Donations to the Government of Ontario Art Collection

Robert Amirault, O.S.A.

A self-taught artist originally from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Bob Amirault is fascinated by the effects of light on his chosen subjects, and enjoys the challenge of painting en plein air. The Red Cabin began as a small oil study of a quiet cottage down a country road in the Haliburton area of Ontario. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Amoss Estate

Donated by the Amoss Estate to The Sir James Whitney School, Belleville in 1948.

Debra Archibald, O.S.A.

Debra Archibald is a talented artist and successful entrepreneur.  Bloor Viaduct with Lamp Light is a study for a series of works on the Bloor Viaduct, a well-known Toronto landmark; and demonstrates the artist`s interest in the enduring quality of architectural structures on the urban landscape through the passage of time. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Armenian Community Centre, Toronto

Gift to the Hon. Thomas Wells, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, c. 1980.

Armen-Ontario Armenian General Benevolent Union Inc.

Presented to the Hon. David Peterson, Premier of Ontario, by the Armen-Ontario Armenian General Benevolent Union Inc., on the occasion of the Proclamation of Armenian Memorial Day, April 24, 1986.

Atkinson Estate

Donated by the Atkinson estate to the Sir James Whitney School, Belleville in 1948.

Taft Aziz

Eight artworks by Philip Aziz, a well known Canadian master artist, were generously donated by Taft Aziz through the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1987.

George P. Baird

In 2016, George Baird generously donated six photographs gifted to him from the artist, Ralph Greenhill, during Baird’s professional life as an architect and writer in Toronto. In 1975, Baird wrote about Greenhill’s photographs in the May-June issue of City Magazine—an urban affairs journal that published from 1974 until 1980. Baird’s article discussed Greenhill’s photographic practice in a positive way, which prompted Greenhill to offer prints of images that had appeared in the two publications that were the focus of Baird’s article: Rural Ontario and Ontario Towns. Related Ralph Greenhill photography records (Series F 4679-4) can be found in the Archives of Ontario’s archival holdings.

Archibald George Barnes

Artist Archibald George Barnes (1887-1972) generously donated one of his paintings, Ontario Sportsman, through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Janet Basmadjian

A resident of Toronto and a graduate of the Ontario College of Art, Janet Basmadjian works mainly in watercolours, graphite and pastels. The Pigeon Project is one work from a series dealing with issues of urban life and alienation.

Anthony Batten

Tony Batten’s work is often based on architectural forms with emphasis on the strong interplay of light and shade.  Renowned for his accomplished use of the watercolour medium, he has captured the morning rush hour outside Odd Fellows Hall, an often overlooked Toronto landmark at Yonge and College streets.

Evelyn Bayefsky

Evelyn Bayefsky donated six of her late husband Aba Bayefsky`s (1923-2001) works in 2004.  Five of these paintings reflect the artist`s life-long fascination with Toronto's Kensington Market. The sixth relates to his interest in Indigenous legends and compliments his large scale mural which was installed, in 1968, in the Ontario Government's office complex, the Macdonald Block at Bay and Wellesley Streets.

Leon Belsky, O.S.A.

Leon Belsky is well known for his traditional still lifes, but his style has become much more contemporary since his move from Russia to Canada.  Belsky started his “City Portraits” series in the mid 1990s with a goal to find new and contemporary approaches to depicting the city of Toronto. He donated a work in both 2005 and 2007 as part of a larger donation made by OSA members.

Mr. & Mrs. Stewart G. Bennett

Mr. & Mrs. Stewart G. Bennett generously donated an antique French clock in 1983 through the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Cicely Mary Blackstock

Miss Cicely M. Blackstock generously donated Oinatchouan Falls by Lucius O’Brien, who is well known for his Ontario and Quebec landcapes, through the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1985.

Lillian Michiko Blakey, O.S.A.

Lillian Michiko Blakey’s passion for art began when she was a teenager.  Morning Prayer is a comment on how the modern world has seemingly replaced spiritual rituals with mundane ones, and compares the morning commute with the morning prayer.  On O.S.A. Lake is a tribute to the members of the OSA who sought to preserve Ontario forest lands and created Killarney Provincial Park in 1964. The artist gifted these works in 2005 and 2007 as part of larger donations made by O.S.A. members.

Chief Darryl Boissoneau

Donated to Roberta Bondar Place, Sault Ste. Marie in 1992.

Mrs. Auguste A. Bolt

Mrs. Auguste A. Bolte generously donated this portrait of Sir Adam Beck in 1993 through the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Wendy Boyd, O.S.A.

