Lisa Timpf
On November 16, just over 100 people gathered to celebrate Lynnwood Arts’ 50th anniversary, and to acknowledge the significant contributions made by Ellen McIntosh-Green, the institution’s first curator.
Representatives of federal, provincial, and municipal government were among the attendees.
Kim Shippey, Lynnwood Arts’ Executive Director, kicked off the formal portion of the event by noting that Norfolk residents owe Lynnwood’s existence to a “handful of passionate individuals who wanted to ensure that the arts could be seen, appreciated, and experienced” locally. One of those passionate individuals was Ellen McIntosh-Green, who “dedicated heart and soul” to the Lynnwood facility.
Ellen’s daughter Elizabeth McIntosh, the next person to take the podium, could personally attest to McIntosh-Green’s commitment. Elizabeth spoke about the startup of Lynnwood Arts, sharing anecdotes about the facility’s origins and history. She noted that her mother first got the idea of a local art gallery in Simcoe after seeing an exhibition of adult art at North School.
One of Ellen’s friends suggested the then-vacant Lynnwood building as a potential venue for a gallery. As it turned out, Frank Reed, who owned the Lynnwood House at the time, agreed to sell the building to the aspiring arts centre organizers in the early 1970s for $50,000. Subsequently, Ellen McIntosh-Green spearheaded efforts to fundraise, establish a Board, and connect with the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.
McIntosh-Green became Lynnwood’s first curator, making regular trips to Toronto to keep her finger on the pulse of the art world. She also served as President of the Ontario Association of Art Galleries for a time.
Over the years, events, classes, and the acquisition of pieces for the collection at Lynnwood brought art to Simcoe, while sparking the ambitions of many budding artists. Elizabeth McIntosh counts herself among that number. She herself became an artist and is now a tenured professor at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. She credits Lynnwood for providing her with an early exposure to art.
Haldimand-Norfolk Member of Provincial Parliament Bobbi Ann Brady addressed the group noting, “We’ve always seen Lynnwood as a very inviting place,” adding that “we don’t have to drive anywhere to enjoy beautiful artwork.” She offered thanks to the “volunteers, donors, and anyone who does the heavy lifting behind the scenes in a quiet way.” Brady then presented a certificate of congratulation signed by Ontario premier Doug Ford.
Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin also gave a speech congratulating Lynnwood on five decades as a cultural cornerstone of the community, noting that the Lynnwood building was built in 1851 as the home of Duncan Campbell, Simcoe’s first postmaster.
She acknowledged the 3,000 visitors brought to the area by the Studio Tour, and thanked Lynnwood’s staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors, presenting a scroll of congratulations on behalf of Norfolk County Council.
Though Haldimand-Norfolk Member of Parliament Leslyn Lewis was unable to attend the event, Joshua Mallais, a member of her staff, brought congratulations on her behalf. Mallais spoke of the contribution Lynnwood has made to the fabric of the community, noting the facility’s incredible legacy, and presented a congratulatory certificate.
Attendees were then free to mingle and look at the displays, which included scrapbooks highlighting Lynnwood’s history. Included among the memorabilia was a Dec. 5, 1974 Simcoe Reformer article celebrating Lynnwood’s startup.
“Today was an incredible celebration,” Shippey said after the event. “There were so many people, lots of memory sharing, and excitement for what the future of Lynnwood holds.”
Shippey herself has a long-time connection with Lynnwood. When her daughters were younger, they often came to Lynnwood to attend events.
“I feel honoured to be a part of its history, present, and future,” Shippey said, adding that Lynnwood is “a treasure in the community.”
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