This exhibition examined the dialogue between two important Canadian artists, James Wilson Morrice (1865–1924) and John Lyman (1886–1967), put into context with the French master, Henri Matisse (1869– 1954).
Eyes on Quebec: Treasures from the Andrée Rhéaume Fitzhenry and Robert Fitzhenry Collection celebrated the story of two Canadian collectors and their passionate commitment to art and art education in Canada.
Vanishing Ice offered a glimpse into the rich cultural legacy of the planet's frozen frontiers. International in scope, it traced the impact of glaciers, icebergs, and fields of ice on artists' imaginations, and explored connections between generations of artists who have adopted different styles, media, and approaches to interpret the magical light and fantastic shapes of ice.
"The seven artists of the PNIAI came together in order to collectively fight for the inclusion of their work within the Canadian mainstream and the contemporary art canon.
Journey into Fantasy - in Inuktitut, Ingirrajut Isumaginnguaqtaminnut - featured the work of Inuk artist Pudlo Pudlat and celebrated the one-year mark for the collaboration with York University in Mobilizing Inuit Cultural Heritage (MICH).
Northern Narratives explored the mystique and spiritual power of Canada's North.
While Group of Seven member Frank Johnston is widely recognized as a painter, his interest in photography is lesser known. He considered himself an amateur photographer, and recognized the medium as its own distinct art form.
This House Was Made for Christmas celebrated the art of Christmas greetings with a display of Christmas cards designed by seminal Canadian artists of the twentieth century.
Since its foundational gift from Robert and Signe McMichael, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection has been committed to celebrating the stories of private collectors.
"The breath of the Four Seasons must ever be our basic inspiration." — J.E.H. MacDonald, A Landmark of Canadian Art (1917) Canada is celebrated for its four beautiful and distinct seasons, which have especially inspired our landscape painters.
In July 1979, the McMichael was honoured to host Norval Morrisseau as artist-in-residence. For three weeks, Morrisseau worked in the Tom Thomson Shack where visitors could engage with the artist and see his painting process. He worked on sixteen paintings which were commissioned by the McMichael.
J.E.H. MacDonald once noted that Lawren Harris was compelled to sing a tune when he sat nearby the natural rhythms of water to paint en plein air.During the summer of 2017 – Canada’s 150th year – the McMichael Canadian Art Collection will become a place to wander, celebrate and delight in acoustic space.