Wendy Boyd’s focus is drawing, almost exclusively in pastels. Winter Meditation was completed during a weekly life drawing class at Toronto's Arts and Letters Club. Arriving dressed for the weather, the model presented such an interesting subject that the class drew him fully clothed! This work was one of eighteen donated by O.S.A. members in 2005.

Carmel Brennan, O.S.A.

Sunderland, Ontario based artist, Carmel Brennan, has been taking photographs for almost 40 years. She donated two of her photographs in 2007 as part of a larger donation made by members of the Ontario Society of Artists.

James W. Brennan

Mr. James W. Brennan generously donated two paintings by Ontario artist and teacher, George Agnew Reid, through the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1987.

Mrs. George Brown

This portrait of the Hon. George Brown was donated to the Ontario government by his widow in 1889. Painted by John Colin Forbes (1846-1925), Brown was leader of the Coalitian Government 1864-67, one of the Fathers of Confederation in 1867, and founder of the Toronto Globe in 1844.

Marilyn Burnett

John Yudelman is best known for the large conceptual works about the corporate world he completed in the 1980s. Marilyn Burnett generously donated Yudelman’s painting Inside His Office in 2008.

Gil Caldwell, O.S.A.

Gil Caldwell’s paintings represent a compilation of things he sees in everyday life.  Winter Fun is a continuation of his interest in depicting the Ontario landscape, specifically his fascination with the old houses of Toronto. This work was one of eighteen donated by OSA members in 2005.

Mr. E. Lee Cameron

Mr. E. Lee Cameron generously donated a portrait of his great-grandfather William Henry Lee, painted by John Colin Forbes.  William Lee was the first Clerk of the Privy Council in 1867.

D. Campbell

Avid collector David Campbell generously donated six pieces of furniture and a pair of silver candelabras, made c. 1900 by the Gorham Co. for Birks & Co., through the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1989 and 1990.

Canadian Pacific Railway

This Cyrus C. Cuneo painting of a Scottish settler ploughing his field was presented to Dr. Alexander Fraser, the first Archivist of Ontario, by Mr. Edward Beatty, the fourth president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, in the late 1920s. The presentation took place at Banff, Alberta during the annual Highland Gathering sponsored by the railway from 1927-1930.

John B. Carrel

John B. Carrel, Q.C. generously donated three paintings by Norval Morrisseau in 1985 through the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Marjorie L. Child

Artist Marjorie L. Child generously donated her oil painting titled Companions, an image of a man playing his guitar along the water’s edge, through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Rita Choy-Ng, O.S.A.

Rita Choy-Ng’s painting is of the Don River which the artist can see very clearly from her home.  She strives to portray natural strength and simplicity in this piece through the use of a limited colour scheme of basic black and white. This work was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Susan Clark, O.S.A.

Although Susan Clark paints in a realistic style, there is a surreal quality to her work as portrayed in Snowscene, an unexpectedly deserted view of suburban Toronto. This work was one of eighteen donated by OSA members in 2005.

Michael and Menka Close

The twelve works in this donation, made in 2004, reveal artist Michael Close’s interest in design and pattern.  Based on a decorative approach to the subject of the face, calligraphic lines of bright colour and blocks of paint have been used to create a bold and individualistic series of paintings.

Peter W. F. Cochrane

This mezzotint of the House of Lords in 1863 was donated through the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1983 by Peter W. F. Cochrane. His ancestor, Lord Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald, takes a prominent position in the left foreground of the print.

Ruth E. Cond (and Judy Taylor)

Jonas Jones (1791-1848) was a lawyer, politician and judge in Upper Canada.  His portrait, painted by Frederick W. Lock in 1858, had been passed down through many generations and was generously donated by his descendants in 2006. 

Nancy Converse, O.S.A.

Nancy Converse is a colourist painter, inspired by the beauty of nature in all its forms.  In Our Cathedral, Converse has captured the Scarborough Bluffs from an unusual top-down vantage point above Lake Ontario. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Mary Conway

Mary Conway generously donated a portrait of Mary Alice Flesher Sproule by John Colin Forbes in 1985 through the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Mrs. John Counsel

Mrs. John Counsel generously donated a Chinese porcelain bowl hrough the Ontario Heritage Foundation, in 1984, for the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen's Park.

Krystyna Cseh-Woodland, O.S.A.

Polish born teacher and artist Krystyna Cseh-Woodland emigrated to Canada in 1993. In Toronto she studied drawing, painting and sculpture at Central Technical School and then attended the Ontario College of Art and Design, graduating in 2006 with a B.A. in fine art. She donated this painting in 2007 as one of a gift of thirty-nine works made by members of the Ontario Society of Artists.

