February 10, 2005 Governor General to open new art exhibition "The McMichael Canadian Art Collection at Rideau Hall" Media preview prior to opening OTTAWA – Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, and His Excellency John Ralston Saul will officially open a new art exhibition entitled "The McMichael Canadian Art Collection at Rideau Hall" on Tuesday, February 15, 2005, at 5:00 p.m. This exhibition comprises 12 paintings and drawings by some of Canada's most celebrated artists. Visitors to Rideau Hall will have the chance to view this temporary exhibition as part of the regular residence tours and art tours. The public can discover the splendor of Canada's rich and diverse landscapes through the eyes of Emily Carr, Lawren Harris, Victoria Mamnguqsualuk, Franklin Carmichael and others. "We are delighted that we can showcase some of the greatest Canadian artworks here in a residential setting, in Canada's house," said the Governor General. "All of the artists celebrated in this exhibition take us to places we might not otherwise see. In these landscapes, the hills and streets, trees and lakes, snow and skies, we recognize ourselves as Canadians." Media Preview begins at 4 p.m. Media are invited to photograph the art works and tour of the exhibit with Joan Murray, Executive Director and CEO the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, and Shelley Falconer, Director, Exhibitions and Programmes,and Senior Curator of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. MEDIA ARE WELCOME TO STAY FOR THE OFFICIAL OPENING FOLLOWING THE PREVIEW. Rideau Hall has a long tradition of showcasing Canadian art, both historic and contemporary – portraiture, landscape and sculpture, as well as antique furniture. Hundreds of Canadian works are on view in the historic State rooms of the residence. The exhibition is on loan from the McMichael Canadian Art Collection until September 18, 2005. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is the only major gallery in the country devoted to collecting and exhibiting Canadian art. It is a national treasure embodying the spirit of Canada. The Province of Ontario, through the Ministry of Culture, generously supports the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and facilitated the development of this temporary exhibition. A complete list of the artists and their works is available upon request. Art and Residence Tours at Rideau Hall: Tours of the Residence: February 5 to February 27, 2005: Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to 4 p.m. May 7 to June 26, 2005: Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 27 to September 5, 2005: Daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are available the rest of the year by reservation only. Art Tours: Until March 18, 2005: Friday afternoons by reservation. June 27 to September 5, 2005: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, once a day Tours are available the rest of the year by reservation only. Members of the public are invited to call (613) 991-ggca (4422) or 1 866 842-ggca (4422) for more information on tours, or visit our web site at www.gg.ca. -30- Media Information Rideau Hall Press Office (613) 990-2997 www.gg.ca McMichael Media Information Stephen Weir McMichael Canadian Art Collection Publicist (905) 893-1121 ext. 2529 or (416) 489-5868 www.mcmichael.com