Fort Frances artist Dorothy Black has received a unique invitation–to join 19 others in portraying one of the world’s last remaining old-growth forests in the Temagami region of Ontario.
Included in the short-list of 20 artists invited by the sponsors, “The Canadian Wildflower Society” and “Wildflower Magazine,” are renowned wildlife artists Robert Bateman and Glen Loates. Many of these artists, including Black, have printed covers and written articles for the magazine.
Only one percent of the old-growth red and white pine forest of North America exists today, and a 10th of this is in the Temagami region.
Today, this favourite haunt of “The Group of Seven,” Grey Owl and the poet Archibald Lampman is severely threatened by “progress.” The artists and sponsors wish to make the public aware of this threat to one of our great natural treasures.
The three-day Temagami Art Camp will be held in September. Each day, the artists will be transported from the town of Temagami to a pristine old-growth area by van, boat or float plane and returned after a day of artistic endeavour.
A professional television crew also will be on hand.
After the camp, a fundraising auction will be held with each artist donating a work of art. A coffee table book is planned, featuring the art.
Black will be relocating to the Perth area of Ontario in the middle of August. In the meantime, her art is available at the library, museum and Fine Line Gallery here.
