Were you a Gallery School student?

Lillian M.

July 1, 2005
Thanks! (NB: I’m now a young retiree)
Yes, I was a student in the Gallery School as a child and this remembrance brings back a flood of fond and wonderful memories of friends, family and art. I used to enjoy this very much. I even 2won a scholarship one year. The teachers were excellent and very supportive. I’m going to have to write the whole story up on a computer next week. Thanks again.

Kim H.

Yes, I was a student. I still have wonderful memories of walking quietly through the galleries with my stool, sketch pad and charcoal, amazed that I (a child) was allowed to sit and sketch these amazing pieces of art. I still love to come and brought my children to view the gallery, especially on quiet weekdays when they were young. Thank You. A lovely exhibit which brought back pleasant memories.

Lillian M.

July 1, 2005
Thanks! (NB: I’m now a young retiree)
Yes, I was a student in the Gallery School as a child and this remembrance brings back a flood of fond and wonderful memories of friends, family and art. I used to enjoy this very much. I even 2won a scholarship one year. The teachers were excellent and very supportive. I’m going to have to write the whole story up on a computer next week. Thanks again.

Kim H.

Yes, I was a student. I still have wonderful memories of walking quietly through the galleries with my stool, sketch pad and charcoal, amazed that I (a child) was allowed to sit and sketch these amazing pieces of art. I still love to come and brought my children to view the gallery, especially on quiet weekdays when they were young. Thank You. A lovely exhibit which brought back pleasant memories.

Kate R.

When I was in grade school, our class would make trips to the gallery’s art studio in the basement. The most vivid one I can remember was a class about printmaking in chiwh we were able to design and make our own blockprints. I still have the prints today and remember the pride I felt in carrying them home that day. Creating them at the gallery made them feel so much more legitimate and valid. I now teach children art myself – this display is exciting and inspiring. Thank you.

Kate R.

When I was in grade school, our class would make trips to the gallery’s art studio in the basement. The most vivid one I can remember was a class about printmaking in chiwh we were able to design and make our own blockprints. I still have the prints today and remember the pride I felt in carrying them home that day. Creating them at the gallery made them feel so much more legitimate and valid. I now teach children art myself – this display is exciting and inspiring. Thank you.

M. McLean

Yes, in the early 70s, and my dad was a student of OCA. I remember making papier mache sculpture in Grange Park one summer. Mostly what I loved was being in the park – the rustling leaves and filtered sunlight. I’d never had an experience of an art class out of doors and I LOVED it.

Nicole M.

Yes, I did attend the Gallery School. And it helped me get into Sheridan College for animation. Thank you for all your help.

M. McLean

Yes, in the early 70s, and my dad was a student of OCA. I remember making papier mache sculpture in Grange Park one summer. Mostly what I loved was being in the park – the rustling leaves and filtered sunlight. I’d never had an experience of an art class out of doors and I LOVED it.

Nicole M.

Yes, I did attend the Gallery School. And it helped me get into Sheridan College for animation. Thank you for all your help.

Nuna G.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that a piece of mine from 1984 was on display. The Gallery School was a ‘transformative’ experience for me that was one of the highlights of my teen years and helped me build the portfolio that I needed to get into OCA. I have had the good fortune to continue expressing my ideas with art design in my current professional life, and I always credit the classes that I took here as a very valuable experience towards that end. Thank you!

Anonymous

This program was fun! I’ve been enrolled in Gallery School since just before I graduated in grade 8, 2004. It helped me a lot for my interest in animation and drawing some of my own anime. Thank you AGO and Leafs-dream! And I am still in this program!
July 27, 2005

Nuna G.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that a piece of mine from 1984 was on display. The Gallery School was a ‘transformative’ experience for me that was one of the highlights of my teen years and helped me build the portfolio that I needed to get into OCA. I have had the good fortune to continue expressing my ideas with art design in my current professional life, and I always credit the classes that I took here as a very valuable experience towards that end. Thank you!

Anonymous

This program was fun! I’ve been enrolled in Gallery School since just before I graduated in grade 8, 2004. It helped me a lot for my interest in animation and drawing some of my own anime. Thank you AGO and Leafs-dream! And I am still in this program!
July 27, 2005

Anonymous

I was in the Advanced Program for teens and the first year for Teens Behind the Scenes! It was a great experience and I encourage anyone who is interested.

