Discover the powerful work of Dawn MacNutt in this retrospective solo exhibition spanning over four decades. From delicate wire miniatures to monumental bronze forms cast from woven willow branches, the Pictou County-based artist explore the fragility, resilience, and beauty of life. Blending craft practices with conceptual sculpture, MacNutt’s work enriches contemporary perspectives on care, support, loss, and the handmade.
Curated by Melanie Colosimo and Emily Falvey
Organized by Mount Saint Vincent University Art Gallery, Halifax, NS, and the Owens Art Gallery, Sackville, NB.
Artist bio: Dawn MacNutt obtained a bachelor of arts (art and psychology) in 1957 from Mount Allison University, New Brunswick. In 1970, she obtained a master’s degree in social work from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was inducted into the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts in 2008. She was honoured with a Doctorate of Humane Letters (2005) by Mount Saint Vincent University and a Doctorate of Laws (2014) by Mount Allison University.
As well as her exhibition and commission work, she is a longstanding member of the International Sculpture Centre; CARFAC; Craft Nova Scotia: Visual Arts Nova Scotia; and Creative Pictou County. She served as a national director on the Canadian Craft Council from 1983 – 1987 and her work is held in numerous collections including the MSVU Art Gallery, Halifax; the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax; the Owens Art Gallery, Sackville; the Museum of Arts and Design, New York; Rideau Hall, Ottawa; and the Canadian Museum of History, Ottawa.
This exhibition and all related programming and events are generously sponsored by the Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership and the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.
Remarks and curatorial introductions to the exhibition will be delivered by Gallery Director Dr. Andrea Terry and exhibition co-curator Dr. Emily Falvey. The artist and her family will be in attendance.
Light refreshments will be provided.
