The Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) has another Arthur Shilling painting in its collection, but this one stands out for a variety of reasons.
Of the handful of paintings by the late Rama First Nation artist that are in OMAH’s possession, the latest one — a portrait of Susan White — was created during Shilling’s earlier days as an artist.
White, a long-time educator who taught at Harriett Todd and Couchiching Heights public schools in Orillia, died Feb. 13 at the age of 73.
Shilling painted the portrait in 1968, when he was about 27 and White was 20. White’s mother commissioned the painting.
Later in her life, White was trying to determine where the portrait would go. Family friend Paul Raymond suggested she bequeath it to OMAH. She agreed, and included it in her will.
“She was very proud of that painting. She made sure it was protected,” Raymond said. “It was a special thing.”
OMAH executive director Ninette Gyorody was thrilled when she saw the work of art, which was created using oil on canvas board.
“It’s nice to have an example of his earlier work,” she said. “The portrait itself is exquisitely stunning. The rendering is so expressive.”
There are stark differences between Shilling’s earlier and later work. As seen in the portrait of White, he favoured lighter, pastel colours.
That changed in the late ’70s, after he underwent open heart surgery, explained Tanya Cunnington, OMAH’s art programming co-ordinator. He then adopted the style he is best known for — bolder and darker.
“It’s a beautiful example of Arthur’s earlier style,” she said of the portrait, “and we are very, very grateful to have it in our collection.”
It’s also a “beautiful way for us to carry on her memory,” she said of White.
It’s a valuable piece in many ways, Gyorody said.
“The fact that there’s an awareness in our community to keep work like this in our community is wonderful,” she said. “We get to help share (Shilling’s) story. He touched many, many different lives.”
It’s important to OMAH to make its collection accessible, she said, which is why it is available in its entirety on the museum’s website.
“We are always looking at building and enhancing our collection through donations,” she added.
