City of Woodstock and Woodstock Art Gallery invited to Washington, D.C., for major Canadian art exhibition

Representatives from the City of Woodstock and the Woodstock Art Gallery were invited to the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C., this week to celebrate a significant Canadian art exhibition. 

Many Lives Mark This Place is a series of portraits by senior artist John Hartman. The large-scale paintings feature award-winning Canadian authors in the landscapes that inspire them.  

The Woodstock Art Gallery organized the touring exhibition, which has been presented at major galleries across Canada, as well as the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom in 2023. Eleven paintings have been on display at the Embassy of Canada Art Gallery since July. 

“As one of Canada’s most prominent artists, John Hartman’s work highlights the diverse people, landscapes and stories that form our unique national culture and identity. It’s been an incredible privilege to share this exhibition on the international stage,” said Woodstock Art Gallery Director/Curator Mary Reid, who selected the artwork. 

Mayor Jerry Acchione joined Reid in Washington for a reception in celebration of the exhibition on Thursday, Sept. 26. 

During the trip, they also attended a White House tour arranged by Woodstock’s sister city, Sylvania, OH. Public tours of the White House can only be requested through a Member of Congress or a foreign embassy, however the Embassy of Canada has not arranged tours for Canadian citizens since 2011. 

“This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible relationship we have with the Sylvania Sister City Commission. A big way we’ve built that relationship is by sharing cultural events, programs and exhibits,” said Mayor Acchione. “The sister city program and projects like Many Lives Mark This Place are both great examples of how arts and culture can open doors, bring people together and support economic development.” 

The exhibition will be on view at the Embassy of Canada Art Gallery until Oct. 1. Hartman’s full series of 37 portraits can be viewed at manylives.art. An accompanying publication, which includes short essays from the authors alongside each artwork, is also available in the Woodstock Art Gallery’s gift shop.