A special opening at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario, yesterday celebrated new installations of both the permanent collection and new exhibits of important paintings by the Group of Seven.

The museum's great hall was filled to capacity for a program of conversations on The Group of Seven: Revelations and Changing Perspectives, Following in the Footsteps of the Group of Seven and Dorothy Knowles: Land Marks exhibits.

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is marking the 90th anniversary of the Group of Seven's first exhibition with fresh installations that explore the collection in new ways. 

The McMichael museum is considered the spiritual home of the Group of Seven and indeed six of the group's members are buried on the grounds of the museum's 100 wooded acres.

Formed in the early decades of the 20th century by several artists employed at commercial design firms in Toronto, members of the Group of Seven sought to record Canada's rugged landscape with a distinctive style that broke with European tradition.  The Group of Seven came to symbolize the concept of a uniquely Canadian identity and had a tremendous influence on artists that followed.

None of the Group of Seven ever painted in Saskatchewan, however, leaving landscape artists in that province--like Order of Canada recipient Dorothy Knowles--freer to invent their own style.  Dorothy Knowles was in attendance at the McMichael for Sunday's special celebration and attendees had the opportunity to hear her in conversation with curator Terry Fenton, ask questions and meet the artist while touring the Dorothy Knowles: Land Marks show. 

For anyone interested in Canadian art, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection is a required pilgrimage.  Collecting and exhibiting 100% Canadian content, the museum's permanent collection includes work by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations, Inuit and other artists who have contributed to the development of Canadian art.

Located about 40 km from Toronto in Kleinburg at 10365 Islington Avenue, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection warrants at least a half- to full day to completely explore the gallery and grounds.  For information on all current shows, directions and recommended area accommodation, visit the museum's website.