Kathryn Daly

Kathryn Daly donated this painting to Sir James Whitney School, Belleville, in 1978.

Professor and Mrs. Robertson Davies

Professor Robertson Davies and his wife Brenda generously donated four antique furnishings in 1982, including a c. 1700 Louis XIV period French Canadian chair, and a laquered chinoiserie cabinet.

Hon. William G. Davis

In 2017, the Hon. William Grenville Davis generously donated eight artworks that had been gifted to him in his private life and during his political career as a member of the Ontario Legislature, Minister of Education and Premier of Ontario. Related records can be found in the William G. Davis fonds (F 4420).

Laura Van Vechten Davis

Artist Laura Van Vechten Davis generously donated a portrait titled Elizabeth through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Nancy De Boni, O.S.A.

Nancy De Boni is interested in the decomposition processes of man-made objects, especially capturing changes in colour.  Ancient Elements is based on a neglected property located across the street from De Boni’s residence, and records the progression of the front porch as it has decayed and collapsed. This work was one of eighteen donated by OSA members in 2005.

Lois Dierlam, O.S.A.

Lois Dierlam, a Toronto born artist, feels that her paintings are “visual impressions of the excitement that [she] feel[s] for the subject.”  Her focus and purpose in her art is to share her joy in observing the moment, and put her viewers in touch with these joyful emotions. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Malvern Dollack

Artist Malvern Dollack generously donated a painting through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963. The work depicts a bridge in Toronto’s Dentonia Park, once a summer home of the Massey family, and near the now busy intersection of Danforth and Main streets.

Langley Thomas Donges

Artist Langley Thomas Donges (1901-1992) generously donated his painting through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963. Early Snow, Erindale, depicts a milling community, established in the 1820s, which is now part of the city of Mississauga.

Patricia Dumas-Hudecki, O.S.A.

Hamilton, Ontario born Patricia Dumas-Hudecki graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1972. While raising her family of four, she juggled a freelance career in graphic design and illustration while pursuing her own artistic practice.

Iron Tapestry was donated in 2007 as part of a larger donation of 39 works made by members of the Ontario Society of Artists. It reflects her interest in taking somewhat mundane, everyday objects and turning them into striking and individualistic works of art.

Eitan Dvir

Eitan Dvir, a talented artist in Israel and Canada, generously donated his portrait of former Ontario Premier William G. Davis in 1984.

Douglas Ferguson Elliot

Artist Douglas F. Elliott generously donated his painting of Bronte, a small fishing village between Oakville and Burlington, through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Jean Eng, O.S.A.

Jean Eng’s X's and O's is from her series "Grey Scales" which consists of acrylic paintings done primarily in varying shades of grey, interrupted by key areas of isolated colour.  The piece is loosely based on evolution with transformations, mutations and processes that explore and ultimately mirror our link to nature. This work was one of eighteen donated by OSA members in 2005.

Essex County Law Association

The Essex County Law Association generously donated a bronze bust of Judge Bruce J.S. Macdonald, the last judge to hear court cases in Windsor’s Mackenzie Hall, a historic building now used for business functions and arts presentations.

Pat Fairhead, O.S.A.

Born in Yorkshire, England, artist and teacher Pat Fairhead imigrated to Canada with her family when she was 10 years old. She has studied art at the Ontario College of Art and been a member of the Ontario Society of Artists since 1986.

This painting reflects her love of the outdoors and in particular the scenery in the Muskoka region north of Toronto. It was one of thirty-nine works donated by members of the O.S.A. in 2007.

Feorge Sarras Fanais

Artist George Sarras Fanais generously donated a portrait titled Ontario Hunter through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Frances Ferdinands

Like much of her work, Frances Ferdinands’ Economic Rationality is part of a series, and reflects the changes taking place in the artist’s downtown Toronto residential neighbourhood.

Judy Finch, O.S.A.

Also known for her portraits, Judy Finch has studied and painted using a variety of media and techniques.  Early Morning at Knothole was painted on an annual trip to fellow artist Doris McCarthy’s cottage on Georgian Bay. This painting was one of eighteen donated by OSA members in 2005.

A. G. Fleming

Artist A.G. Fleming generously donated his painting Toronto from the Island through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Jean Mary Edgell Forbes

Artist Jean Mary Edgell Forbes, wife of artist Kenneth Forbes and mother of artist June Forbes McCormack, generously donated a watercolour painting of Willowdale in Toronto through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Kenneth Keith Forbes

Portrait artist Kenneth K. Forbes (1892-1980) completed many important commissions throughout his career including those for several lieutenant governors and premiers of Ontario. He generously donated this portrait through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963. 

