Maud Lewis - A Virtual Tour

This exhibition was originally on display at the Douglas Family Art Centre in Kenora, ON in the spring of 2021. Due to COVID-19 related closures, the exhibition was unfortunately cut short. In order to allow more people to enjoy the show, our staff decided to create a video tour of the exhibition. We hope you enjoy our virtual tour of Maud Lewis.
Writer/Presenter: Sophie Lavoie, Art Centre Curator
Video Production/Editing: Shelby Smith, Art Centre Programmer
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ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Canada’s most beloved folk artist, Maud Lewis (1903-1970) has captured the hearts of many with her dazzling depictions of rural Nova Scotia. Her paintings describe a way of life in the Maritimes that was rapidly changing, as the horse and buggy gave way to the automobileand small-scale net fishing was overtaken by industrial fisheries. Her works are thus both documentary and deeply nostalgic.
Born Maud Dowley, Lewis was raised in the town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, the daughter of a blacksmith. Until her final days, she would revisit in her paintings the happy scenes of her childhood, depicting as well the birds and animals remembered from that time. Hers was an art of unbridled joy, despite the many harrowing setbacks she faced: her rheumatoid arthritis, which worsened as she progressed toward adulthood; the early deaths of her parents; the loss of her baby daughter born out of wedlock (and placed secretly with another family by Lewis’s father); and the difficulties of her later marriage. Her desire to make art was the driving force in her life.
Lewis had an instinctive gift for colour and composition, and she put that gift to remarkable use in her variations on set themes-from cats and kittens, to covered bridges, to her scenes of boats in harbour. We have gathered several of these series together, the better to understand her vision and appreciate the exuberant creativity she brought to the art of painting. Lewis sold the paintings from her little house at the side of the road at Marshalltown, NS, where she lived with her husband, Everett, from 1938 until her death in 1970, leaving through her work a legacy of irrepressible delight.
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[@kariskogstadlita8085]

Maud Lewis will be in my heart forever .Love and respect 💖💖💖Amazing Painter .Bless her wonderful heart .Rest in peace Maud💖 You are unforgettable .

[@dawnitalutz1953]

I just discovered her and I'm fascinated.

[@OldNewsNewNews]

What an amazing woman, so Talented with such a big heart❤ Love Maudie's, paintings its nice To see her smiling, in the Documentary's, 💞RIP💞🌷 🏠🌷

[@b.bailey8244]

She was a wonderful draftsperson - she could really draw and had wonderful gifts of perspective. Her joy comes through everything she touched, despite the hardships of her life. I live in the USA and buy her calendar each year. It was wonderful seeing a bunch of works I'd never seen! Thank you!

[@cathymacgregor9246]

Oh wow!! Please tell me where I can purchase a calendar. I'm 76 and have loved her and her pieces for years. Enjoyed your comment!

[@jude1515]

I love the way every painting tells a story. The colors she used are cheerful. She tells a story of hardworking people.

[@lynn201]

Thank you for sharing. When I saw her paintings I feel happy mood. 😊

[@carminevescio6373]

They should make a children's book of her paintings to inspire a new generation!😁 I am inspired by Maud sooooo much!

[@moninacolasito2041]

I’m a fan. Rest in peace Maud 🙏.

[@margaritaresta6390]

My feeling watching Maud Lewis art is JOY. JOY JOY ❤️❤️❤️

[@patwilliams800]

Thank you for enabling us to get into the mindset of this most exquisite, endearing & sweet lady. A beautiful soul, a total treasure 💕 Her paintings are a joy. 🌈💕💜

[@trishsavage5790]

What a Wonderful artist she was.When i saw her smile in on one of the videos I watched.l thought what a Beautiful soul she had.A very special lady indeed.The paintings are so vibrant and full of life.l love them so much.💕🤗💕

[@MonjeHanShan]

I love her work, thank you very much

[@jameshaury2716]

I really enjoyed that.

[@Juliemorgana]

Best video I've seen to introduce Maude Lewis and her art.

