Written by Janet Houston, OMAH History Committee
The Founder/Visionary we recognize today is Dorothy Macdonald
Dorothy Macdonald has had a lifelong interest in both art and history. As a young girl she spent some of the earnings from her first summer job scooping ice cream at the snack bar at the now defunct Pav, on a beautifully carved elephant. She appreciated how the carver had used the flowing markings in the wood to suggest the slow wanderings of such a magnificent creature. It has been proudly on display wherever she’s lived. Later, as an adult she collected pieces of art that really spoke to her. She even got to know some of the artists personally. When she lived in Toronto, she was a member of the AGO and took advantage of their art rentals program which allowed her to display pieces by famous artists whose work she couldn’t otherwise afford.
Dorothy Macdonald
Dorothy became a current events junkie in grade five. To start each day her teacher, Mr. Graham had the students bring in articles from the newspapers. This could be on a subject of local, national, or international interest. Discussion followed. Current events were of course, history in the making. She’s a whiz at trivia from the past. Originally, she planned to major in history at university but switched to psychology. People and their actions, after all, are the ones who create history.
When Dorothy and her husband Donald retired to Orillia, they immediately started to attend the History Speakers evening’s which were held at St. Paul’s church as there wasn’t space big enough at OMAH.
She was introduced to the Sir Sam Steele Gallery by a friendly neighbour. She thought it would be wonderful if the two could be combined in the one building. When the desire to renovate the second and third floors became a project, she jumped on board to help the capital campaign achieve its goal. Thus, The Dorothy Macdonald Creative Studio came to be. Finally, the History Speakers evenings could be held at OMAH. Art and history, together in one building at last.
OMAH has become the heart of the arts community in our area. It’s a true gem appreciated by so many. We thank Dorothy for her important role in making that happen.