School of Visual Arts/Craft

Katharine Dagg featured at Details Past and Present Gallery

2011-02-16T17:43:00.000-08:00

Details Past and Present Gallery on Richmond St. in Charlottetown features the work of Katharine Dagg, who was a design instructor at Holland College School of Visual Arts in the 1970's. A biography of Katharine is located on the gallery site

Katharine is a resident of PEI, having moved here over 30 years ago. She holds a BFA from the University of Manitoba, majoring in drawing and painting and minoring in ceramics. She has worked as an Arts and Crafts officer for the government of the North West Territories instructing, developing and promoting arts and crafts with the native people. She also worked for Canadian Arctic Producers setting up and displaying Inuit art shows in Chicago, New York, Minneapolis, Montreal and Toronto. Her dream was to live and work as a potter and hopefully, find time to paint. The pottery dream was fulfilled as a partner with Sandi Mahon at Stoneware Pottery, a successful studio business that they ran for over 30 years. She now finds time to pursue her passion for painting. Says Dagg, "I am mad about colour. There is no room for beige in my life! I'm inspired by nature and the human figure and faces that tell a story. I can be tempted by heady blossoms gossiping over a fence,or luscious fruits and vegetable overflowing in great crockery - abundance, beauty and colour.

Holland College Digital Archives

2011-02-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

An amazing collection of material from the School of Visual Arts at Holland College which existed from the mid 1970's to the early 1990's is now available from the Holland College Digital Archives.

There are over 200 items related just to the School - and can be located by doing a search with the words Visual Arts as search terms.

A grant from the President's Innovation Fund allowed Library Services to pilot and test software for building a digital archive. We have digitized content and have started the process of transferring our digitized materials to the online archive. Please send your questions or comments to library@hollandc.pe.ca.

We'd like to thank the members of the Association of Holland College Retirees for their support of the project and Natalie Hunt, our summer intern, who digitized much of the material in the archive.

Bob Doddridge - A Legacy in Wood

2010-10-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

The legacy of Bob Doddridge, former Holland College School of Visual Arts wood instructor Bob Doddridge who died 5 years ago remains a significant part of the arts and cultural development of Prince Edward Island. His life as an college instructor had a significant impact on his students at a time that the crafts industry was just emerging on PEI. His knowledge and “can do” attitude have been sited by industry leaders as having a major impact on their determination to succeed in a field where few had prospered previously.

Bob's commitment as an artisan himself during his teaching career and in retirement showed his students that understanding construction techniques while being of great significance, that it was the hands-on aspect of achieving high quality finished work that was the end goal.

His daily work ethic was exemplar in many ways and showed his almost undivided attention to detail and to practicing his craft.

This collection of images are an indication of the beautiful work that Bob created and which still graces homes, offices and public building. Enduring - strong - natural wood - created to last and continuing to serve, these are words that describe Bob's work and also reflect his outlook on his work.

Bob Doddridge - Memorial Trees in Trust

2010-10-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

Diane and Jacques Gaudreau of Gaudreau Fine Woodworking Artisans have made a donation in memory of former School of Visual Arts wood instructor Bob Doddridge. They writes "We invite anyone who wishes to dedicate a piece of island forest as a memorial to Bob to please visit: Memorial Trees in Trust."

Well done Diane and Jacques.

Holland College Launches History Book

2008-10-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

Wayne MacKinnon, author of the newly-released A Record of Achievement, a history of the first 25 years of Holland College.

Newsrelease by Holland College

Wednesday, September 17, 2008. Charlottetown, PE - Former staff, students, members of program advisory committees and the public are invited to attend the book launch of A Record of Achievement - Holland College the First 25 Years on Thursday, September 25 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the cafeteria in the Charlottetown Centre.

A joint project of the Association of Holland College Retirees and the college, A Record of Achievement delves into the political, economic, and social motivation behind the creation of the college in 1968, as well as the college's revolutionary approach to learning. Well-known historian and author Wayne MacKinnon, who wrote the book, says the college was a trail-blazer right from the start.

