Taking a second glance at MRU’s art
by Web Editor · March 10, 2012
Photos: Reflector staff
As students walk their usual paths to class each week they may pass pieces of art here and there. In fact, there are actually more pieces than you might think. According to MRU archivist Pat Roome, there are approximately 300 pieces in the collection and another 100 on loan to MRU, some from the City of Calgary’s civic collection. The Reflector took a bit of a tour to open some doors and show students campus art that is lesser seen and known.
Gerda Christofferson’s untitled, 1960 — oil on canvas This First Nations couple overlooks the study area behind the Starbucks on Main Street. Little is known about the Danish artist’s personal life but it’s said that John F. Kennedy was a big fan of her work.
Carl Beam’s John Lennon, 2001 — Serigraph 64/100 Beam’s long legacy probably began when he became the first Canadian with First Nations heritage to have his work purchased by the National Gallery of Canada. The gallery has now recognized him as one of Canada’s most important artists. This piece is a part of a series featuring Madonna and Einstein in a teleconferencing room in the broadcasting wing.
Colleen Anderson Millard’s Enlightenment and Learning: Mount Royal College, 1997 — acrylic and mixed media on hard board Anderson Millard died in 2005. Her mixed media pieces, like this one, are very illustration-like and inspires a child-like perspective. This piece is on display in the presidential wing offices lobby.
Kelly Krueger’s Proserpina Fragmenta, 2001 – acrylic on canvas This abstract piece, located in the presidential wing offices as well, evokes an organic, warm feeling. The artist actually worked in the International Department in 1988 and her work is featured at the University of Alberta as well, among many other places worldwide.
Kenneth Sturdy’s Circular painting #17, 1960 — oil and enamel on canvas This chaotic abstract’s circular circumference gives a sense of calm to the storm of colour. Sturdy was the president of ACAD from ’74 to ’82 and this painting is on loan from the City of Calgary’s civic art collection in the T-wing.
Wendy Toogood’s Loop, 1982 – acrylic textile This wall hanging is making the reading room in T-wing a little brighter with its standout primary colours and geometric pattern. Toogood is from Bristol, England, but has lived in Canada since 1952. She is the recipient of many awards, has work placed all over the world and was an instructor at ACAD from ’75 to ’06.
