Shed Rec a painting by Mari (Mary) A. Hegler 1915 – 2010
The experience of living in the north has inspired many residents to express the profound affect of their surroundings in various media. Shed Rec is an inspired painting. The vibrant colours, and the rustic content takes the visitor’s mind to remote work camps and manual labour. This painting provides the setting for the teacher-labourer part, in our latest exhibit, Inspired Teaching.
Mari Hegler, a former resident of Atikokan was an artist of some renown. She was an active member of the Atikokan art community in the 1950s and early 1960s. Mari instructed in watercolour, oil painting, silk screening and creative writing. Mari and Watt Hegler lived in Atikokan for eight years, he was the superintendent of the Errington Mine. The idea to focus local artistic talent on the mines may have originated in their home, 25 Birch Road. The first Art Club Exhibit, documented in the Steep Rock Echo, 1958, featured nine paintings commissioned by Steep Rock Mine. The paintings graced the halls of the mine office. Six paintings are in the museum’s collection.
Truly an inspired teacher, Mari’s work is in many homes throughout the world, and two embassies. She was commissioned for an oil painting of the Canadian Service Ship, Nova Scotia, 1981. Mari designed the 35-foot totem pole which stood at Quetico Centre, 1962 to 1984. The “angelic” mural in the chapel on MacKenzie Avenue is a glorious example of her imaginative talents. She also had a short TV painting series on local cable in Kingston. The inspiration to capture our surroundings continues in this community. The Pictograph Gallery features regular exhibits. Mari, whose “busy brush” left memorable work, would approve.
More Articles
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...
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....
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...