Cleworth W. Foster

Mr. Cleworth W. Foster, an avid art collector, generously donated a pastel portrait of Ellen Louks Fairclough, the first female member of the Canadian Cabinet, drawn by artist Nickola de Grandmaison.

Family of Audrey Garwood

Artist Audrey Garwood (1927-2004) was an accomplished painter and printmaker with a calligraphic style and bold use of colour.  Her family members generously donated seven of her paintings in 2006. 

Valerie Jane Geard, O.S.A.

Valerie Jane Geard captures the past and present in Disappearing Landscape.  As a printmaker and collage artist, Geard reflects a sensitivity towards the paper used in her work, and is inspired by her fondness for nature and its range of pattern variations caused by light. This lithograph was one of thirty-nine works donated by O.S.A. members in 2007.

Kristy Gordon, O.S.A.

Although originally trained in animation, Kristy Gordon decided to become a full-time professional painter in 2003. Utilizing her love of nature and the outdoors, she created paintings that are distinctive in their colouration and keenly observered detail.

Harmony depicts the greenbelt area around Ottawa and was painted on the Stoney Swamp Path in Nepean. It was one of thirty-nine works donated by members of the Ontario Society of Artists in 2007.

Norma Green

Artist Norma Green generously donated her landscape painting of the Haliburton area of Ontario through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Philip Green

Artist Philip Green generously donated his landscape painting of the Haliburton area of Ontario through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Mrs. Roy Greenaway

Roy Greenaway (1891-1972), former Toronto reporter and member of the press gallery at Queen's Park also painted many landscapes throughout Canada, the United States and Europe, and was a founding member of the Ontario Institute of Painters in the 1950s.  His wife generously donated seventeen of his paintings in 1975.

Roy Greenaway

Roy Greenaway (1891-1972), former Toronto reporter and member of the press gallery at Queen's Park also painted many landscapes throughout Canada, the United States and Europe, and was a founding member of the Ontario Institute of Painters in the 1950s. He generously donated three of his own paintings in 1963.

Christopher Griffin, O.S.A.

Christopher Griffin is known for his large scale paintings which are inspired by prehistoric and children’s art.  His style allows for accidental and spontaneous effects, illustrating a different view of famous Ontario landmarks such as the Rideau Canal. This painting was one of thirty-nine works donated by O.S.A. members in 2007.

Frederick Stanley Haines

Artist Frederick Stanley Haines (1879-1960), was a former curator of The Art Gallery of Toronto. This painting was generously donated by the artist through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Hamilton Teachers College

Artist Frederick Stanley Haines (1879-1960), was a former curator of The Art Gallery of Toronto. This painting was generously donated by the artist through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Mary Jane Hanna

Mary Jane Hanna generously donated this untitled floral still life, by K.M. Hart, through her estate in 1945.

Sister Anitra Hansen

Thor Hansen (1903-1974) was best known for textile design, but his work also included ceramics, wood and linoleum carvings, and paintings.  His daughter, Sister Anitra Hansen, generously donated seven of her father’s works in 2006, including five ceramic tiles painted with aboriginal animal motifs.

Janet Hendershot, O.S.A.

Janet Hendershot uses a highly charged palette to express the “super-sense” experiences she feels towards her subjects.  Her focus is mainly painting, specifically abstract and uniquely styled landscapes. She donated a work in both 2005 and 2007 as part of a larger donation made by OSA members.

Mrs. Mary Jackman

Thor Hansen (1903-1974) was best known for textile design, but his work also included ceramics, wood and linoleum carvings, and paintings.  His daughter, Sister Anitra Hansen, generously donated seven of her father’s works in 2006, including five ceramic tiles painted with aboriginal animal motifs.

Government of Jiangsu

The Government of Jiangsu Province, China, generously donated a beautiful vase and embroidery to the Government of Ontario when the Jiangsu Friendship Accord was signed in 1985.

Kathleen Beatrice Johnson

Artist Kathleen B. Johnson generously donated a landscape through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

John Joy

John Joy, a prominent outdoor painter in Toronto, generously donated his landscape Northland through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Klamer/Cleanol

H. Klamer commissioned this painting for Cleanol's corporate headquarters before donating it to the Ontario Heritage Foundation in memory of S. Fainstein.

Anne-Marie Kornachuk, O.S.A.

Anne-Marie Kornachuk is known for capturing moving figures, creating a particular tension between movement and stillness. Prior to this donation, Witness was exhibited at the Lieutenant Governor's Apartments at Queen's Park as part of an exhibition by OSA members. This painting was one of eighteen donated by OSA members in 2005.

