For the first time, Pickering College will be opening its doors to the public to showcase its art collection on Feb. 29.
In collaboration with Cowley Abbott Fine Art, the art exhibition and discussion at the school will include 10 pieces by Group of Seven member Frank Johnston, along with numerous other pieces from artists, students and staff.
The idea came together when a parent suggested the school do a wine and cheese tasting with the art being showcased during it, said Robin MacMillan, chair of the wine and art exhibit committee.
Throughout the year, the school runs different initiatives and fundraisers, and this year when the idea was brought up by the parent, it led to the Pickering College Association digging deeper into what art pieces the school actually possesses.
Upon discovering the sheer amount of historical pieces the school has — such as art from Frederick Hagan, Frank Leonard Brooks, Mary Schneider — the decision was made to focus the event on the art and offer wine and cheese alongside it.
“We really want to showcase the roots Pickering College has with these artists,” said Krystie Robinson-Vincent, chair of the Pickering College Association.
The biggest draw is Johnston’s work, said MacMillan, because he was the original member of the Group of Seven and eight of the pieces the school possesses have never been seen by those outside of the school.
“Our students get to see them, but probably with little understanding of how important they are and the history we have with these very significant artists,” said Robinson-Vincent.
The school wanted to give the community a chance to see the pieces while educating them, as well as the students, about the artists and the art, all while fundraising for Pickering College.
MacMillan said there’s a lot of excitement around the event, especially with Ron Cowley, an expert in the Canadian art world, coming to speak at the exhibition.
“We feel so lucky to have him coming out to be a part of this,” she said. “We’re also excited for the opportunity for our students to learn about the art they get to be surrounded by every day.”
To make the evening even more special for students and staff, student art will be featured at the event and while it is a school event, it’s open to all. The school is hopeful those from throughout Newmarket, Aurora, and even Toronto will attend.
“We’re a very community-minded school so we really tried to emphasize that by reaching out to groups from all around the area,” said Robinson-Vincent.
Pickering College’s Canadian Art Exhibition and Discussion is set for Thursday, Feb. 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person, students are free with a paying adult, and tickets can be purchased here.
Cowley Abbott will also be offering an afternoon valuation day event at the school ahead of the exhibition. From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. that day, Cowley Abbott will be providing valuations on artwork by appointment.
Those interested can book a 15-minute consultation at [email protected]. A valuation is $10 per artwork and $25 for three artworks with all proceeds being donated by Cowley Abbott to Pickering College.