Anonymous

I was in the Advanced Program for teens and the first year for Teens Behind the Scenes! It was a great experience and I encourage anyone who is interested.

http://www.thebeadrollson.com Carolyn Good

1982 was the year I won a gallery school scholarship in August and it changed my life. I then went on the obtain my BFA from Philadelphia University of the Arts in 1988. Now has settled in BC with my own Visual Arts Therapy practice and line of wearable art.

Christina Senkiw

I don’t know if this counts, but I attended the Saturday Morning Art Classes for Gifted Adolescents (what a title!) at the AGO and later at the old OCA in the early 1960′s. We were selected (one student per school) by our teachers, recommended by our principals, and the tuition was paid by the School Board. I felt like the honour of King George Public School was resting on my shoulders! For a child who was drawing from the moment I could hold a crayon in my hand, the AGO classes were an awe inspiring experience – light years away from the usual art classes in regular school. We were introduced by Mr. Williamson to an amazing array of materials, methods and subject matters. Real artists taught us. I’ll never forget my first life drawing class, trips to the Royal Winter Fair and sketching outdoors all over the city. I can still remember the anticipation of walking down the stairs into the AGO basement studios and smelling the unique “art smell” of paper, oils, wood and canvas. The classes were the start of my lifelong involvement with art. I graduated from U of T with Fine Art degree, studied illustration and design at OCA and became a professional artist. I’ve had 12 solo exhibit of my paintings, wrote and/or illustrated 6 children’s books and volunteer for several arts organizations – and I’m not planning to retire!

Christina Senkiw

I don’t know if this counts, but I attended the Saturday Morning Art Classes for Gifted Adolescents (what a title!) at the AGO and later at the old OCA in the early 1960′s. We were selected (one student per school) by our teachers, recommended by our principals, and the tuition was paid by the School Board. I felt like the honour of King George Public School was resting on my shoulders! For a child who was drawing from the moment I could hold a crayon in my hand, the AGO classes were an awe inspiring experience – light years away from the usual art classes in regular school. We were introduced by Mr. Williamson to an amazing array of materials, methods and subject matters. Real artists taught us. I’ll never forget my first life drawing class, trips to the Royal Winter Fair and sketching outdoors all over the city. I can still remember the anticipation of walking down the stairs into the AGO basement studios and smelling the unique “art smell” of paper, oils, wood and canvas. The classes were the start of my lifelong involvement with art. I graduated from U of T with Fine Art degree, studied illustration and design at OCA and became a professional artist. I’ve had 12 solo exhibit of my paintings, wrote and/or illustrated 6 children’s books and volunteer for several arts organizations – and I’m not planning to retire!

Sheila

Our daughter Barbara was at the School in 1980 when she also started High School. She took a General course which had Print Making, Painting and Drawing, and Sculture. The next 2 years, having been offered a space, she took PrintMaking. She was allowed to count this as a Credit without taking an art course during regular school hours. She did take Art in Grades 12&13 and continued with her after-school course as well. She was Awarded a $100. scholarship from the Ago. She continues to enjoy her abilities by helping to build her Straw Bale House in Bridgewater NS. She has decoratively tiled the main floor, the kitchen counters and is working on the bathroom.
She has very positive memories of the Gallery School.

Sheila

Our daughter Barbara was at the School in 1980 when she also started High School. She took a General course which had Print Making, Painting and Drawing, and Sculture. The next 2 years, having been offered a space, she took PrintMaking. She was allowed to count this as a Credit without taking an art course during regular school hours. She did take Art in Grades 12&13 and continued with her after-school course as well. She was Awarded a $100. scholarship from the Ago. She continues to enjoy her abilities by helping to build her Straw Bale House in Bridgewater NS. She has decoratively tiled the main floor, the kitchen counters and is working on the bathroom.
She has very positive memories of the Gallery School.

http://www.LizTaylorRealtor.com Liz Taylor

I treated myself to my first art classes ever… for my 40th Birthday in 2004. I decided that I wanted to do something to enrich my life, and to add a new dimension.
I had absolutely no idea that I had any hidden talent in that department… but was amazed by what my teacher drew out of me! (excuse the punn…
From the first set of classes… I actually created art that hangs on the walls in my home today! ~~Someone actually asked me if one of the ‘pastel sketches’ that I did in class~ of a live model~ within 20 minutes~ was Picasso.
Hahahahaha…. I got such a kick out of that… but it just goes to show you…. there’s so much room for us all to grow!! We must never lose the desire to learn… it’s what gives us balance, in this hectic world of ours.
Thank you for reminding me to sign up for more classes at the Gallery School!!
Liz Taylor~ Sales Representative
Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage
416-487-4311

http://www.chicbabushkas.com Babushkas aka Irina B.

