FREDERICTON, NB.- The Beaverbrook Art Gallery announced a special new gift to its permanent collection. The painting, Iris Swamp (1961) by Lucy Jarvis, was purchased with funds from the Fredericton Art Club in commemoration of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery’s new pavilion, and in celebration of the long-standing relationship between the two organizations. The painting is currently on display as part of the Atlantic section of Canadian Mosaic.

The initiative was spearheaded by Gallery docents and Fredericton Art Club members Margie Pacey (the president of the club at the time) and Jackie Steward, who approached Gallery Director/CEO Terry Graff about this Club’s interest. Graff suggested Lucy Jarvis as a logical choice of artist, and also suggested engaging the assistance of curator Roslyn Rosenfeld, who had recently worked with the Gallery in presenting a retrospective of Jarvis’s work.

Lucy Jarvis was an active member of the arts community in Fredericton. She helped establish the UNB Art Centre, and had a close affiliation with the Fredericton Art Club as a frequent guest artist and speaker.

Margie Pacey, past president of the Fredericton Art Club, explains: “In 2015, the Fredericton Art Club decided to do something to commemorate the extensive expansion to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. We felt that the gift of a work of art would be fitting, and with the assistance of Gallery Director Terry Graff, and then author and art historian Roslyn Rosenfeld, we found a beautiful painting by Lucy Jarvis, an artist with a strong connection to the Club. Two years later, we were able to raise the funds and purchase the work, and the gift was accepted by the Gallery’s board. On behalf of the Fredericton Art Club, I hope that this fine painting will be seen and enjoyed by many members of the public.”

Founded in 1936 to promote art in the Fredericton community, the Fredericton Art Club has had a relationship with the Beaverbrook Art Gallery since the Gallery opened in 1959. The Club was represented on the Gallery’s Board of Governors, and members of the Club frequently acted as hosts for Gallery activities, as well as organizers and docents. Lord Beaverbrook, who supported their activities, was appointed the Club’s Honorary President in 1959.

“We are fortunate and thankful, as an institution, to be supported by so many individuals and organizations who see value in what we do,” said Interim Director/CEO Bernard Riordon, OC. “In addition to being an impressive work by an artist with a strong connection to the area, the six decades of history between our organizations gives this added emotional weight. As we continue to move closer to our opening celebrations, we are deeply thankful to the Fredericton Art Club and their members for their generous gift.”

In 2015, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery presented Lucy Jarvis: Even Stones Have Life, a major retrospective exhibition on the art of Lucy Jarvis, featuring key works by the artist. Curated by Roslyn Rosenfeld, the exhibition was organized by the Gallery and the UNB Art Centre, where a second, complementary exhibition featured sketchbooks, letters, photographs, and other memorabilia. The exhibition was also accompanied by a book co-published by Goose Lane Editions, which recently won the Best Atlantic Published Book Award.