G. Blair Laing

An art dealer and prominent collector, Blair Laing generously donated an untitled work by Henri Perre through the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1986.

Shirray Langley, O.S.A.

Shirray Langley strives to represent the human figure as we see it at a given moment, through ordered forms and spatial relationships. Made from acrylic and resin, this work captures human activity during rush hour at a busy intersection in Toronto. This painting was one of eighteen donated by OSA members in 2005.

Peter G. S. Large, O.S.A.

For the artist Peter Large, Amherst Island in Ontario is a place that connects the various cultures of the 18th and 19th centuries, including those of First Nations and Irish settlers. There is still much of the original architecture on the island (such as that portrayed in Old Barn - New Siding) and old farm equipment. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Marion Long

Marion Long (1882-1970), a portraitist and the second woman to be named to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1933, generously donated her portrait of Major-General Charles F. Constantine in 1963 through the Ontario Institute of Painters.

May Anne Ludlam, O.S.A.

Winters Valley is a work by watercolourist Mary Anne Ludlam that shows her particular technique of using transparent watercolours. She explains that she “portrays the world not as it is, but as it might be," reacting to things like structure, balance, light, and shapes in her environment. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Marry Lukeman

Artist Edward (Ted) Lukeman (1924-1987) was known for his many landscapes reflecting his impressions of the changing seasons in rural southern Ontario. Two of the many works produced by Lukeman were donated in 2004 by his widow, Marry Lukeman.

Eva Kolacz, O.S.A.

Eva Kolacz published her first collection of poems in 1970, but painting was her true calling. Late Summer in Muskoka is a “poetic interpretation of landscape” that, according to Kolacz, should give rise to emotions and personal reflections through color, shapes, light and shadow. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Diana Harding Tucker, O.S.A.

Diana Harding Tucker uses coloured pencils, watercolours, oils or chalk pastels on her black and white photography. Father and Son depicts two Mennonite farmers in typical dress, working on their land. This work was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Henry N. R. Jackman Foundation

Henry (Hal) N. R. Jackman was the 25th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1991 to 1997, and his foundation has been supporting the arts of Toronto since 1990.  In 1995 the Hal Jackman Foundation generously donated two antique arm chairs through the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

George William Henry

George William Henry, son of former Premier of Ontario George Stewart Henry, generously donated a portrait of his father by Archibald G. Barnes through the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1985.

Mr. & Mrs. T. Patrick Henry

Mr. and Mrs. T. Patrick Henry generously donated two portraits of former Premier of Ontario George Stewart Henry and his wife Anna Pickett Henry, through the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1985.

Historical Branch of Dept of Public Records and  Archives

This portrait was commissioned by the Historical Branch of the Department of Public Records and  Archives in 1971 and donated to the collection in 1989. Verschoyle Blake (1899-1971) for many years worked in the Conservation Branch of the former Department of Planning and Development, where he did historical research and wrote most of the department's conservation reports. He was also a founding member of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, and was on advisory committees for both Upper Canada Village and Black Creek Pioneer Village.

Mr. G. W. P. Hodgins

This portrait was commissioned by the Historical Branch of the Department of Public Records and  Archives in 1971 and donated to the collection in 1989. Verschoyle Blake (1899-1971) for many years worked in the Conservation Branch of the former Department of Planning and Development, where he did historical research and wrote most of the department's conservation reports. He was also a founding member of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, and was on advisory committees for both Upper Canada Village and Black Creek Pioneer Village.

Elizabeth Bradford Holbrook

Elizabeth Holbrook (1913-2009) was a talented portrait sculptor.  In 1982 she generously donated a bust of Ellen Fairclough through the Ontario Heritage Foundation. Ellen Fairclough was Canada's first female Cabinet minister.

Hospital For Sick Children, Board of Trustees

On the occasion of Ontario’s Bicentennial, the Board of Trustees and Staff of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, presented the province with this sculpture by Lea Vivot, a replica of her larger version which is installed outside the hospital.

House of Seagram

Gift of the House of Seagram for Ontario House, London, England, c.1977.

Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire

The IODE (Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire) is a women’s charitable organization which focuses on community affairs in over 400 branches across the country.  The John G. Howard chapter in Toronto generously donated this large oil on canvas by Arthur M. Hazard in 1921.

Samwillie Iqaluq.

Donated by the artist to Ontario's Minister of Labour in 1991.

Evan Weekes MacDonald

Guelph artist Evan Weekes MacDonald (1905-1972) generously donated his painting of the Frood-Stobie nickel mine in Sudbury, Ontario through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Manly Edward MacDonald

In 1963 Manly E. MacDonald (1889-1971), landscape and portrait artist of the early-mid 20th century, generously donated an oil landscape through the Ontario Institute of Painters, of which he was also a founding member.

