rockwell and meet one of Canada’s leading illustrators, Michael Martchenko, best known for creating drawings that accompany author Robert Munch’s famous stories. Create artwork based on the Norman Rockwell exhibition and illustrations by Martchenko. Included with gallery admission.


March 14 to 18
March Break Camp, ages 5 to 12
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
With a full-day, week-long March Break Program at the McMichael, students will enjoy drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking in a nurturing environment led by instructors who are experienced artists and educators. Student groups will not exceed fifteen students per instructor. Activities will be structured to suit age groups. Pre-registration is mandatory.
Cost: $250 general public; $225 McMichael members. Extended care to 5:00 p.m., $20 extra per child, available to camp registrants only. Participants must register by March 9.

March Break Drop-in Camp, ages 6 to 10
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For those who cannot commit to the full week of March Break camp. Students will enjoy drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking and activities will be completed in one day so that all students will return home with a finished piece. Pre-registration is mandatory.
Monday, March 14: Pop Art Printmaking
Tuesday, March 15: McLean Animals
Wednesday, March 16: Sculpture Studio
Thursday, March 17: Media Madness
Friday, March 18: Rockwell Draw it! Paint it!
Cost: $60 general public; $50 McMichael members per full day (no half-day options). Extended care to 5:00 p.m., $5 extra per child, available to camp registrants only. Participants must register by March 9.

March 15, 16, and 17
March Break Bonus Family Days
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Make art and watch live performances at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. On March 15, celebrate the life and joy of making music with Cosima Grunsky and create Andy Warhol inspired art. On March 16, watch popular musical group, Splash’N Boots, and create Rockwell-inspired artwork. On March 17, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish music and crafts. Included with gallery admission.

March 19
GEORGE McLEAN CELEBRATION WEEKEND
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Artist George McLean presents a talk, The Art of Seeing, hosted by Virginia Eichhorn, curator of George McLean: The Living Landscape
McLean found in drawing a perfect way to express his passion for nature and in particular his love of animals. He has spent unaccounted hours observing, sketching and learning about wildlife before he moved to Grey County, where his daily exploration of the countryside and local fauna continues. In his talk, the artist will discuss the place of his art in his life and why he chooses this subject matter over others. This talk is followed by a tour of The Living Landscape exhibition with curator Virginia Eichhorn.
Cost: $35 general public; $20 McMichael members. Series of three: $90 general public; $50 McMichael members. Includes 15% restaurant discount on day of event. Participants must register by March 10.

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Meet the artist and have your book signed. (Copies of George McLean: The Living Landscape are available in the McMichael Gallery Shop). Included with gallery admission.

3:00 p.m.
Tour George McLean: The Living Landscape with Anna Stanisz, Assistant Curator, Education. Included with gallery admission.

March 20
Discovery Days
End March Break with a bang! Touch artwork and objects from the McMichael’s collection, play in the discovery space, and take a family tour of the collection. Included with gallery admission.
====================================================
General Admission Prices:
Adult (18-64) $15.00; Senior (65+) $12.00; Student (with valid i.d.) $12.00; Child (5 and under) Free; Family (1 or 2 adults and 3 children under 18) $30.00

McMichael Canadian Art Collection
10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg
905.893.1121
www.mcmichael.com

Hours of Operation:
Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

ABOUT THE McMICHAEL CANADIAN ART COLLECTION

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,500 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg. There is a $5 fee for parking. For more information about the gallery, visit www.mcmichael.com .

Stephen Weir
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
stephenweir@mcmichael.com or sweir5492@rogers.com
Toronto Office:
2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.
CANADA. M4P 3E3
Tel: 416-489-5868 | Gallery office: 905-893-1121
www.mcmichael.com

Events and Shows at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection this winter

.

Family Events and Show Listings at the McMichael in early 2011

February 13 Family Sunday Valentine’s Day
Celebrate the season of love and friendship by creating seasonal crafts,
engaging in a family performance by Washboard Hank and playing in the
discovery space.

February 21 Family Day
Family comes first at the McMichael. Drop in on February 21 to celebrate
Family Day and the opening of our new exhibitions. Take a family tour or
join a family silk screen workshop at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Participation for workshop will be on a fist come first serve basis, please
pick up tickets at the front desk.

