NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA PUBLIC LIBRARY
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A striking portrait in oil of popular St. James’ Anglican Church’s Rev. Canon Greene was unveiled on Wednesday, Oct. 13 during a special outdoor ceremony at the Orillia Public Library, which will become the new home of this masterfully rendered painting.
The rich, detailed likeness was painted in 1929 by one of Toronto’s most renowned academic portraitists of the day, John Wycliffe Lowes Forester, who completed over 600 canvases in his lifetime, most being highly detailed commissioned portraits of accomplished figures in politics, royalty and civil life.
Canon Greene was quite a talented artist in his own right, and taught fine arts to several notable students, including Orillia’s own future Group of Seven member Franklin Carmichael, and Ada Greenland, who would go on to open Orillia’s first art studio.
This portrait was generously donated by Canon Greene descendant Chris Mitchele and will be hung in a prominent location in the library, specifically chosen so that the spire of St. James’ church will be visible through a large window just above the painting. This piece and its story will then join Orillia Public Library’s intriguing self-guided art tour, which already features works by both Carmichael and Canon Greene.
“After having this beautiful painting grace the homes of my grandparents, my parents, and then our own living room, we decided it was time to return it to Orillia and share it with the community that Canon Greene loved so much,” said Mitchele at the unveiling. “We know it will be cherished here in Orillia, just as Canon Greene was cherished here during his lifetime.”
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