"Holland College acquired an international reputation for its pioneering work in competency based education," said MacKinnon. "The success of its students is a testament to the way in which the college responded to the need for skilled workers in a changing economy."

Holland College President Dr. Brian McMillan says the publication of the book couldn't have come at a better time.

"The college is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary. This is an excellent time to acknowledge and honour the individuals, businesses, industries, and governments that helped to create an institution that has become highly recognized not only across Canada, but also on the world stage."

Davida Stewart, ASCHOR's History Committee convener, is pleased to see the project come to fruition.

"Members of the ASHCOR committee viewed the development of a written record and collection of archival material as a task in which they truly believed and wanted to see accomplished. This goal has now been achieved," she said.

In conjunction with the book launch, a collection of Holland College memorabilia will be on display in the lobby of the new wing of the Charlottetown Centre, at the Kent Street entrance, and the Holland College library will showcase the results of its digital archives project.

The book is available for purchase at the Holland College bookstores in the Charlottetown Centre and at the Atlantic Police Academy in Summerside, or may be ordered by calling the Holland College Bookstore at (902) 566-9548 or by e-mailing clambert@hollandcollege.com.

Sara Underwood
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Foundation and Corporate Advancement
Holland College
140 Weymouth Street
Charlottetown, PE C1A 4Z1
Tel: (902) 566-9695
Fax: (902) 629-4268

Article on Henry Purdy - former director of Holland College SVA

2008-03-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

This article was published by the PEI Provincial Art Bank
HENRY PURDY, C.M., F.R.S.A., R.C.A., A.N.S.C.A.

Henry Purdy is a professional visual artist working on Prince Edward Island for more than 46 years. He was elected into the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1978 and had been on the executive and council of the Academy, representing the Atlantic provinces, for a number of years. He was awarded the Royal Society of Arts medal in 1981 for his contribution to the Fine Arts in the Atlantic region. Purdy is a past member of the Canada Council (appointed in 1984 and reappointed in 1987). He served on the Board of the Canadian Conference of the Arts, as P.E.I.’s representative, for several years. Purdy served on the Board of the Confederation Centre of the Arts appointed by the provincial government, from 1984 until 1991.

His works are in collections, private and corporate, in many countries including the United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia and Germany as well as in every province in Canada. A partial listing of Canadian collectors (collections): PEI Mutual Fire Insurance; City of Moncton; City of Saint John; Confederation Centre of the Arts; RCMP Headquarters, Charlottetown; University of Prince Edward Island; Holland College; Atlantic Tourism and Hospitality Institute; University of New Brunswick; St. Mary’s University; Memorial University; Canadian Coast Guard College, Sydney; Dofasco, Hamilton, Ontario; Avon of Canada; Stentor Management, Ottawa, The Canadiana Fund, Ottawa; McInnes Cooper, Charlottetown; and the Royal Canadian Mint. These works include sculptures, paintings, prints and drawings. A major sculptural piece was commissioned and installed at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in 1973.

Purdy has had over 100 exhibitions from 1958-2005 and has participated in group exhibitions throughout 1994. He has had solo exhibitions at Ellen’s Creek Gallery in Charlottetown and at the City Hall Gallery in Moncton. A major exhibition, Henry Purdy: Freedom Comes Inside Out, was organized and shown at the Confederation Centre of the Arts Gallery in 1999. A book of his drawings entitled, Prince Edward Island Sketchbook, was published by Four East Publications of Nova Scotia in 1981. He collaborated with Rev. Adrien Arsenault in producing a number of books of poetry and drawings. Purdy’s Lady Slipper design for a $350 gold coin for the Royal Canadian Mint was selected and minted in 1999. Purdy was awarded te Lister Memorial Trophy by the PEI Crafts Council as the Outstanding craftsperson in 1992 and awarded an honorary life membership in 2002. He received the prestigious 125 Commemorative Medal presented by the Government of Canada in 1992. Purdy was one of the founding members of the PEI Council of the Arts in 1973. He served as Chairperson of the Council, and was the crafts representative in 1998. Purdy is a past president with the PEI Crafts Council and was the Chairperson of the Standards Committee. He was one of the founding staff members of the Holland College in 1969, creating the Commercial Design Program and was Director of the Centre of Creative Arts at the College from 1977 to 1992. He is the Past/Founding Chair of Holland College Association of Retiree (2001). He is the Past Vice-President of the Community Foundation of Prince Edward Island (2001). Purdy conducts art workshops and courses throughout PEI, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. He is a sessional lecturer with the University of Prince Edward Island for the Fine Arts Studio 111 course.

