Museum remembers James Houston, friend and memorable collaborator
Gatineau, Quebec, April 22, 2005 – It was with great sadness that staff at the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC) heard about the passing of James Houston early this week.
James Houston forms a memorable part of the corporate history of the Canadian Museum of Civilization. He personally chose the first hundred sculptures in the CMC collection of contemporary Inuit art, which were premiered at the National Gallery in 1955 and then toured Western and Eastern Europe for three years.
That tour marked the beginning of the international acclaim Inuit art is enjoying today, and there is no doubt that James Houston played a large role in this development. He started the first Inuit printmaking program in Cape Dorset on Baffin Island, served on the Canadian Eskimo Arts Council for many years and published numerous books and articles on the subject.
Houston last worked closely with museum staff in 1999 as a consultant for the exhibition Iqqaipaa: Celebrating Inuit Art 1948-1970. He is remembered as unfailingly gracious and infectious in his enthusiasm for Inuit art and culture and the Inuit people. The Museum extends its condolences to his family.
Media Information:
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7167
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7169
Fax: (819) 776-7187
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