Andrew Trudeau: Drawing Georgian Bay
Late Métis artist featured at MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie
This spring, dive into the captivating world and artistic legacy of the late Métis artist Andrew Trudeau, as the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie showcases his remarkable drawings in “Andrew Trudeau: Drawing Georgian Bay”.
Inspired by a life-time spent on the lands and waters, Trudeau’s unique perspective on the world was greatly influenced by his Drummond Island and Penetanguishene Métis ancestors, as well as his 83 years of life on the remote islands of Georgian Bay.
Trudeau’s passion for drawing emerged late in life while a resident at Hillcrest Home in Midland. Despite limited use of his hands due to years of manual labor, he produced a series of stunning graphite and coloured pencil drawings.
His artwork captures memories and snapshots of his life on Georgian Bay including renditions of his time as a “waterman,” fishing and working on hand-made boats and scoots. In addition to scenes depictive of a lifetime on the waters, he engaged his imagination to dream up designs for creations like flying machines. As a proud Métis man, Trudeau also drew inspiration from the natural world, exploring the interconnected relationships between animals, humans, and all living beings.
The exhibit was launched with support from his daughter MNO staff member and citizen, Jo-Anne Parent, alongside artist John Hartman. Jo-Anne’s son Scott has also contributed to the showcase and family legacy, creating a touching video highlighting his grandfather’s contributions and accomplishments.
Before coming to the MacLaren Centre, Trudeau’s art was displayed as the inaugural exhibit for the Gallery of Indigenous Art at the Midland Cultural Centre.
For more on the exhibit see: https://maclarenart.com/exhibition/andrew-trudeau-drawing-georgian-bay/
