PETER BUCKLAND GALLERY AND CITADEL GALLERY
PRESENT
JACK HUMPHREY, FRED ROSS, ARCHIE HARPER, MILLER BRITTAIN, FRANK ALLISON, AVERY SHAW, TED CAMPBELL, ROSAMOND CAMPBELL, JOSEPH KASHETSKY, JIM STACKHOUSE
What happens when two well established Saint John galleries decide to work together on an exhibition? More artists, more art and a much stronger exhibition.
Earlier this year, I learned that Mario Brideau, owner/director of the Citadel Gallery was planning to host an exhibition of art by the late Archie Harper, along with work by other Saint John greats. Many of you may not be familiar with the name Archie Harper, however, he grew up in Saint John and was an art student under Ted Campbell, alongside fellow student, Fred Ross. Subsequently, Harper moved and spent his adult life in northern New Brunswick, where he produced an impressive body of artwork.
When I learned of Mario’s plan, I suggested that we collaborate as I was planning an exhibition featuring artists from this earlier period in Saint John’s history. It did not take us long to realize that together we had a very impressive body of artwork by many of this city’s finest 20th Century artists.
We selected our date, Thursday, September 26, and decided that we would use my space as it is a bit larger. Today I’m going to give you a wee preview of what you can expect to see next week.
FRED ROSS
Little needs to be said of this City’s major living artist. Fred Ross is one of Canada’s most celebrated painters, admirably represented in Canada’s National Gallery, recipient of The Order of Canada and The Order of New Brunswick. Utterly collectable. Blue Chip. Absolutely stunning work will be featured.
ARCHIE HARPER
A fellow student with Fred Ross at Vocational School in the 1940’s, both under the guidance of artist, Ted Campbell, Archie Harper, lesser known than his friend, Fred, nevertheless created an impression body of painting in his lifetime. This may be the first time for most in Saint John to see the work of this fine artist.
JACK HUMPHREY
Often referred to as the Dean of the Saint John painters, Humphrey garnered a well-deserved national reputation for his work during his career. Humphrey studied in both Boston and New York, and later traveled the world, finally returning to Saint John where he produced a remarkable body of work in his lifetime. His work continues to fetch impressive prices. This exhibition will feature oils and watercolours.
TED and ROSAMOND CAMPBELL
The Campbells, Ted in particular, were very important to the artistic community that flourished in this city during the mid 20th Century. Ted was an influential teacher, who encouraged his very gifted student, Fred Ross, among many other young artists at the time. Ted’s studio was a focal point for the artistic community during this period. In the early 1970s he and Rosamond, also a very fine painter, relocated to San Miguel in Mexico. Rosamond, who died in July of this year, is one of several women being honoured at the restored chapel, El Refugio, for their contributions to the San Miguel community.
FRANK ALLISON
Yet another noted Saint John painter from the early part of the 20th Century, Allison maintained a studio in the City, but also traveled widely in Europe, North Africa and the Caribbean. He created a large body of work that essentially disappeared from view following his death in 1951. The work resurfaced in the 1980s, reviving his reputation and establishing his work as much valued by collectors since then. In 2005 our gallery featured 26 watercolours from his sketchbooks. The exhibition was sold out within two days of its opening.
AVERY SHAW
An architect, musician, writer and painter, Shaw was, for a time, the curator of the Art Department at the New Brunswick Museum. He had a studio on Prince William Street, and was very much a significant part of this City’s art community during its golden age.
MILLER BRITTAIN
An artist of incredible intensity and remarkable vision, Brittain’s work remains among the most sought after in the country. His art, from the earlier social realist paintings through to the religious works and the deeply penetrating works late in his career, established Brittain has one of the most important painters in the history of art in Canada.
JOSEPH KASHETSKY
Those knowledgeable regarding the art from this period are aware that our city can boast of two fine painters named Kashetsky. Joseph Kashetsky, elder brother to Herzl, created remarkably good artwork during the 1960s and very early 70s. Unfortunately, Joe died prematurely in 1974, but not before creating a strong body of painting and drawing that have assured his place of importance in the history of art in Saint john.
JIM STACKHOUSE
Jim Stackhouse, maintained a significant career as a commercial artist in this city for several decades. He also, throughout his lifetime, created an impressive body of fine art and is well known to collectors in this region. In 2009, the Peter Buckland Gallery hosted a posthumous exhibition of his work, recognizing his importance as a member of this mid 20th Century group.
I have simply provided a glimpse of the work that Mario and I will be presenting next week. We look forward to seeing you next Thursday at 35 Duke Street for this remarkable exhibition.
Peter Buckland Gallery, 35 Duke Street, Saint John NB
Reception: Thursday, Septrember 26, 5 – 7 pm
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