The AGO school saved my life! I arrived in Canada in February 1994 spoke no word of English and lived in “beautiful Scarberia.” I worked for a full year delivering door to door papers to save the $300 needed for the painting class. Almost every Saturday morning (very early, ouch) of ’95 was spent in the painting studio at the AGO school. As early in the morning as that was, the experience is irreplaceable. My teacher was Ross Racine and he opened up my mind to a variety of contemporary art practices. I went on to do my BFA at York and now I am a practicing artist and also part of an art collective producing one of a kind silk-screened wares. Thanks Ms. Racine and the AGO school.

http://www.chicbabushkas.com Babushkas aka Irina B.

The AGO school saved my life! I arrived in Canada in February 1994 spoke no word of English and lived in “beautiful Scarberia.” I worked for a full year delivering door to door papers to save the $300 needed for the painting class. Almost every Saturday morning (very early, ouch) of ’95 was spent in the painting studio at the AGO school. As early in the morning as that was, the experience is irreplaceable. My teacher was Ross Racine and he opened up my mind to a variety of contemporary art practices. I went on to do my BFA at York and now I am a practicing artist and also part of an art collective producing one of a kind silk-screened wares. Thanks Ms. Racine and the AGO school.

http://www.ccca.ca Sophia Isajiw

Yes, I won a scholarship to the AGO saturday morning school back in the 1980s. It was a big deal that my high school art teacher took me seriously, and I remember especially doing some printmaking at AGO that was the first time I did print in a formal way. You still have that work. I think it’s pretty bad, if I recall correctly, but you got the best print of the series. I think I still have my AGO school identity card somewhere. I went on to get my BA Honours (Fine Art Specialist) at UofT, and my MFA at the California Institute of the Arts and besides exhibiting, have been teaching art in the U.S. and Canada for over 10 years now. I grew up visiting the AGO regularly, but the school scholarship was an important and formative experience. Best wishes!! Sophia Isajiw.

Roberta Dowson Fuller

I was in Grade 1 in 1943, when I ‘won’ my Saturday morning class ‘scholarship’ by drawing a blue crayon Tom Sawyer fence with black-eyed susans in front of it! What fun we had learning all about art. I, too, remember going to sketch the Santa Claus parade, but I suppose because we were rather small, we had to hang onto a rope as we truged through the snow along Dundas Street!
My aunt, Edith Dowson, had sketches Lismer sketched over to bring her birds to life. Also, my sister, Elizabeth Dowson, who was to become a costume designer at CBC TV, received her early basic training, so-to-speak, at the Sat. A.M. classes.
Later, as a teacher myself, I always enjoyed taking my classes (OAC art history), to the AGO for their enlightenment. God bless your heritage to us all.

Roberta Dowson Fuller

I was in Grade 1 in 1943, when I ‘won’ my Saturday morning class ‘scholarship’ by drawing a blue crayon Tom Sawyer fence with black-eyed susans in front of it! What fun we had learning all about art. I, too, remember going to sketch the Santa Claus parade, but I suppose because we were rather small, we had to hang onto a rope as we truged through the snow along Dundas Street!
My aunt, Edith Dowson, had sketches Lismer sketched over to bring her birds to life. Also, my sister, Elizabeth Dowson, who was to become a costume designer at CBC TV, received her early basic training, so-to-speak, at the Sat. A.M. classes.
Later, as a teacher myself, I always enjoyed taking my classes (OAC art history), to the AGO for their enlightenment. God bless your heritage to us all.

http://people.ok.ubc.ca/creative/CSfaculty/FernHelfand/EpcotMenu.htm fern Helfand

For 3 years beginning in 1960, I attended the after school art program. Mr. Williamson was the bearded-artist teacher and it was not the AGO but the Art Gallery of Toronto. I lived downtown and took 2 streetcars, by myself, to get there and I was only in grade 3. I remember getting off of the streetcar and walking down the drive, which was flanked by 2 small parking lots. After circling the roundabout where the bronze sculpture stood, you walked up the stairs and entered through the main doors into the large foyer which is now somewhere in the middle of the building. Boy, have things ever changed, in more ways than one.

