Pat Fairhead has decided to leave her latest exhibition, “Pat’s Muskoka,” hanging on the walls of 1182 Foreman Rd. in Port Carling until the New Year. More than 100 people showed up to the opening on Saturday, December 6^th to see Pat’s latest work, 20 exquisite watercolours of Autumn in Muskoka.  MPP Norm Miller was there with his sons to view the work and congratulate Pat. 

  During her career, Pat has travelled to many exotic places in search of inspiration for her work, including the Amazon jungle, the Australian outback, New Zealand, Alaska, Labrador, Egypt, Crete, South Africa, Greenland, North Shore Lake Superior, Desolation Sound, B.C., and most recently the Canadian Arctic.  The paintings in this exhibition were inspired by something much closer to home, the view from her studio on Brandy Lake.

  Passionate about her work and living life to its fullest extent, Pat has painted full time since 1979 and is considered to be one of the top woman painters in Canada.  Her sweeping expressive landscapes and gardens exhibit the fresh, luminous colours and highly controlled brush techniques that are the traits of a master watercolourist.  As well as art galleries and private collections, Pat’s paintings are in the prestigious Royal Collection of Drawings and Watercolours in Windsor Castle, and in over 200 corporate collections.

  Pat is a Master of Arts graduate of Goddard College in Vermont, and holds a Masters of Adult Education degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto.  Her passion for education and life long learning is reflected in her unique teaching style.  Currently she is leading a group in Port Carling that she refers to as a “learning community of painters.”  This dynamic and growing group meets on Wednesday mornings, and everyone is welcome. 

  Elected a member of the Royal Academy of Art in 1993, Pat is also an active member of the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto and was one of the first women members of the club started by the Group of Seven.  It is a delight to meet Pat, and listen to what she has to say about her work, her life and her many unique adventures.  Muskoka is truly fortunate to have such a renowned Canadian painter living and working here. 

  “Pat’s Muskoka” can be viewed at 1182 Foreman Rd., Port Carling, by chance or by appointment, until January 2004.  If you are interested in viewing Pat’s paintings or attending the classes in Port Carling, please call (705) 765-1048 for details.