James MacDougall, O.S.A.

Autumn, Caledon, Ontario was painted on site by the artist in order to capture his immediate experience of nature. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Agnes MacGillivray

Agnes MacGillivray generously donated two watercolour landscapes by artists S.R.G. Penson and Thomas Harrison Wilkinson in 1977 through the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Allan Harding Mackay

Alan Harding Mackay is best known for his expeditions as a war artist to Somalia and Afghanistan, as well as his commissioned Veterans’ Memorial at Queen’s Park in Toronto.  He generously donated a mixed media artwork depicting a rainy Highway 401 in 2007.

Sharon MacKinnon, O.S.A.

In The Bay Rocks, Sharon MacKinnon has captured the essence of granite in the Mink and McCoy island area of Georgian Bay.  Through her encaustic medium, she has tried to reproduce the image of the striation lines in the rock, exposed by glacier erosion. This painting was one of thirty-nine works donated by O.S.A. members in 2007. 

Thomas Mathews

Brampton artist Thomas Mathews generously donated one of his landscape paintings of a maple tree through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Friends of Mathison

Donated to the Sir James Whitney School, Belleville, in 1924.

Edward McCormack

Artist Edward McCormack donated this landscape of the Credit River in southern Ontario through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Frances Theodora McHenry

Frances Theodora McHenry was a former principal of the Ontario College of Art.  Upon her death in 1984, she left this George Agnew Reid painting to the Ontario Heritage Foundation, from which it was then donated to the Government of Ontario Art Collection.

John Wilson (Jack) McLaren

In 1981, artist John (Jack) Wilson McLaren (1896-1988) generously donated his painting Haliburton, Ontario which depicts a country road in autumn.

Donald Ivan McLeod

Artist Donald Ivan McLeod (1886-1967) generously donated one of his paintings, a beautiful wooded landscape, through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

John P. Muhar

John P. Muhar donated New World, by Anong Migwans Beam, to the Archives of Ontario in 2018. Beam is a young emerging artist, curator and educator living and working in M’chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island. Her artwork deals primarily with water and its relation to the functions of memory and time. Her large-format oil paintings incorporate a multitude of images, including photo transfer, printmaking and collage. Like many of Beam’s artworks, New World pays homage to the artist’s father, renowned Ontario Indigenous artist Carl Beam, but it is unique in that it departs from his approach and Beam considers it her “first mature work in her own style.”

J. R. McMurrich

J.R. McMurrich generously donated this portrait by John Colin Forbes of his great-grandfather John McMurrich (1804-1883), the first MPP of York North, through the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1977.

John S. Millar

John S. Millar, Q.C. generously donated a bronze bust of Lincoln M. Alexander, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1985 to 1991, through the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1991.

Michael Mills, O.S.A.

Michael Mills’ work explores issues relating primarily to the human body.  Prior to its donation to the collection, Containing Water was on display in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park as part of an exhibition by OSA members. This painting was one of eighteen donated by OSA members in 2005.

E. Mirvish

In 1984, Mr. Ed Mirvish, well known for his involvement in Toronto theatre, generously donated a Royal Coat of Arms for display in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite.

Emilie Mond of Mond International Nickel Co.

In 1984, Mr. Ed Mirvish, well known for his involvement in Toronto theatre, generously donated a Royal Coat of Arms for display in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite.

J. H. Moore

In 1985 J. H. Moore generously donated a French Canadian armchair through the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Edmund Montague Morris

Two paintings were generously bequethed by Artist Edmund Montague Morris (1871-1913) upon his death. Morris was known for his pastel portraits of native leaders, but he was also a skilled landscape painter.

Stanley Gordon Moyer

Artist Stanley Gordon Moyer (1887-1968) generously donated his portrait of Jack Miner through the Ontario Institute of painters in 1963. Miner was an avid conservationist and in 1904 created the world famous bird sanctuary for migrating geese and ducks at Kingsville, Ontario.

Edward Nagy, O.S.A.

Edward A. Nagy captures one of Central Ontario’s unexpected landscapes and hidden sanctuaries in Shores of Southampton.  The area of Chantry Island and the former pier of Southampton is a picturesque, almost tropical setting where wind and water currents are slowed and sand dunes appear. This painting was one of thirty-nine works donated by O.S.A. members in 2007. 

