[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/art.jpg” caption=”Naomi Jackson Groves, Godthaab with Hart’s Horn, 1941 oil on canvas board, 29.4 x 37.5 cm, McMaster University Collection.”]An exhibit by Naomi Jackson Groves, niece of celebrated artist A.Y. Jackson, is on display at the McMaster Museum of Art from May 31 to August 21, 2005.

Entitled “Naomi Jackson Groves: Northern Soul”, the exhibit is curated by Teresa Gregorio, a fourth-year art history student at the School of the Arts at McMaster University. A curator's talk is scheduled for Wednesday, June 1 at 12:30 p.m.

Groves taught painting at McMaster University in the fifties. Her expertise on the work of Ernst Barlach contributed greatly to the acquisition of German Expressionist prints for the University's collection. The exhibition of 10 paintings by Jackson Groves from McMaster's collection draws on the connection between the group of Seven and Jackson Groves' own work.

Groves grew up under the artistic influence and ideals of the Group of Seven. Her uncle was a particularly strong influence on her artistic style. His perception of Canadian identity as defined through the environment is evident in Groves's paintings. Her engagement with the Canadian landscape tradition, the Group of Seven and questions of cultural identity will be explored in an exhibition of selected paintings from the McMaster University collection.

Naomi Jackson Groves: Northern Soul is presented as part of The Group of Seven Project 1920-2005, a province-wide festival of exhibitions, educational activities and related events celebrating the 85th anniversary of the first exhibition of the Group of Seven. The project is presented by 29 partnering public art galleries across Ontario and the Ontario Association of Art Galleries.

The McMaster Museum of Art is located on the campus of McMaster University at the corner of Sterling Street and University Avenue. Admission to the Museum is pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $2. Students, seniors and members are free. Museum Hours: Tues – Fri 11-5; Sunday 12-5. Phone: 905-525-9140 ext. 23081. Fax: 905-527-4548. E-mail: museum@mcmaster.ca. Website: http://www.mcmaster.ca/museum