Acclaimed Canadian artist and longtime West Vancouver resident Gordon Smith has given a huge boost to his hometown museum — a significant portion of his personal and impressive art collection.
The 95-year-old artist will donate about 50 works of art that hang in his home near Lighthouse Park. The Smith residence was designed by B.C. architectural great Arthur Erickson and features a studio and gallery, and was a social gathering spot for Smith and his artist friends.
Smith, an Order of Canada recipient, and his late wife Marion, received some of the artwork as gifts, while other pieces were purchased by the couple as a show of support for young artists. Many of the works are by notable Canadian artists.
The collection donated to the West Vancouver Museum consists of works by artists that include Ian Wallace, Ann Kipling, Arabella Campbell, Rodney Graham, Jeff Wall, Attila Richard Lukacs, and fellow West Vancouver resident Douglas Coupland, among others.
“West Vancouver has been my home for over 50 years. My work has been inspired by living here and I believe it is time to celebrate this by supporting the visual arts in the place I call home,” stated Smith in a release Monday.
West Vancouver Museum director Darrin Morrison said Smith’s generous donation will bring tremendous recognition to the museum.
“These works will enable us to continue to offer the very best in exhibitions, collections, and educational opportunities,” added Morrison.
A selection of works from the collection will be on display at the museum on Saturday, March 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Gordon Smith on hand for the reception from 2 to 4 p.m.
