By Angie Sullivan
In celebration of Italian Heritage Month, the Art Gallery of Georgina (AGG) hosted a free reception featuring the works of Albert Chiarandini on Sunday, May 31.
Chiarandini is lauded as the “Eighth Member of the Group of Seven,” and his vibrant and expressive paintings of the Canadian landscape will be displayed on the walls of the AGG until June 25.
Chiarandini captured the rural beauty of our region with paintings of rolling countryside, farms, grazing livestock, and winter scenes.
The showing is called “From Friuli to Georgina,” and, as per the brochure advertising the exhibition, “Chiarandini’s major collection proudly anchors the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Georgina.”
The opening reception featured tastings of Italian wine and appetizers inspired by the Friuli region. Colourful cannoli, cheeses, fruit and Pinot Grigio were a few of the refreshments offered.
Claire Smith, the curator and collections manager for the AGG, explained that Chiarandini was born in Udine, Friuli, in 1915 and immigrated to Canada at the age of 17. He created more than 3000 paintings.
“It took over four months to organize this event, and the collection includes donations from Bruce Smith and pieces from Albert Chiarandini’s private family collection,” said Smith, who visited the region of Udine before taking the job as curator at the AGG.
Mary Anne Cooper, chair of the board of directors, said, “All donations made at today’s event will go toward any repairs our collection may need. There are 699 pieces in our permanent collection, and it is of such importance that we now have official museum status.”
According to the AGG’s website, the permanent collection is an eclectic mix of paintings, prints, sculpture and photographs representing the work of 20th- and 21st-century artists.
Mayor Margaret Quirk gave a speech at the reception and said, “Many communities of our size do not have an art gallery, and we are very fortunate. Not only does it add to the dimension of our community, but it also provides local artists with a place to showcase their work.”
Councillor Dale Genge was also in attendance and said, “Having an official art gallery is like having an anchor store in a mall. It is a draw for tourists, sparks interest in our community and is an asset to our region.”
To donate to the AGG, please visit https://artgalleryofgeorgina.ca/pages/donate-today.