Jean D. Newman-Urquhart

Artist Jean D. Newman-Urquhart generously donated her landscape painting of the Actinolite area in Eastern Ontario through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Jean D. Newman-Urquhart

Artist Jean D. Newman-Urquhart generously donated her landscape painting of the Actinolite area in Eastern Ontario through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Muriel Elizabeth Newton-White

Artist Muriel Elizabeth Newton-White is an accomplished landscape painter from Northern Ontario.  She generously donated an oil painting of Lake Timiskaming through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Audra Noble, O.S.A.

Audra Noble’s subject in the triptych piece Chances I is a wild water-iris found at Stoney Lake in Ontario.  In her photograph Twilight the subject is herself, but it is not a self-portrait.  All of Noble’s artwork expresses the intense passions she experiences in life and are each very meaningful. These photographs were two of thirty-nine works donated by OSA members in 2007. 

Victor North

Young artist Victor North is inspired by comic books and contemporary art.  His painting Three Cats on Dog Lake is a modern take on an old story surrounding Dog Lake near Kingston, Ontario.

Tibor Nyilasi

Artist Tibor Nyilasi is known for his unique mosaics, watercolours and drawings.  His mural The Melody is in seven panels and includes motifs of music, theatre, sculpture, agriculture and ancient art.

Old George Street School

Pupils of the Old George Street School between the years of 1856 and 1875 generously donated a portrait of Richard Lewis, the school’s Principal during those years.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce donated two items for the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen's Park, including an antique silver candle snuffer, in 1984 through the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Ontario Wood Carvers Association

The Ontario Wood Carvers Association (OWCA), founded in 1979, supports wood carving as a hobby and a profession across Ontario and Canada.  The OWCA donated an Ontario Coat of Arms in 1984, and a montage piece in 1992 titled Carvers’ Quilt which is on display in the Legislature at Queen’s Park.

Rachel Ovadia

Based in North York, Ontario, abstract and conceptual artist Rachel Ovadia has donated eleven works to the collection.

Frank Shirley Panabaker

Frank S. Panabaker, a successful Ontario artist whose work was once bought by the mother of Franklin D. Roosevelt for display in the White House, generously donated a painting of Georgian Bay through the Ontario Institute of Painters in 1963.

Mary Pavey, O.S.A.

Mary Pavey is known for her still lifes and is now exploring landscape painting.  Roadside Rocks was painted as a result of a camping trip to Algonquin Park where exposed blue-grey rocks were highlighted by brightly coloured flora. This work was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Sonia Tarantour Pearl, O.S.A.

Sonia Tarantour Pearl’s interpretation of landscape focuses on experimentation, process, and transition.  Her painting Fossil – Purple depicts a scene from Blakeny’s Rapids between Almonte and Pakenham in Ontario. This work was one of eighteen donated by OSA members in 2005.

Margaret Peter, O.S.A.

Guelph artist Margaret Peter’s inspiration comes from many natural objects such as feathers, shells and fossils.  Mystical Images is a collection of pictographs from Peterborough Provincial Park placed in a spiral design, representing nature’s spiral of life, and inspired by the stories of Native Canadians. This work was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Dr. John Peterson

Dr. John Peterson generously donated eight paintings by Ontario artist and teacher George Agnew Reid, through the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1983.

Giuseppe Pivetta, O.S.A.

Giuseppe Pivetta’s work mainly consists of scenes of Toronto and its environs, and is painted en plein air.  He captures the constantly evolving essence of the city, especially its growing urban communities. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Germinio Pio Politi, O.S.A.

Germinio Pio Politi’s style is influenced by Italy’s Arte Povera movement which encourages the use of everyday materials.  His range of work includes landscape, abstract and figure pieces in many different media. This work was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Dr. and Mrs. Edward Pomer

Dr. and Mrs. Edward Pomer generously donated a painting by modernist artist James W. MacDonald in 1983 through the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Helena Pravda, O.S.A.

Helena Pravda’s work is inspired by her knowledge of psychology, and she strives to represent the experiences and feelings of an individual at a unique moment in their life.  Working Together captures the moment when three generations of men (a grandfather, father and son) come together after years of disconnection. This work was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Premier's Office

These two works were presented to the Premier of Ontario during his trade mission to India and Pakistan in January of 2007, and subsequently donated to the collection by the Premier’s office.

Captain Zdzislaw Przygoda, D.Sc., P. Eng.

Dr. Zdzislaw Przygoda (1913-1996) established his own engineering consulting firm in Toronto in 1954.  He generously donated over 500 items to the Archives in 1983, including architectural drawings, photographs, files and this portrait of Sir Casimir Stanislaus Gzowski, former Administrator of the Province of Ontario from 1896-1897.

Ina Puchala, O.S.A.

