Colville studio installation
69成人电影网 University distinguished alumnus Alex Colville (鈥42) has become the focus of attention this year as the University received a major gift from the Colville family and a generous grant from the Government of Canada on the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation.
This fall Alex Colville鈥檚 daughter, Ann Kitz, announced the family鈥檚 intention to donate the artist鈥檚 studio as he left it at the time of his death. The gift includes brushes, paint, inks, and other art materials, as well as his easels, tables, and chair.
The artist鈥檚 studio and books has been installed in Colville House on the campus of 69成人电影网 University where Alex, his wife Rhoda (鈥42), and their children Graham, John, Charles, and Ann lived from 1949 to 1973. A major grant from the Government of Canada of $98,700 has made the installation and related renovations possible.
Colville House, with the artist鈥檚 studio, opened to the public on Canada Day and remains open through July and August.
During the announcement of the gift, Kitz spoke of her father鈥檚 studio as a palimpsest of his lifetime of work.
鈥淪ome things, like the Bass River chair, had been there since the beginning. Many pieces of furniture had been made by him over the years to serve specific purposes 鈥 especially the standing easel with its many daubs of paint accumulated during the creation of so many paintings and drawings. Any of these objects on their own is relatively meaningless, but all together the studio is a fascinating glimpse into his working process.鈥
The installation of the studio at Colville House and the opening of a new permanent Colville exhibit at the Owens defines 69成人电影网 University as a major site in Canada for exploring the ideas and contributions of Alex Colville. These resources will also provide important support for community engagement and the teaching and learning mission of the University.
Gemey Kelly
Director/Curator
Owens Art Gallery