This is OMAH’s 20th year hosting this juried exhibition that honours the legacy of Group of Seven member, Franklin Carmichael, who was born in Orillia in 1890.  This year, Jurors Martha Reeve; Art Advisor and Deborah Farquharson; Interdisciplinary Artist, had the very tough task of sifting through submissions by almost 400 incredibly talented artists of all mediums from across Canada.   After weeks of careful consideration the jury has selected 53 pieces from 52 artists.  Tradition Transformed marks the ever-changing landscape in the artist’s mind, fulfilling the Group of Seven’s aim to create a uniquely Canadian identity.  Introducing the artists of the 2021/2022 Carmichael Canadian Landscape Exhibition: Tradition Transformed.

This exhibition runs from November 5, 2021 to January 22, 2022.  The opening reception is Saturday November 6 from 1-3 pm.  Remarks and awards recognition to take place at 1:30. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, if you would like to attend the opening reception, please RSVP to Monica at visitors@orilliamuseum.org.  

The Paul Quarrington Multidisciplinary Arts Award: $250

The award has been graciously funded by the Quarrington Arts Society in recognition of the contributions Paul Quarrington made to Canada’s artistic community. Paul was a novelist, playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker, musician and educator. 

The Kevin J. Batchelor Emerging Artist Award: $1000

This award has been graciously funded by the Batchelor family upon the passing of arts advocate, Kevin J. Batchelor, in 2015.  Batchelor was a local music teacher and artist. The Kevin J. Batchelor Emerging Artist Award was given to an emerging artist working in either one of the 2-D mediums such as painting or drawing.

The Jurors’ Prize: $1500

Jurors’ Prize is awarded to the artist who best exemplifies the qualities that Franklin Carmichael found ideal, incorporating diversity in their work, using an expressionistic style, and remaining sophisticated in their depictions of the various landscapes in our geography.  The recipient of this award should be visibly embracing, challenging or addressing existing approaches to Canadian landscapes.