The school was down the stairs to the right. I remember that annually the sets for the gallery

http://people.ok.ubc.ca/creative/CSfaculty/FernHelfand/EpcotMenu.htm fern Helfand

For 3 years beginning in 1960, I attended the after school art program. Mr. Williamson was the bearded-artist teacher and it was not the AGO but the Art Gallery of Toronto. I lived downtown and took 2 streetcars, by myself, to get there and I was only in grade 3. I remember getting off of the streetcar and walking down the drive, which was flanked by 2 small parking lots. After circling the roundabout where the bronze sculpture stood, you walked up the stairs and entered through the main doors into the large foyer which is now somewhere in the middle of the building. Boy, have things ever changed, in more ways than one.

The school was down the stairs to the right. I remember that annually the sets for the gallery

Vic Lotto

It must be close to 60 years ago when a teacher at Cottingham Public School recommended that I attend the Saturday children’s art classes at the AGO. I remember the rolls of kraft paper on the floors of the gallery, the pots of tempera paint and the very helpful instructors. This was a fun time for me but my older sister who had to take be each week on the streetcar, would have preferred an afternoon at the movies. The time at the AGO provided me with a life long interest in art. After retirement I picked up brushes and paints again. During a water colour workshop with Jack Reid, I discovered that he was a Saturday student at the Art Gallery and one of our instructors was Charles Comfort!!

Vic Lotto

It must be close to 60 years ago when a teacher at Cottingham Public School recommended that I attend the Saturday children’s art classes at the AGO. I remember the rolls of kraft paper on the floors of the gallery, the pots of tempera paint and the very helpful instructors. This was a fun time for me but my older sister who had to take be each week on the streetcar, would have preferred an afternoon at the movies. The time at the AGO provided me with a life long interest in art. After retirement I picked up brushes and paints again. During a water colour workshop with Jack Reid, I discovered that he was a Saturday student at the Art Gallery and one of our instructors was Charles Comfort!!

http://www.libbygallery.com Claire shoniker

CLAIRE SHONIKER : SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS

There were many experiences in my early years that affected my decision to become a painter. Two of them stand out in my mind vividly.

It was still the great depression, and although my family was by no means poor, I went to a very poor Catholic School – St. Dunstans. Pot bellied stoves and outdoor toilets were still the way. Mother St. Vincent, the principal, had the ability however to pull out the best in her children and sent me off to audition for the children’s Saturday morning classes at the Art Gallery of Ontario. I was thrilled because I wanted more than anything else to learn to paint, and was nervous about whether or not I could make it.

Every so often that morning I would see the same pair of shoes standing in front of me, and I painted and painted until a voice above me said ” I’ve been watching you for over 2 hours, and can’t believe how you’ve ended up with one half of the page green and one half blue.” The feet belonged to Arthur Lismer and that was my introduction to the world of painting.

My bedroom window faced on to a long backyard, at the back of which stood 2 garages side by side and three feet apart. I was 8 or 9 and would look out at the setting sun. The light was so brilliant, that all I saw was the light between 2 dark shapes. I knew immediately that what I wanted to do with my life was to somehow work with spatial relationships. I think that’s when I decided to be a painter. Spatial relationships of all kinds still fascinate me.

I attended the Gallery School from the age of 9

Janice Andreae

I grew up listening to my mother’s (Edith Lee) stories about attending Gallery School classes at the Toronto Art Museum during the the Depression, where she was taught by Arthur Lismer. This early connection with a Group of Seven member inspired me, and later, my daughters’ attendance at the AGO gallery school in the mid-1980′s. Three generations of our family now have pursued careers directly, and indirectly, involved with the visual arts, as visual artist, art critic, writer, architect, librarian, professor.