Purdy was awarded the Fr. Adrien Arsenault Senior Arts Award by the PEI Council of the Arts in 1996. This award recognizes excellence of work and contribution to the professional arts in the province over a substantial period of time and is the most significant arts award given in the province. Purdy was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2001 and was presented with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

Purdy lives with his wife in Charlottetown and has three children.

Purdy can be reached at hpurdy@eastlink.ca or by phone at 894-410

Important Island artist and arts advocate dies in December

2008-01-15T18:12:00.000-08:00

Hilda Woolnough passes

as published in The BUZZ, Jan 2008

Hilda Woolnough, a visual artist and strong supporter of the arts, died Tuesday, December 11.

For over 30 years on Prince Edward Island, Hilda Woolnough was an artist, teacher, advocate and champion of artists’ rights. She was the driving force behind The Phoenix Gallery, The Gallery-On-Demand, the Great George Street Gallery, The Arts Guild, the Printmakers Council and the Student Art Expo. She served on the boards of many professional provincial and federal arts organizations, and was a lifetime member of the PEI Council of the Arts. In recognition of her contributions to the arts in Prince Edward Island, the Council awarded her the Father Adrien Arsenault Senior Arts Award in 1999. She was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy in the same year.

Woolnough was born in Northampton, England in 1934; her mother, uncle, and brother were all artists. Woolnough attended the Chelsea School of Art in London, studying with Henry Moore, and graduated with an MFA. She immigrated to Canada in 1957 and soon after made her way to PEI. With her husband, UPEI professor, writer and publisher, Reshard Gool (1931-1989), they formed part of the nucleus for a vibrant arts community.

Woolnough had solo exhibitions across Canada, in Mexico and Jamaica, and was included in group exhibitions in Japan and Spain. Solo exhibitions of her work were mounted at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery in 1976 (which toured the Atlantic region), 1991, 2001, and 2005. Her work is in numerous public, and private collections, including the Musée des beaux arts, Montreal, Art Gallery of Ontario, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the New Brunswick Museum, Memorial University, St. John’s, and the Canada Council Art Bank.

The Confederation Centre Art Gallery will present a selection of Woolnough works from the gallery collection, in January and February 2008, and continue to develop a retrospective planned for Summer 2009.

To honour Hilda’s contribution to the arts on Prince Edward Island and her dedication to arts and youth the Prince Edward Island Council of the Arts has established the “Hilda Woolnough Memorial Scholarship” for Island students pursuing post-secondary education in visual arts, and who are in their first or second year of study.

The February issue of The Buzz will feature a special tribute to Hilda Woolnough.

Blog editors note: Hilda served as design instructor at Holland College School of Visual Arts in the crafts section of the school in the 1980's. Besides her career as an artist and arts advocate, she shared her great passion with her students, for the integration of strong design principles in handcraft design.

Hilda Woolnough Remembered

2008-01-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

Island artist and arts advocate passes.

As published by the Prince Edward Island Council of the Arts, Jan 11, 2008

The Island Arts Newsletter

Volume 3 Issue 58 - The Standard Edition

Editors note: Hilda served as design instructor at Holland College School of Visual Arts in the crafts section of the school in the 1980's. Besides her career as an artist and arts advocate, she shared her great passion with her students, for the integration of strong design principles in handcraft design.