Ina Puchala studied drawing and painting at the Ontario College of Art. She creates abstract works by layering and scraping the paint over the surface of the mylar or wood panel to build tension and a personal narrative. Surrogate Sisterhood is one of the paintings from the artist's Black Dog series completed in 2006. It was one of thirty-nine works donated by O.S.A. members in 2007.

C. Bev Rodin, O.S.A.

Watercolour and acrylic painter Bev Rodin’s work reflects her personal interests and experiences.  Through her paintings Rodin hopes to communicate many meanings; in her “Forest Light” series patience, majesty, and growth are represented. She donated works in both 2005 and 2007 as part of larger donations made by O.S.A. members.

John Schweitzer, O.S.A.

John A. Schweitzer is known for his unique collages. The Author in the Arcade is one of 35 in Schweitzer’s “Benjamin’s Alphabet” series, which was inspired by the writing of German philosopher Walter Benjamin. This work was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Gerald Leslie Sevier, O.S.A.

Light and shadow are most interesting to Gerry Sevier when he paints landscapes, seascapes, architecture, and still lifes, in which rural Ontario is a major theme.  In Teasdale Farm Sevier wanted to convey peaceful and nostalgic feelings created by majestic trees and a beautiful summer sky. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Mary Seymour, O.S.A.

Normally a figurative painter, Mary Seymour went en plein air and turned her attention to a section of her rural garden.  Seymour painted the scene as she saw it, including seed pods of the Rudbeckia flowers without petals, falling pine needles, and leaves that had been eaten by insects or touched by the colour change of fall. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Bruce Smith

Bruce Smith was a generous donor to the Government of Ontario Art Collection and we sadly acknowledge his death in December of 2005.  In 2002 and 2005 Smith donated a total of twelve of his own paintings and one of Albert Chiarandini’s, of whom he was once a pupil.

Andrew Cheddie Sookrah, O.S.A.

The Road to Keane was painted at the picturesque Rice Lake which Andrew Cheddie Sookrah visited with some fellow members of the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto. To past inhabitants, Rice Lake had a very special spiritual meaning, and Sookrah felt “touched by the spirits still there” as he was guided in creating this painting. This work was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Jane Stanley

William St. Thomas Smith (1862-1947) was a talented watercolourist, known for his landscapes and marine scenes.  His painting The Brook was generously donated by Jane Stanley in 2008.

Janice Mason Steeves, O.S.A.

Artworks by Janice Mason Steeves record her search for aspects of the sacred in our existence, which are found in the recurring patterns of growth and ritual. Red Gerberas: 6 is part of a series dealing with the exploration of flowers. This work was one of eighteen donated by OSA members in 2005.

Alan Stein, O.S.A.

Artist Alan Stein creates imaginative pieces like Opening Night, Parry Sound, which was drawn to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Festival of the Sound, an annual chamber music festival in Parry Sound.  His imagined landscapes, mostly images of night skies, often have spectacular features added, such as constellations, comets and the northern lights. This work was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007. 

Ernestine Tahedl, O.S.A.

Artist Ernestine Tahedl is best known for her work with stained glass and painting.  Inspiration for her landscapes comes from travelling, after which, when back home in her studio, she intuitively transfers her memories to canvas. This painting was one of eighteen donated by OSA members in 2005.

Rafael Tchetyshov, O.S.A.

Realist painter Rafael Tchetyshov’s At the Lake Simcoe was inspired by a family camping trip at the beginning of a Canadian summer. The work expresses the artist's interest in figurative studies. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Darryl Thorogood, O.S.A.

This early work by artist Darryl Thorogood is of Ontario’s Bon Echo, a park that has been a popular destination for painters and photographers.  Bon Echo is especially renowned for Mazinaw Rock, a 1.5 kilometre long sheer rock face, which rises 100 metres over the surface of Mazinaw Lake, and is distinguished by over 260 native pictographs. This work was one of eighteen donated by OSA members in 2005.

Arlene Turkington, O.S.A.

Arlene Turkington's interests range from digital photography to sculpture and drawing. These two photographs were taken on the Grand River in Waterloo County in 2002. They were among thirty-nine works donated by OSA members in 2007.

Sally Wildman, O.S.A.

Royal Swine #2 was created as a result of a visit to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.  Sally Wildman was fascinated by a room of 15-20 pigs, roaming around much like at a circus, and was compelled to paint a series focussed on the animals. This painting was one of thirty-nine donated by OSA members in 2007.

Alan Dent and Sarah Wilson

In 2003 and 2004, artist Alan Dent Wilson and his wife Sarah donated a total of 85 of his works to the Government of Ontario Art Collection.  These works span more than 60 years and document the artist’s travels throughout the province as well as to the southern U.S.A. and Mexico.