Norval Outdoor School’s May 6 open house featured an added bonus, as the painting “Sam’s Wall” was unveiled by Canadian nature artist and filmmaker Cory Trepanier in Stephen House.
Trepanier spoke to those in attendance about his paintings, Arctic travels, three Into the Arctic films and other projects after the unveiling.
“We had a small turnout of around 30 people, but everyone had a great time and left very inspired,” says Norval senior teacher Brent Evans, a longtime fan of Trepanier’s who shows a clip of Into the Arctic 2 as part of the introduction to the Year 5 watercolour painting program at Norval.
Trepanier lives in nearby Caledon and, when he found out about this, he asked to speak to students in one of those classes. Trepanier also filmed Evans talking about his film and used a clip as part of the video he created for an Indiegogo campaign to fund Into the Arctic 3.
Trepanier is also the former neighbour of Alan Harris, who taught at Upper Canada College for 40 years and was instrumental in the founding and building of the Norval Outdoor School and spearheaded the planting of Norval’s Harris Arboretum.
“Sam’s Wall” was purchased at a Credit Valley Conservation fundraising auction last fall by UCC Board Chair Russell Higgins, who donated it to Norval.
“We were thrilled to have this beautiful piece,” says Norval director Bill Elgie.
“Sam’s Wall” hangs above the Stephen House fireplace and replaces a painting commissioned by former Norval director Don Kawasoe and former UCC science chair and senior boarding housemaster Paul Crysler.
“The painting was done by a boarding student at the time, Fred Fung,” says Elgie.
“It depicts the patio and bell of Stephen House. That painting is still here, it has been moved to the ceiling above the fireplace.”