The Prince Edward Island arts community lost a vibrant and colourful member on December 12, 2007.

Hilda Woolnough was a renowned artist and printmaker, but she was much more to fellow artists. She was a tireless champion of artist's rights and opportunities and the driving force behind The Phoenix Gallery, The Gallery-On-Demand, the Great George Street Gallery, The Arts Guild, the Printmakers Council and the Student Art Expo. Hilda served on the boards of many professional provincial and federal arts organizations, and was a lifetime member of the PEI Council of the Arts. In recognition of her contributions to the arts in Prince Edward Island, the Council awarded her the Father Adrien Arsenault Senior Arts Award in 1999. That same year, she was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy. Hilda's work is in many public and private collections including the Montreal Museum of Fine Art, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Canada Council Art Bank.

Hilda was born in Northampton, England and immigrated to Canada in 1957, settling in Hamilton, Ontario. After time spent in Mexico, where she earned a Master's of Fine Art degree at the San Miguel de Allende Instituto; in London, England, where she did post-graduate work at the Central School of Art and Design; and in Kingston, Jamaica, where she designed the etching and lithography departments at the Jamaica School of Art; Hilda found her way to PEI. Together with her husband, UPEI professor, writer and publisher, Reshard Gool, who died in 1989, she formed part of the nucleus for a vibrant arts community. Indeed, her elegant presence, colourful clothes and opinions made an occasion of every event she attended.

To honour Hilda's contribution to the arts on Prince Edward Island and her dedication to arts and youth the Prince Edward Island Council of the Arts has established the "Hilda Woolnough Memorial Scholarship" for Island students pursuing post-secondary education in visual arts and who or in their first or second years of study.

"Being new to the Island, I did not know Hilda personally. However, it was impossible not hear people speak of her and her effect on the Island's Arts landscape. We have lost a tremendous champion of the Arts and of artists. Through this scholarship, it is our hope that future generations of Island artists will also remember Hilda and her enduring contribution to the Island." said Greg Doran, the Council's Chairperson.

The Board and staff of the Prince Edward Island Council of the Arts extend their condolences to Hilda's friends and family. She will be missed, but she has left a wonderful legacy for artists both on the Island and throughout Canada.

The Handcraft Training Centre

2007-09-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

The roots of formal craft training on PEI go back to the 1960's when the Handcraft Training Centre was created. While various locations were used to teach courses and hold extension programs the main location was in a former provincial health laboratory located at 188 Prince St. in Charlottetown. Barry Jeeves came to PEI, from Banff, Alberta to teach the pottery program at the Handcraft Training Centre.
L>R Daphne Large, an extension pottery instructor and Eileen Brophy, a pottery student in the pottery studio of the Handcraft Training Centre.
Ann Morrison, a leather student at work in the leather studio of the Handcraft Training Centre.

Eventually the building of a new building in the early 1970's led to the relocation of the Centre to Burns Ave. in West Royalty. The operation became part of Holland College and was renamed the Holland College School of Visual Arts.

Prince Edward Island Sketchbook

2007-09-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

When Henry Purdy, the director of Holland College School of Visual Arts, published Prince Edward Island Sketchbook in 1981, four of the subjects of sketches in the book were instructors in the school.

Trudi Walker - Weaving Instructor

Ron Arvidson - Clay Instructor

Ian Scott - Leather Instructor

Bob Doddridge - Wood Instructor

Raku Workshop with Christopher Thompson 1988

2007-09-12T13:23:00.001-07:00

Workshops were a great tradition at the School of Visual Arts - they were a time to celebrate and to learn from master craftspeople. They were open to anyone who wanted to register and tended to connect students to practicing artisans across the Island and to the larger crafts community internationally.

An open slide show by the visiting artisan helped to bring the broader world of fine craft to PEI, and to share the excellent work taking place on Prince Edward Island with the larger community.

