Drawnonward's pilgrimage honours Tom Thomson

Jan. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- A collective of artists, Drawnonward, featured in a Juno nominated documentary have followed in the footsteps of Canada’s famed Group of Seven. Their latest adventure involves a group excursion for en plein air painting at Canoe Lake.  Arta Gallery in Toronto’s Distillery District presents their latest exhibition entitled 'Lake Effects' at an opening reception this Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 6-10 PM with artists in attendance.  The show closes February 20, 2011.

The pilgrimage to Canoe Lake has become a right of passage for many Canadian artists.   As the historic site of legendary Canadian painter Tom Thomson’s tragic and mysterious death it has inspired generations of painters compelled by the legacy of the Group of Seven.  It should only be natural then that Drawnonward, often touted as ‘The New Group of Seven,’ would visit the site in celebration of one of the painters who’s vision of Canada has so influenced their work. 

As a collective they have woven a tapestry of images of the Canadian landscape from the Arctic to the Great Lakes.  Their adventures have included canoes, milk trucks, school buses, ships, planes, trains and automobiles.  They often invite other artists on their voyages including writers, photographers, musicians, sculptors and nature enthusiasts. 

This past year, their excursion became a bit of an homage to Tom Thomson as they travelled together to Canoe Lake to paint and sketch en plein air at the site of Thomson’s memorial. Their work at ARTA will include several works from each artist reflecting seven distinct visions of Canoe Lake.  

As the artists of Drawnonward approach the mid-career mark, each artists’ style has become more distinctive and, as a whole, a complete narrative of their collective experience. An experience that Canadian collectors recognize immediately as their own - a fact evidenced by Drawnonward’s frequently sold-out shows. Their openings are well known for attracting a large crowd of fellow adventurers.  Their last group show opening had well over 300 in attendance and was 75% sold out by night's end.

Many of the members are alumni of St. Andrew’s College in Ontario and have formed a deep friendship not unlike that of their predecessors in the original Group of Seven.  Each year they come together in some dramatic and exciting location to translate the landscape of this great country into canvasses collected by many notable Canadians. 

Many of the artists have experienced milestones in their lives in the last 5 years - children, marriage and unforgettable travel experiences. They are really enjoying this stage of their careers and cherish the opportunities they have to spend time with each other.  Paul Mantrop, one of the core group members articulates it best: "Our relationships with one another have become just as important to us as the actual work we create - our real pleasure comes from spending time together as each of us process the landscape in our own way."

The exhibition at ARTA will feature the work of Jeremy Down, Paul Mantrop, David Marshak, Steve McDonald, Christopher Roberts, Rob Saley and Gordon Kemp.

ARTA Gallery is located at 55 Mill Street, Suite 102, Bldg. 9, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4 Open Tuesday - Saturday 12-7 and Sunday 12-5.

# # #

Artsy Fartsy PR promotes and organizes events in Toronto related to Fine Art, Music and Performance Art. Services include social media campaigns, press releases, brand consultation and development and marketing project management.