MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

 

Canadian folk art collection breezes into [Museum displaying the exhibition]

 

[location], [date] — The [Museum displaying the exhibition] is proud to announce the opening of Wind Work, Wind Play: Weathervanes and Whirligigs, a lively special exhibition from the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.

 

“We are pleased to showcase more than 30 wonderful wind-driven pieces from our extensive folk art collection at the [Museum displaying the exhibition],” said Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “Once dismissed as primitive or naïve, Canadian folk art has long since come into its own, and we are proud to show these objects, which reflect the whimsy, humour and creativity of ordinary Canadians from coast to coast.”

 

Weathervanes have been part of the landscape in Europe and North America for centuries. They have perched atop every community’s tallest buildings — on roofs, church steeples and castle towers. Many are now considered icons of folk art.


Most people are aware of the weathervane’s role in telling the direction of the wind. However, not everyone knows that the wind’s direction can also give an idea of oncoming weather. “I've always loved old weathervanes, but I never knew how they really worked,” says Sheldon Posen, Curator of Canadian Folklife at the Museum of Civilization. “As it turns out, they are more than just pretty pointers!”

 

Whirligigs, on the other hand, are created to amuse and entertain. These wind-driven lawn ornaments are generally small figural creations, which, when placed outdoors, engage in frantic movements as they ceaselessly accomplish nothing.


Wind Work, Wind Play was first on display at the Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1, Gallery 120, from March 7 to June 11, 2008, introducing both Canadian and international visitors to many aspects of Canadian society, culture and history.

 

The exhibition will be on display at the [Museum displaying the exhibition] from [presentation dates].

 

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Media Information:

Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7167

Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7169

Fax: 819 776-7187



Canada wordmark Created : July 20, 2010