McCord Museum Holds Peacework Auction
Bid on a Child's Vision of Hope

Montreal, Monday, January 19, 2004 — Come to the McCord Museum this Sunday, January 25 and take part in a very special fundraiser for The War Amps CHAMP Program. Over 80 artistic creations are on the auction block, all inspired by the exhibition Canvas of War — Masterpieces from the Canadian War Museum, and made by children during last fall's Peacework workshops at the Museum. Noted Quebec artist François Gourd of will serve as auctioneer at the event, which starts at 1:30 pm and is open to all free of charge. 

In November of 2003, the McCord Museum offered a series of special workshops designed for families, organized in collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada. The workshops were held to give young people and their families an opportunity to explore and respond to the artwork of Canvas of War, and to express their vision of a peaceful world through objects of their own creation. Under the guidance of professional artists Daniel Mireault of L'art qui fait boum ! and Annie Roy and Pierre Allard of Action terroriste socialement acceptable, participants created moving and whimsical works of art that carry messages of hope and peace. For example, in the workshop Posters for Peace, participants appropriated the techniques of wartime propaganda to create their own images promoting peace. In Peace by the Post, participants drew inspiration from an actual war veteran's letter and an article from today's newspaper to create their own message of hope. "Children felt empowered by the experience, knowing that they could make a difference through their artwork," said Marie-Luce Maupetit, Coordinator of Cultural Activities at the McCord Museum.

The Peacework workshops were offered in conjunction with the McCord's hosting of Canvas of War — Masterpieces from the Canadian War Museum, a landmark exhibition featuring works by renowned Canadian artists and depicting the important contribution made by Canadians in both World Wars. Canvas of War is the most significant exhibition ever mounted from the Canadian War Museum's extensive but little-known war art collection. More than sixty works are showcased, including paintings by Alex Colville, Charles Comfort, Molly Lamb Bobak and four members of the Group of Seven. The McCord is the last stop on Canvas of War's national tour, and the Peacework auction also marks the show's closure. Don't miss this final opportunity to see this moving exhibition, and the amateur artworks it inspired.

In addition to its award-winning exhibitions, the McCord Museum presents a rich array of cultural activities throughout the year, from arts and crafts workshops to music concerts and illustrated lectures. For more information about the Museum's exhibition and cultural activities, call (514)398-7100, or visit the Museum's Web site at www.mccord-museum.qc.ca.

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Source and Information: Nike Langevin
tel: (514) 398-7100, ext. 251

Canvas of War - Masterpieces from the Canadian War Museum is produced by the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of Civilization.