March 13 Family Sunday
Illustration from Norman Rockwell to Michael Martchenko
Get a jump on March Break! Celebrate illustrations by Norman Rockwell and
meet one of Canada’s leading illustrators, Michael Martchenko, best known
for creating drawings that accompany author Robert Munch’s famous stories.
Create artwork based on the Norman Rockwell exhibition and illustrations by
Martchenko, and play in the discovery space.

March 15, 16, and 17 March Break Bonus Family Days
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Make art, play in the discovery space and watch live performances at 12:30
p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
On March 15, celebrate the life and joy of making music with Cosima Grunsky
and create Andy Warhol inspired art. On March 16, splash into some fun with
popular musical group, Splash’N Boots, and create artwork inspired by our
special exhibition, In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America. On March 17,
celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish music and crafts.

March 20 Discovery Days
End March Break with a bang! Touch artwork and objects from the McMichael’s collection, play in the discovery space, and take a family tour of the collection.

COMING 2011 EXHIBITIONS
Maria Chapdelaine
December 18, 2010 to February 27, 2011
Experience the world of Clarence Gagnon’s Maria Chapdelaine. Fifty-four of Gagnon’s original works will be exhibited in a chapterby- chapter sequence conforming to the narrative presented in the book written by Louis Hémon in the winter of 1912-13, depicting life in rural Quebec.

Marilyn Monroe - Two Shows
February 19 to May 15, 2011
In February 2011, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection will bring its visitors an unexpected and thought-provoking array of exhibitions, featuring contemporary art and pop culture with two exhibitions of works based on the woman who personified Hollywood glamour in the twentieth century: Marilyn Monroe. Life as a Legend: Marilyn Monroe (curated by Artoma, Hamburg, Germany and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC) and Marilyn in Canada (curated by McMichael Assistant Curator, Chris Finn, and organized by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection) will both be on display February 19 to May 15, 2011 at the Kleinburg gallery. A weekend of programs to celebrate the opening of the shows will take place Family Day long weekend, February 19 to 21,201.

George McLean: The Living Landscape
January 29 to May 22, 2011
George McLean has painted the landscape and animals around his home in Grey County, Ontario for over thirty years. Surveying the artist’s painting career, the exhibition draws in major works from private and public collections across North America and focuses on McLean’s prowess as an accomplished draughtsman and painter of the landscape. Although all of his paintings include an animal or bird, the artist takes great care to faithfully depict the dramatic light, colour and atmosphere of these wooded escarpment sites, not far from the shores of Georgian Bay.

George McLean: The Living Landscape has been organized and circulated by the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, Owen Sound. The exhibition George McLean: The Living Landscape is accompanied by a major publication consisting of almost 100 colour reproductions and curatorial texts that give McLean’s work its due attention and context in terms of contemporary Canadian painting. The book deepens the discourse around McLean’s practice, setting him apart from his wildlife art contemporaries as a painter of note. The book, by Andrew Duncan Harris and Virginia Eichhorn, is also entitled George McLean: The Living Landscape and is currently available in the McMichael Gallery Shop.

In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America
March 12 to April 25, 2011

Photojournalist Kevin Rivoli knows that the America painted by Norman Rockwell did, and still does, exist. He has spent the last twenty years documenting it. In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America juxtaposes Rockwell’s work with Rivoli’s photographs of spontaneously occurring moments of everyday life. These photographs are true to Rockwell’s form—storytelling in a single, spontaneous frame that captures and celebrates the ordinary. In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America was organized by Kevin and Michele Rivoli in collaboration with International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.

ABOUT THE McMICHAEL CANADIAN ART COLLECTION

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,500 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $30 for families. There is a $5 fee for parking. For more information about the gallery, visit www.mcmichael.com .

Stephen Weir
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
stephenweir@mcmichael.com or sweir5492@rogers.com
Toronto Office:
2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.
CANADA. M4P 3E3
Tel: 416-489-5868 | Gallery office: 905-893-1121
www.mcmichael.com