Memories of the Goderich Art Club – Goderich Signal Star

Nearly three years ago two long-time members of the Goderich Art Club had an aha moment.

Madeleine Roske and Nancy Marchl realized that their long membership in the club provided them with memories and insights that were increasingly rare amongst the current club membership.

As Roske and Marchl thought about this fact, they realized that unless someone took on the task memories of the clubs history and of its founding members would be lost.

Roske and Marchl soon embarked on their research interviewing, collecting photos, and memories, and writing.

What has emerged from this work is a book filled with memories and photos of the Goderich Art Club and its members from 1952 until present day.

As they began this project they were fortunate to have been able to meet with both Paul Carroll and Jean Culbert, both of whom were life-long members who had kept photos and had memories, which they generously shared.

Paul Carroll had become a member when he was a teenager, and related how helpful those early members were in the development of his own life-long interest in art.

Now, some might think that they have no interest in art, or that they dont know any of the members, so this book would be of no interest to you. Yet, think again, because paralleling the history of the art club is a history of post World War II South Western Ontario.

This was an era of can-do people suffered great losses, had to ration, experienced lots of worry, and absorbed harsh news on a daily basis during the war years.

Now in the 1950s they had emerged into modern times. Colour, leisure, new ideas, and recreational pursuits were now seen as important and popular.

Artistic endeavours such as painting, drawing, and fancy needlework, rather than rationing of supplies, blackouts, and knitting or sewing for the war effort, had become very au courant.

Suddenly art supplies and vibrant new paint colours were readily available, and people were eager to try things they had not had the time or resources to do during many years of privation.

Now in an era of prosperity, modernity, and newly found leisure, artistic pursuits would have fit right in.

On first reading it seemed simply astonishing that a group from a small town would simply pick up the phone to ask a well known artist, who at that time was Curator of the London Art Gallery, to come to town to help them establish an art club. Yet, thats exactly what they did.

Mrs. Iona Hind called Mr. Clare Bice, Curator of the London Art Gallery, a highly respected Canadian artist who has paintings in the National Gallery of Art in Ottawa. He was asked to come and help them with the founding of the club.

Subsequently, three lectures on How to Paint Pictures were arranged, and soon, Mr. Selwyn Dewdney, Mr. Simon Versteeg, and Mr. Herb Ariss were all enlisted to provide theses first lectures. These talented London artists were paid $15.00 each, plus expenses for their foundational instruction, and the Goderich Art Club was up and running.

The club has existed ever since, in many different formats and in many different homes. It has now settled permanently at the McKay Centre for Seniors.

However, just because the club meets there, doesnt mean that membership is restricted to seniors, which is definitely not the intent.

Currently, members paint together on Wednesday afternoons, and Saturday mornings. Art Club members hold a popular annual Show and Sale during Celtic weekend, and frequently offer lessons and demonstrations of particular painting techniques. Information on how to join is available by calling the McKay Centre, or dropping in for a visit during regular painting sessions. All who are interested will be welcomed, and, probably invited to stay for a cup of tea and a cookie as they visit.

Some may think they have no interest in art, but they just might discover that their parents, or grandparents, aunts, or uncles have had some involvement with the Goderich Art Club over its long and varied history.

The history of the Art Club is also a history of Goderich, from the 1950s to the present, which is of interest to everyone.

Roske and Marchl have included photos, memories and anecdotes, and with the skilled assistance of Rhea Hamilton-Seeger have organized it into a fascinating look-back at Goderich, its citizens, and art in the community.

You can get your own copy of this book at Finchers, and Elizabeths Art Gallery, or by contacting Madeleine Roske.

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Memories of the Goderich Art Club - Goderich Signal Star