Harvest Still Life Painting by Elsa Kosola, 1986
Still life paintings offer a new way of looking at the ordinary objects. The goal of still life composition is to direct the viewer’s eye through a painting and lead them to what the artist thinks is important.
This type of artistic exercise has a long history. Caravaggio, Monet, Cézanne, and Dali are know for their still life paintings. This genre has been popular across cultures and historical periods. Anyone who has taken an art class has come face to face with the challenge of still life. A prominent style in The Netherlands in the 16th century, the term “still life” is derived from the Dutch word “stilleven”. In France the title, “nature morte” is used.
Looking at Elsa Kosola’s painting, can you find the path of the artist’s eye and the central part of the painting? Follow the flowing colours and texture, and find the part of the painting to which your eye is drawn. Where does it stop? This lovely painting, now 34 years old graces the community room in the Museum. All are welcome to treat themselves to one last glimpse of autumnal beauty as cold winds increase and winter approaches. Paintings by local artists are exhibited throughout the Museum.
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Illuminated Wall Decorations – Atikokan History
The latest addition to the Writer’s Nook in the Museum of Atikokan is a beautiful stained-glass window. The window is illuminated by a specially constructed cabinet to accommodate LED lighting with a diffusion layer, crafted by Dutka Signs. This beautiful window...
Waterfalls and Water Scenes
Waterfalls and water scenes are a favourite subject of artists and photographers. Thursday, August 12th, 2 to 4 pm our exhibit in the green space beside the Library will feature waterfalls and water scenes by Elsa Kosola, Mary Bordynuik, Elaine Kryzanowski, and...
Mystery Painter and a Favourite
There are two paintings by “Markell” in the Museum collection and no records to tell us about the painter. One painting includes the sign for Leishman's Pharmacy, which was at 208 O'Brien Street according to our records. Visible in the distant background is the dome...
Artists in the Park
One of the strengths of Atikokan's museum is the fine art collection. There have been many Atikokan artists, some very well known, others not so much. In the early 1950s Mari Hegler formed the Atikokan Art Club. It was an ambitious and hard working group with a...
April 2021, 23rd National Poetry Month
Slam poetry, spoken word poetry and rap are the trends of today. Poetry has always been a popular outlet. I have found many poems working with the archival materials in the Atikokan Museum. Some bring a chuckle over the wit and humour, others are touching. It is the...
French River Spring by Jameson Kooper
Published in Lone Pine North Woods by Jameson Kooper, 2017 French River Spring Tender shootsRise to feast upon Aten`sGold, breaking soilLong held in winter blanket. With each dew day, glintingJewels wake a sleepy world,Shaking spiders from cobwebs,Ants from dens,As...
First Ford Car in Atikokan
Mr. C. W. Palmer driving his car in front of the Atikokan Hotel, June 1921 The poem, "For Sale" transcribed below, is from a hand written document, a faded piece of lined paper, likely taken from a "scribbler". The distincitive writing, in faded India ink, is composed...
It’s in her blood
It's in her blood .... Alanna Marohnic offering drawing classes at the Museum I am certain that teachers, friends and many others in Atikokan can recall images of little Alanna, a creative force sketching, painting, adventuring into the world of art. Now an artist...
Fresh look for Ontario Heritage Trust Plaque
The Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario marker for Steep Rock Iron Range was faded and weather beaten. When contacted Ontario Heritage Trust provided the necessary information and permission to restore the marker. Historical markers serve to educate and...
Blog Introduction
Blog postings are about the exhibits and the history of Atikokan and area. Many, many visitors comment on their surprise at the extent of the collection and the history they find in Atikokan. It is my hope that virtual visitors will find an interesting and...