Pat Fairhead (1927 – 2023)
Pat Fairhead’s life revolves around her art; it defines her identity. Though she has been drawing and painting since childhood, her professional career began with her first solo exhibition in Toronto in 1966. Since then, she has held over 70 solo exhibitions and participated in more than 60 group shows across Canada, the USA, and Great Britain.
Pat finds inspiration in various natural sources. Having moved to Canada from England as a child, her early creativity was influenced by visits to Muskoka, where she has lived since 2000. The local landscapes, waterways, and weather have significantly influenced her work.
Beyond her artistic career, teaching, mentoring, and advocacy have been significant aspects of her life. Since 1965, Pat has taught art and leadership in various settings, from studio classes to university programs. She researched and co-developed the Centre for Women at Humber College and directed the Craft Resource Centre for the Ontario Crafts Council, both pioneering institutions in Canada. Additionally, Pat contributed to numerous projects for TVO, including the first visual art studies program.
EDUCATION
- Master of Arts: Goddard College, Vermont, U.S.A.
- Master of Education: Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Department of Adult Education, Fellowship Grant, Research and Development Grant for Learning Environments.
- The Ontario College of Art & Design, Proficiency Prize
MEMBERSHIPS
- Royal Canadian Academy of Art, elected 1993
- Ontario Society of Artists, elected 1986
- The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto, elected 1985
- Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour, elected 1966
Society of Canadian Artists, founding member and past president
SOLO EXHIBITIONS (Selected)
- The Collectors’ Gallery, Calgary, AB, 2012
- Agora Gallery, Chelsea, New York, 2011
- Upstairs at 111 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON 2011
- Trias Gallery, Toronto, ON 2008, 2012
- Gallery One, Toronto, ON 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003
- Roberts Gallery, Toronto, ON 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992,
1994, 1996 - Chancery Gallery, Bracebridge, ON 2008, 2009
- Thielsen Gallery, London, ON 1987, 1991, 2001
- Harbour Gallery, Mississauga, ON 1993, 1995, 1997
- Wallace Galleries, Calgary, AB 1996
- Mabey Gallery, Richmond, Virginia, USA 1992, 1993, 1996
- Lydon Fine Art Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA, 1992
Fraser Galleries, Halifax, Nova Scotia 1991
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