Minister Liza Frulla Delighted at Holding of Exhibition of Tom Thomson Works at the Hermitage
KELOWNA, September 7, 2004 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla is delighted that within a few days an exhibition of works by Canadian painter Tom Thomson will open at one of the most prestigious museums in the world -- the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia."This is the first solo exhibit of a Canadian artist at the Hermitage, and we can take pride in it," said Minister Frulla. "I wish to warmly congratulate those who enabled this exhibit to go to Russia."
Titled simply "Tom Thomson," the exhibit is the outcome of a partnership between the Hermitage, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the National Gallery of Canada. The successful partnership between these institutions has previously enabled visitors to the Art Gallery of Ontario to admire works from the Hermitage collection.
The "Tom Thomson" exhibit will bring together at the Hermitage some 60 oil sketches and canvases by the artist. Among the best-known works to be shown are The West Wind and The Jack Pine.
"The exhibition of Tom Thomson works at the Hermitage is a unique occasion, and while I cannot be there, I am delighted to see our culture make its presence felt internationally," added Ms. Frulla. "The holding of this exhibition on Russian soil will enable an international audience to discover the talent of this great artist, who perfectly captured Canadian landscapes in his time. It is through this type of exhibition that Canada can contribute to the richness of global culture, for the greater benefit of people at home and abroad."
Minister Frulla hopes soon to meet with Russia's Minister of Culture to discuss other potential cultural exchanges between Canada and Russia.
The "Tom Thomson" exhibition opens on September 10 and will run for nine weeks. The show features many of the works displayed in a similar exhibition that toured Canada last year, with financial assistance from the Department of Canadian Heritage under its Museums Assistance Program.
Information:
Donald Boulanger
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Myriam Brochu
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
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