[@danielstephens9748]

I knew nothing about this brilliant woman until a few months back on a 'world movie' channel here in Tasmania. "maudie'.... what a fantastic movie...brilliant acting of an Iconic artist!

[@ianbegley4535]

I never thought I would be drawn so much by Maud's work after watching the film. Really lovely paintings and an inspirational woman who flourished against all odds.

[@catherinepatterson4720]

I thoroughly enjoyed this virtual tour. I am a fan of Maud’s style of painting. What an amazing painter she was. Thank you 🌻

[@themusekenora]

So glad that you enjoyed, Catherine!

[@natalie8580]

wonderful discovery, thank you

[@davidcopperfield-notthemag397]

I just found the movie called "Maudie" about Maud and watched it. I immediately loved Maude and her art! I ordered a book on her paintings. I am very glad to find this commentary on her paintings. If I had to use just one word to describe her style of painting, I would use HAPPY. The colors, the style, the animals, plants are all happy! That is why I love her art. Thanks~!

[@lalitpradhan541]

Thanks you 👍. RIP Maud.

[@clairebuenting1395]

Absolutely amazing paintings from a beautiful person. Thank you for producing and sharing.

[@cuernavacadave]

Great tour!! Thank you so much for sharing. Truly enjoyed it!

[@debrajohnson5453]

Great tour and explanation of Maud's works ! Thank you!

[@sohailajaved3278]

Amazing artist. So passionate about her art.

[@ArelyzTorresRodriguez]

Gracias por este bonito tour. Hoy conocí el trabajo de esta artista y me hizo sonreír de ternura. 😘

[@renata31000]

Thank you for this lovely documentary. I just heard about Maud Lewis this weekend, when a friend showed me the movie on her life. I am amazed at the beauty of her art.

[@casard5235]

A wonderful tour. Maud Lewis' art made me happy by virtue of it's simplicity. Much appreciated in these busy times. Relax.

[@levanmckenzie8520]

Amazing I cried 😭😭 after the movie

[@ciz4cookies]

This was very well done! Thank you for sharing this beautiful display of her work with wonderful commentary. I felt like you love her just as much as I do. As a Nova Scotia Artist I am drawn to her work and inspired by every piece I see. Exudes, love and joy for this beautiful province, and the community that she lived in. Again, thank you! Alison

[@ninaklein1335]

Wonderful ❤ unique

[@jacqualynharris3940]

What a great story, a fabulous artist

[@maddietighe5881]

beautiful work.

[@januszbus6118]

Thank you for sharing video. Thak you Maud ! 😿🎨💐

[@laurielaurie8280]

She really had a great talent. I love all her artwork :)))

[@sabinelloyd8532]

Thank you for the virtual tour ❤

[@maryalbert6138]

Beautiful soul.❤❤

[@larasemerad2605]

I love all her Art painting-I did not know she had a disability. She is creative.

[@MelissaMarginet]

Really enjoyed this. Thank you.

[@erikafranziska]

Thank you for this🙏🥰❤️

[@joysau5437]

在她的画里看到，她确实是天使❤

[@AMMAR_-dv4si]

I saw the movie about her so sad she was surrounded by narcissistic people and I wonder why her spirit is so strong in spite the keep telling her you can't .now I knew that the reason why she is strong spirit because of her mother .child hood is very important.

[@manita2653]

Thank you for this Wonderful Tour of Maudi Lewis's work. It is glorious that many Owners of her Art are sharing to make this virtual tour possible. Is the a possibility of purchasing any of the work shown in this video by selling prints, postcards or a Calendar? I will not buy anything from the AGNS as they truly are NOT owners of Maudi's copyright. Blessings to you all!!

[@cathymacgregor9246]

Will her works come to the USA?

[@Qwijebo]

I had a Lewis piece, turned out to be a copy or a fake, even had a label on the back. Unfortunately like a lot of well known Canadian artists, there's always the element out there that creates the fakes for money.

[@barbaraproductions3570]

I hope you help Fred to get his rights to Mauds house

[@MsOoglyBoo]

Shame on you nova Scotia!! Shame