[ DIVERSITY + CULTURE ]
where people came to vote, marking its
role in connecting the public. As Vaughan
grew, new offices and services were
developed to accommodate the evolution,
but the foundation remains rooted in the
historic Vellore Township Hall.
Lord
Beaverbrook
House
Expressing the artistic and diverse side
of Vaughan’s history would be MacDonald House in Thornhill. Built in 1900,
this was the home of the talented James
Edward Harvey MacDonald, an original
member of the Group of Seven painters.
Now known as one of the most scenic
grounds in Vaughan, his Thornhill home
is also the inspiration for his famous painting Tangled Garden.
As newcomers move to Vaughan, these
buildings become not only a part of
their heritage, but also an oasis in an
unfamiliar place. Several of the buildings
offer visiting hours for the public to learn
about the background behind each one as
well as host community events and allow
newcomers to engage and become more
involved in the existing community. A
great example is the Nathaniel Wallace
House in Woodbridge, where residents
are able to attend weekly events including
knitting and quilting classes, coffee
drop-ins and writing groups. Several of
the sites are also available to be rented
for special events, including Armstrong
House in Thornhill, the home of painter
William Walton Armstrong.
A great representation of Vaughan and
Canadian culture can also be found at
the very popular McMichael Canadian
Art Collection, a wonderful place for newcomers to feel united in the community.
Celebrating 50 years since opening their
doors, McMichael is and has always been
a place filled with knowledge and inspiration. From the moment you walk in, you
will be immersed in Canadian culture in
the form of different art pieces at every
inch of the gallery. McMichael Canadian
Art Collection offers a chance to understand Canadian culture in a new light.
Renowned for showcasing exclusively
Canadian talent, the gallery holds over
6,000 pieces in their permanent collection.
The most popular collection at McMichael, loved by all, is the Group of
Seven. Bringing together the works of
several artists over a span of 13 years,
each of their paintings depicts a different perspective of Canadian landscape
and heritage. They have defined what it
means to be Canadian with innovative and
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Celebrate Vaughan / 2016
breathtaking artwork that has inspired a
nation. Together, these artists agreed that
Canada’s rugged but beautiful landscapes
must be displayed in a distinct style. From
Tom Thomson’s Early Spring to Arthur
Lismer’s Summer Time, each piece of
work shows off an identity that separated
Canadian art from a field that was, at the
time, dominated by a traditional European aesthetic.
The McMichael also features a collection by First Nations artists as well as one
showcasing Inuit talent. By capturing a
wide range of cultural works, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection is able to
make everyone feel truly welcomed. An
outdoor Sculpture Garden features nine
twice-life-size sculptures across a lovely
pathway, emphasizing the importance of
Canadian landscape as a muse. The final
collection is contemporary art, showcasing more modern issues depicted by
artistic expression.
J.E.H.
MacDonald
House
A PEOPLE WITHOUT
THE KNOWLEDGE OF
THEIR PAST HISTORY,
ORIGIN AND CULTURE
IS LIKE A TREE
WITHOUT ROOTS.”
– Marcus Garvey
Newcomers to Vaughan are able to visit
the McMichael gallery and use it as a
tool to learn about both local artists and
the area. Special exhibitions, included in
the price of regular admission, are also
held at different times throughout the
year to put a spotlight on a different artist
or topic that is not usually featured in
the permanent collections. Visitors also
have access to different programs hosted
by the gallery, including summer camps
and art classes. Providing a chance to
become educated as well as inspired to
participate, the McMichael Canadian Art
Collection is a perfect place to become
more integrated with the community. The
beautifully landscaped green space also
offers a wonderful retreat away from a
busy city and an opportunity to connect
with nature and art.
Every city has its own story. Vaughan’s
includes a tale of culture, growth and
Thornhill
Mill
Street
inclusion – all three depicted by the 13
heritage buildings around the city and
the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Through history and art, newcomers, longtime residents and tourists alike can come
together to enjoy a city that values its past,
present and future. To celebrate Vaughan,
you must celebrate the local heritage that
makes it shine so bright.
For more information about Vaughan’s heritage sites, visit
Vaughan.ca and find tickets online to the McMichael Canadian
Art Collection at mcmichael.com