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Celebrating Tom Thomson LogoCelebrating Tom Thomson

This summer marks 100 years since the death of artist, woodsman, and guide, Tom Thomson. First arriving in Algonquin Park during May 1912 and painting until his untimely death at Canoe Lake in July 1917, Thomson has left a lasting impact with his iconic paintings, most of which were created right here in Algonquin Park. This summer we celebrate Tom Thomson's contributions to the appreciation of Algonquin Park through a series of new exhibitions. See below for details of these Celebrating Tom Thomson events.

Special Exhibit: Algonquin Park in the 1910s - A Tom Thomson Perspective

Canoe Lake Railway Station

Image: Canoe Lake Railway Station (APM-28)

What was Algonquin Park like during the years when Tom Thomson was here? A new special exhibit, presented by The Friends of Algonquin Park, in cooperation with Ontario Parks, will take you back in time, and focus on the Algonquin Park that Tom Thomson would have known between the years of 1912 to 1917. Various themes will be presented that pertain to the era. Get a sense of what visitors would have experienced in Algonquin Park 100 years ago through this special exhibit. The Algonquin Park in the 1910s - A Tom Thomson Perspective runs from July 1 until September 4, 2017 at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre.

Tom Thomson Legacy Path Now Open

Tom Thomson Legacy Path Exhibit Panel Algonquin Park

As part of the Directors Award celebration in memory of Tom Thomson, The Friends of Algonquin Park will be unveiling the new outdoor Tom Thomson Legacy Path at the Algonquin Art Centre. This outdoor exhibit includes interpretive panels that share the story of Tom Thomson’s time in Algonquin Park. Come see this new permanent exhibit starting July 9, 2017 at the Algonquin Art Centre.

Original Tom Thomson Paintings Return to Algonquin Park

Tom Thomson's View from a Height, Algonquin Park (1916)

Painting: Tom Thomson's View from a Height, Algonquin Park (Fall 1916)

From July 9 to 16, 2017, two original Tom Thomson paintings held in private collections will be on exhibit in Algonquin Park. Northern Lake (shown below) likely painted at Molly's Island on Smoke Lake in 1912 represents one of Thomson’s early Algonquin Park works.

Tom Thomson's Northern Lake (1912)
Painting: Tom Thomson's Northern Lake (1912)

View from a Height, Algonquin Park (shown above) was painted during fall 1916 the year Tom Thomson worked as a fire ranger following a Booth Lumber Company log drive on Algonquin Park's East Side. Thomson spent time at the Out-Side-In, a rustic ranger cabin, that still stands at the Achray Campground today. During 1916, Thomson painted some of his most famous works including The Jack Pine believed to be created just south of today's Achray Campground.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to view these two original Tom Thomson works, Northern Lake and View from a Height, Algonquin Park, from July 9 to 16, 2017. Admission to the Algonquin Art Centre is free of charge, but a valid Park permit is required.

Tom Thomson to Receive Directors Award

The Friends of Algonquin Park LogoThe Friends of Algonquin Park Directors Award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the appreciation of Algonquin Park. For 2017, The Friends of Algonquin Park, a Canadian registered charity for those passionate about Algonquin Park, is pleased to announce the presentation of their prestigious Directors Award posthumously to famous Canadian artist Tom Thomson. The award will be presented by acclaimed author Roy MacGregor at the Algonquin Art Centre on July 8, 2017.

There is no doubt that Tom Thomson shared his enthusiasm for Algonquin Park with his fellow artists who called themselves the “Algonquin Park School” who eventually formed the Group of Seven, just a few years after Thomson’s death in Algonquin Park. Tom Thomson continues to foster appreciation of Algonquin Park through his hundreds of striking Algonquin Park paintings that are today known the world over.

See a complete list of Directors Award Recipients who have made significant contributions toward the appreciation of Algonquin Park over the years.


Related Information

 

Reserve your developed or backcountry campsite for your next visit.

Share your passion for Algonquin Park by becoming a member or donor.

Special regulations for Algonquin's special fishery.