What a fascinating tradition.
From the late 1940s until the mid-60s, Mount Allison University students in Fine Arts were required to paint a self-portrait in their fourth year, which they then submitted as their “Diploma Piece” before receiving the Bachelor of Fine Arts. The portraits had to be life-sized, painted in oil on canvas or board, and measure 40 x 30 inches.
This year, the New Brunswick university’s Owens Art Gallery is presenting selections from the Classes of 1953, 1958, and 1963.
Above, from the Owens Gallery Facebook here: Left to right in 1953 grad photo: Shirley Rowcliffe, Raine Leagh, Aileen Claire, Lorin Mair, Dorothy Ellis, “Bud” Robertson, Merily Dawn Wood. Mount Allison University Archives. Picture Collection. 2007.07/1417 Portraits by: Shirley Rowcliffe, Lorin Mair, Dorothy Ellis, and “Bud” Robertson
Above, installation view of the exhibition, on through July 2.
Owens Art Gallery exhibition site, here.
Image at top of post: Mary Blackadar (’58), and John Glassey (’58)
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I agree with David. Such and awesome tradition.
I also agree, and also that it’s awesome of the university archives to keep such large works for so long. Kudos to them and to whoever decides what year(s) to feature each homecoming and then organizes the exhibition.
Love this tradition.
Yes, me too. So much creativity preserved.