Crown in Saskatoon - Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture

Saskatoon is home to the Mendel Art Gallery, the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival and the Diefenbaker Museum – and great artists and writers, such as Guy Vanderhaege, David Carpenter and Elizabeth Brewster. Even in this wonderful, modern, cultured city, I think you still see the influence of the landscape, of the sheer physical fact of the prairie, on your artists and thinkers. — Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, Saskatoon, 2000

Saskatoon artists and artisans also have connections to the Crown. Cyril Leeper, a former portraitist in Saskatoon, was commissioned to paint the portrait of the Queen, and also of the Duke of York on his appointment as commander of HMS Cottesmore. The former portrait was unveiled at Royal Albert Hall in London. Saskatoon-area wood-turning artist Michael Hosaluk's pieces can be found in the Queen's permanent collection. Painter Robert Hurley (1894–1980) was an English immigrant to Saskatoon well known for his treatment of the prairie landscape. He was largely self-taught in his art, and one of his sketches for a painting was presented to Princess Elizabeth. The work of another Saskatoon painter, Lorenzo Dupuis, was featured in a solo exhibit for the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York there in 1989.

Provincial centennial celebrations in 2005 culminated in an arts gala hosted in Saskatoon by Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock. She said that the event, at which the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were present, was a "unique opportunity to experience the rich fabric and diversity of our homegrown artists". It sought to celebrate the achievements of artists, writers, musicians, and entertainers, with special appearances by national and international celebrities including Saskatoon-native Joni Mitchell. Saskatoon-area natives Douglas Bentham, Robert Christie, Gregory Hardy, Michael Hosaluk, Dorothy Knowles and William Perehudoff are members of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, an organisation of established professionals working across Canada. Saskatonians have been recognised by national and provincial arts awards, such as the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, which are often bestowed by vice-regals.