Necklace made by Donald A. Stuart for Pauline Johnson; photograph by Andre Beneteau
HOMAGE: 40 exquisite necklaces for 40 outstanding Canadian Women
Homage is a unique, beautiful and powerful exhibition of 40 tailor-made and exquisite necklaces designed and created for 40 of Canada’s most iconic women. Through design and choice of material, each piece celebrates the achievements, talents, perseverance and character of their dedicated icon, and is accompanied by a biography and a drawing of each woman.
Homage has toured Canada’s Eastern Provinces to rave reviews and Salt Spring is its first showing in the West.
Donald A. Stuart is an internationally celebrated goldsmith, silversmith and designer, and perhaps the only person with the skills and vision to create these 40 wonderful necklaces for 40 wonderful women. He was awarded the order of Canada in 2002 for his skill as a master craftsman, jeweller, designer and educator.
“I have always been fascinated with history and historical figures. I wanted to celebrate women’s contribution to Canada and my readings inspired me to develop this theme. Further research enabled me to develop a potential list of women. I also wanted to share the stories of many whom I do not believe have had the recognition that I think they should.”
Necklace made by Donald A. Stuart for Elizabeth Bushell; photograph by Andre Beneteau
Susan Benson is the curator of Homage and is the artist of the portraits on display. She is an internationally respected theatre set and costume designer and visual artist. She was awarded the Order of Canada in 2019. “We had a difficult time with the choice of who should be included and
acknowledged. We have included inventors, politicians, businesswomen, engineers, artists, and mothers, spanning the eleventh century to the present… Each necklace can be considered a small sculptural piece. Although craft is often disassociated from the word “art”, I hope that, through this exhibition, craft and art can be viewed as one and the same.”
Currently this is Western Canada’s only planned showing of Homage. All events to be held in the ArtSpring Galleries.
OPENING: May 8th, 5:00-7:00pm
CURATOR’S TALK: May 10th, 1:00pm
The stories behind the exhibition. With Donald Stuart and Susan Benson.
ICONS PANEL DISCUSSION: May 14th, 1:00 pm
5 Iconic Canadian women discuss the challenges and rewards of being a
successful woman.
AMAZING ISLAND WOMEN PANEL DISCUSSION: May 21st, 1:00pm
Shared stories of women in our community.
To join in the celebration we invite everyone attending the exhibition or any of the events to dress up and wear their most dramatic jewelry!
ArtSpring would like to thank Janet Halliwell, Sandra Heath, Seth Berkowitz Photography, Susan Benson, Lynne & Richard York, Donna Cochran, Country Grocer, and Garry Oaks Estate Winery for generously supporting this exhibition.
Necklace made by Donald A. Stuart for Diana Krall; photograph by Andre Beneteau
