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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, December 11, 2009 · 28 Students inspired by art By Akemi Liyanage GR. 12, IROQUOIS RIDGE H.S. O n a brisk October day, a busload of teenage writers and two teachers departed for the McMichael Collection of Canadian Art in Kleinberg. With Wonderland just around the corner, it may have seemed strange these students were keen on catching a peak at the bold triangular roofs of the art museum. The Writers Workshop group filed into the toasty gallery, looking up and down the amber wood of the hall. A tall totem pole stood by the wall, a gift shop beckoned from the other end of the vast hall and our tour soon began. We learned about the diverse history of the McMichael Art Collection, which used to be the home of Robert and Signe McMichael. After collecting nearly 194 pieces of Canadian art, they donated their land and art to the Ontario government in 1965. Since, the McMichael Collection has grown to almost 5,500 artworks, all by Canadian artists. We passed through hallways lined with tiny sketches to grand depictions of majestic hills and mountains during fall, winter, summer and spring. There was also a familiar unity in the artwork, from Arthur Harris' icy blue Lake and Mountains and Arthur Lismer's tree-topped landscape in Bright Island 1938. While soaking in the peace and serenity in the Group of Seven's work, we learned about their individual life stories, including Lismer who is responsible for integrating visual arts classes into many Canadian schools. Fascinated by the Group of Seven's genius in paint and brush, we moved on to the great outdoors. The McMichael Art Collection rests on nearly 100 acres of pristine forest. While listening to our guide, we were enchanted by the panoramic view of autumnal trees, as well as the giant Inukshuk, Tom Thompson's rustic cabin and the sedate cemeteries of the Group of Seven artists and their families. We absorbed details about native Canadian trees, and glimpsed the stubby remains of beaver stumps. Back in the gallery, we scribbled out stories and excerpts while glancing at the magnificent vista of wooded slopes beyond vast windows. Peaceful hours passed as pens glided on paper. Finally, just before sunset we gathered our belongings and left the calming gallery, our thoughts full of wonder at the vivid originality of Canadian art and nature of the McMichael Art Collection.