1st Annual - Pro Am Clay Challenge - 1988

2007-09-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Media personality, Wylaine LeFoye is paired with Island potter Daphne Large - to produce a joint piece and prove that mud and media do mix (or something like that).

Remembering Bob Doddridge (1942-2005)

2007-09-12T12:59:00.001-07:00

Bob Doddridge, Master Woodworker (1942-2005)
By Ian Scott, published in The BUZZ

The recent death of Bob Doddridge, marked the passage of an era for fine craft on PEI. His waterfront studio in Charlottetown, was the source of some of the finest woodworking Islanders have seen, while his influence on students and heritage conservation is equally of the highest order. As a furniture maker, his commissioned work is treasured in public buildings, churches and private collections locally, as well as every province of Canada.

Bob arrived on PEI in 1969 to work with PEI NewStart, a job training program in Montague. He played hockey with the Montague Vikings, and made lifelong friends before going to graduate school in 1971.

I met Bob when we both became instructors at what was eventually called Holland College School of Visual Arts. From 1974 to 1998 he shared his love of woodworking, and passion for high quality design with an entire generation of Island woodworkers. Working every evening and weekend he also remained a prolific craftsman. His finishes allowed full expression of rich natural wood colours with oil-based finishes creating silky smooth surfaces.

Raised in Beaconsfield, Quebec, his early success in hockey continued through all his university years. He was leading scorer for Ryerson in Toronto, while graduating in Furniture and Interior Design in 1964. In 1969 he earned a BSc, while on an assistantship at the State University of New York at Oswega, and he completed a Masters in Industrial Arts Education from Ball State University in Indiana in 1972.

After several early renovation projects with friends, Bob tackled the complete restoration of 66 Great George St. which was in a dilapidated block of Charlottetown in 1976. He was one of the first to realize the potential of recreating high quality living spaces within the historic downtown. Creating two attractive units, he lived in the upper apartment, with a Scotch dormer overlooking Province House and the waterfront. The building is now part of the Inns on Great George.

Lacking workshop space, Bob moved to North River Road, renovating again, and created a new waterfront studio surrounded by nature.

Retiring from the College in 1998, he continued to create presentation awards, furniture and large carvings. His work was exhibited during the 70's, 80's and 90's, winning awards, but the testament that will likely remain even stronger is his influence on woodworkers in raising the level of craft design on PEI.

Diagnosed with lung cancer, even when hospitalized in the fall, he was determined to return home daily, where he could assist with completion of the final commissions he had started. It was only after these were completed, that he slipped away on October 30th at the age of 63.

The legacy remains of well designed, substantial creations with the natural warmth of wood revealed - reminding us of values Bob held high. The impact he had will ensure that the name Doddridge will continue to represent the finest of 20th century work, in the enduring way that Isaac Smith's buildings or Mark Butcher's furniture speak of excellence from the 19th century.

1983 Handcraft Exhibition & Awards - part 3

2007-08-18T16:29:00.001-07:00

1983 Handcraft Exhibition & Awards - part 2

2007-08-18T16:20:00.002-07:00

1983 Handcraft Exhibition & Awards - part 1

2007-08-18T15:58:00.000-07:00

1984 Handcrafts in the computer Age Charmaine Gaudet

2007-08-18T15:42:00.001-07:00

1980 Diane Gaudreau

2007-08-18T15:41:00.001-07:00

1977 Diane & Jacques Gaudreu, Moncrief Williams, Elizabeth Roe

2007-08-18T15:39:00.001-07:00

1976 Jacques & Diane Gaudreau

2007-08-18T15:38:00.001-07:00

Daphne Large 1983 tourism guide

2007-08-18T15:35:00.001-07:00

Joanne Scantlebury Ian Scott

2007-08-18T15:32:00.001-07:00

?? Josephine Arsenault, Kenneth Quigley - worked with Herb Leavitt

2007-08-18T15:29:00.001-07:00

Summer school 65-66 in Rustico

2007-08-18T15:19:00.001-07:00

From an old tourism guide