Janice Andreae

I grew up listening to my mother’s (Edith Lee) stories about attending Gallery School classes at the Toronto Art Museum during the the Depression, where she was taught by Arthur Lismer. This early connection with a Group of Seven member inspired me, and later, my daughters’ attendance at the AGO gallery school in the mid-1980′s. Three generations of our family now have pursued careers directly, and indirectly, involved with the visual arts, as visual artist, art critic, writer, architect, librarian, professor.

Jim Thornton

I was head of the Gallery School from 1978-90 and would have been there during your daughter’s tenure. It was a wonderful experience for me and I miss it still. Today I remain committed to exploring diverse ways of involving teens and adults in art-enriched educational environments.

Incidentally, my son Josh who graduated from OCAD is now a timber framer and just completed a major research paper funded by Ottawa on alternative building methods using straw/ clay in fill. Small world. Jim T.

Jim Thornton

I was head of the Gallery School from 1978-90 and would have been there during your daughter’s tenure. It was a wonderful experience for me and I miss it still. Today I remain committed to exploring diverse ways of involving teens and adults in art-enriched educational environments.

Incidentally, my son Josh who graduated from OCAD is now a timber framer and just completed a major research paper funded by Ottawa on alternative building methods using straw/ clay in fill. Small world. Jim T.

Helen

In gr.7 I was chosen to get a scholarship from the Leafs-Dream. I never knew what AGO was until then. My parents were so excited about it and they told me to use it well.
At first I thought to myself, ‘Why me? I don’t want to go.’
But as I went I beganned to love it! I learned lots of different kinds of techniques and forms of art and I want to that the Leafs and the AGO for giving me a chance to experience the things that I can’t normally do! Thank you!

Helen

In gr.7 I was chosen to get a scholarship from the Leafs-Dream. I never knew what AGO was until then. My parents were so excited about it and they told me to use it well.
At first I thought to myself, ‘Why me? I don’t want to go.’
But as I went I beganned to love it! I learned lots of different kinds of techniques and forms of art and I want to that the Leafs and the AGO for giving me a chance to experience the things that I can’t normally do! Thank you!

http://wordpress.commistervalentine Fred Valentine

I would like to reach Jim Thornton and say Hey. I was a student of his at CCAD.
Hey Jim! Shoot me an e if interested.
Peace, Love from NYC
Fred Valentine

jim thornton

Fred, just came across your message at the AGO site. Hope this message gets through.Would be great to re-connect. Jim

jim thornton

Fred, just came across your message at the AGO site. Hope this message gets through.Would be great to re-connect. Jim

jim thornton

Hey Fred, just came across your message. Would be great to re-connect

jim thornton

Hey Fred, just came across your message. Would be great to re-connect

http://www.wordsworthweb.com Mike Maul

Good to see you are back in Toronto, Jim. You were a great teacher at CCAD!

http://www.wordsworthweb.com Mike Maul

Good to see you are back in Toronto, Jim. You were a great teacher at CCAD!

http://designfirstaid.ca Frank Myrskog

I was a gallery student and subsequently a gallery technician at the AGO. Those Saturday classes were formative in my approach to painting and drawing. After being rejected by OCA (as it was known then), the work I produced at the school really helped the second time I applied. Still trying to capture the pure sense of freedom that I felt there. Jim Thornton! Thanks for giving me my first break!

http://designfirstaid.ca Frank Myrskog

I was a gallery student and subsequently a gallery technician at the AGO. Those Saturday classes were formative in my approach to painting and drawing. After being rejected by OCA (as it was known then), the work I produced at the school really helped the second time I applied. Still trying to capture the pure sense of freedom that I felt there. Jim Thornton! Thanks for giving me my first break!

Fred Valentine

I am responding to Jim Thornton request. Could you somehow pass this on to him.

Jim,

My email is frvalentine@verizon.net
Fred Valentine

Elenabonny

Jim,
I have been talking about you and CCAD ! I hope this reaches you. This is Elena Osterwalder Bonny. I gave you credit for my love for color. I hope this reaches you.

ann from sem

hello ..are you the same jim thornton who used to teach at southern sem many yrs ago? My name is ann, and we were quite good friends; we moved to boston –then a few places around the world, and I have lost track of you. I’d love to be in touch again. hannumab@yahoo.com

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