Artists on Display – Thomas Fenwick and the First Art Exhibitions in Metis

Thomas Fenwick organized art exhibitions at the Leggatt’s Point Presbyterian Church. His own work and that of his parishioners was on display.

Fenwick was a full-time missionary and an occasional artist. He occupied the manse at Leggat’s Point from 1863 to 1884. The lonely life of a pastor left Fenwick much time for painting. He travelled to the hinterland where he sketched buildings and railway bridges. Seeking an audience for his work, he submitted his illustrations to the Canadian Illustrated News and its sister publication, L’Opinion Publique. The first of his illustrations, “The Falls of the Metis of Quebec”, appeared in 1873.

Fenwick’s illustrations helped promote Metis and contributed to its growing reputation as one of the leading summer resorts on the St. Lawrence. The exhibitions he put together showed off his most recent work. Large portraits of leading figures from the Protestant Reformation, like John Knox, were on exhibit. Other artists were invited to bring their work. Artisans offered up their creations for locals to admire.

One wonders at the effect of the strange spectacle of the display of colourful banners, religious portraits and handicrafts on the local population, a minority of whom were Presbyterians. Artists can sometimes be provocative, but Fenwick was probably just trying to show off his talent for the benefit of the local community. The main attraction may have been the baked goods offered by Fenwick’s mother and the ample quantities of tea.