HomeMy WebLinkAbout2169Copy of a newspaper article taken from the Pickering News Advertiser.
The legendary artist has special ties to Pickering
A historic home, distinguished guests, an excellent meal and a night dedicated to Tom
Thomson and his Celtic roots.
It was quite an evening and a special way to continue the steps toward what will be the most
impressive exhibit to date for the Durham West Arts Centre
The Thomsons of Durham: Tom Thomson's Family Heritage, is coming in April and the
recent dinner held at the former family home of the great Canadian artist was a kickoff to
fund-raising for the exhibit. You'll read much more about the exhibit in the News Advertiser's
entertainment section in weeks ahead.
A small gathering of special guests enjoyed a dinner where music created an atmosphere
and songs, poems and history came to life in the skilled hands of members of the arts
centre. It was a perfect way to bring the reality of the mysterious life of Tom Thomson into the
spotlight.
From DWAC executive director Angie Littlefield, who shared some of her extensive research
into his past, to guest of honour Charles Hill, curator of Canadian Art, National Gallery of
Canada, there was a lot to learn about Thom son.
Born in that very home in Claremont, a stone house on the 9th Concession, the famed
artist's life was discussed, analyzed and even speculated upon. An unofficial member of the
Group of Seven, having close ties to its members before his death, the evening's organizers
recreated his life to a degree with selected performances.
Harpist Kim Michele not only looked the part, dressed in a period costume, she also
performed exquisitely. Gary Faulkner, who donned a traditional kilt, filled the parlour of the
Thomson home with Celtic song. An impressive display, to say the least.
Along with all of this history, the dinner prepared by those in Pine Ridge Secondary Schools
culinary arts program was a meal where each course was as delicious as it looked.
With the hard work the board of directors and the staff at the centre are putting into making
the centre a success, its a wonder everyone in Durham Region hasn't purchased a member
ship
Again, stay tuned for more details on the Thomson show, but do yourself a favour if you
haven't already: go see the temporary centre.
It's at 72b Old Kingston Rd. in Pickering Village. You'll be amazed at what you see and what
the centre will be when it gets its permanent home.
David Stell's column appears every third Sunday, E-mail dstell@durham region.com.