The new partnership between the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie and Innisfil’s ideaLAB & Library has already born fruit: an important work by Norval Morrisseau, on loan from the MacLaren, hangs at the Lakeshore library.
Soul Floating in a Cosmic Sea is a brightly-coloured serigraph in Morrisseau’s distinctive style: bold colours, black outlines, and a subject matter that reflects Anishinaabe tradition, and the relationship between man and the natural world.
Susan Baues, manager of collections at the ideaLAB, explained the partnership with the MacLaren.
“In the spring, they worked on a strategic plan,” Baues said. “One of their goals was to reach out to South Simcoe.”
While most people associate the art centre with the City of Barrie, “their mandate really is county-wide,” she said.
Baues sat in on a strategic planning session, and out of that came the idea of displaying seldom-seen art from the MacLaren collection, in Innisfil.
“It was a lot of fun because I got to work with their education programmer to pick the piece,” she said.
The piece selected for June and July was Soul Floating in a Cosmic Sea – “A really fitting piece,” Baues noted, not only because Indigenous People’s Day is in June, but because of the subject matter.
In Morrisseau’s vision, the soul is depicted by a fish – tying in perfectly with nearby Lake Simcoe.
The image was not only appropriate, it was readily “accessible” to the general public because of its imagery and colours.
The Innisfil library also plans to use the work as an inspiration for programming.
Children’s programs will use the image as a focal point for activities, and the Lakeshore branch will be welcoming Will Morin, indigenous storyteller, to share Teachings of the Grandfathers at the library on July 13, from 1-2 p.m.
The ideaLAB held a reception on June 25 to unveil Soul Floating in a Cosmic Sea. Approximately 60 people attended.
“It was just an amazing dynamic, energy-filled room,” Baues said. “It was wonderful to hear people speak about the history.”
Credited as the founder of the “Woodland School,” Morrisseau – his Anishinabek name was Copper Thunderbird – was a survivor of the residential school system who transformed his life experiences into powerful art. He died in 2007.
“He was the first to bring First Nations art sensibility to the public realm,” said Baues. “We’re really honoured to bring this piece to Innisfil.”
Morrisseau’s work will be on display at the Lakeshore branch of the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library until July 31 – just the start of the ongoing partnership between the ideaLAB and the MacLaren.
“We both agree this is partnership that should continue,” said Baues. “This is just the beginning. Stay tuned – more to come!”
The library has a commitment to showcasing artwork – both local and of national importance – at four venues within Innisfil: the Stroud, Cookstown and Lakeshore Libraries, and the Innisfil Town Hall. The goal is to change the displays every couple of months, providing an opportunity for residents to view a range of styles and media.
In addition to the Morrisseau at the Lakeshore branch, works by Wasaga Beach artist Sue A. Miller are currently on display at the Cookstown branch – abstract landscapes that capture the transition between shoreline and water.
For those unable to attend a venue, the library has also set up an “art around the town” website where the works can be viewed.
“We’re very excited to showcase the talent,” said Baues. “The world needs artists as much as it needs engineers. Sometimes that gets a little lopsided.”
The Morrisseau exhibit is part of the library’s effort to create a balance.
