Fort St. John North Peace Museum to Host Exhibit on Canadian Artist

FORT ST. JOHN, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 18, 2014) - Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada has provided the Fort St. John North Peace Museum with $3,290 in funding through the Museums Assistance Program.

This support is enabling the Fort St. John North Peace Museum to host the exhibition Robert David Symons: Countryman from June 2 to September 24, 2014. The exhibition is being circulated by the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery in Saskatchewan.

Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament (Prince George-Peace River), announced this support today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Quick Facts

• Robert David Symons, an artist, writer and naturalist, came to Canada from England in 1914 and worked on a ranch in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. Following active service with the British Army in World War I, he returned to Canada and maintained ranchland in Fort St. John and in Silton, Saskatchewan, until he retired to his Silton studio in 1961.
• Symons greatly influenced many contemporary nature writers, including award-winning Saskatchewan authors Trevor Herriot and Candace Savage.
• The North Peace Historical Society operates the Fort St. John North Peace Museum. The Society is dedicated to the collection, preservation, storage and display of artifacts relating to the history of the North Peace River area-from First Nations settlements to the modern oil and gas industry-for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.
• The Museums Assistance Program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.

Quotes

"Museums and galleries across Canada welcome millions of visitors each year and play an instrumental role in sharing the stories of our country's rich heritage and culture. Our Government is committed to supporting local museums that are valuable educational resources for Canadians."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"The Fort St. John North Peace Museum does a remarkable job of showcasing the rich history of the area and its people here in northern British Columbia. I know this funding will go a long way in ensuring that our residents can continue to access exceptional cultural experiences in the Peace River Regional District."

-Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament (Prince George-Peace River)

"The Fort St. John North Peace Museum is grateful to receive this support from the Government of Canada so that we can bring Symons' work back to a place he called home. This funding enables us to host our largest art exhibit thus far, reacquaint Symons' old friends with his work, and introduce his writings, artwork and environmental message to a new generation in the Peace River region."

-Heather Longworth, Curator, Fort St. John North Peace Museum

Associated Links

Fort St. John North Peace Museum

Museums Assistance Program

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