Reframing Doris McCarthy: A Symposium on the Life and Work of Doris McCarthy

Keynote by: Erin Silver

Presentations by: Steven Beckly, Jan L. Coates, Dustin Garnet, Nancy Holmes, Meaghan Hyckie, Harold Klunder and Catherine Carmichael, Eva Kolcze, Ralph Kolewe, Lou Sheppard, Wendy Wacko, and Lynne Wynick

This free, one-day, public symposium explored fresh perspectives on the life and work of Doris McCarthy through artist talks, poetry readings, academic papers, performances, a book launch, group choreography, and moderated discussions. Ranging from long-time friends and colleagues of McCarthy's, to young artists and producers, the presenters contributed new interpretations from a broad range of expertise within the fields of contemporary art, music, poetry, filmmaking, and dance that trace the artist's legacy through spirituality, mythology, and the power of place. This multi-disciplinary symposium examined McCarthy's impact on local and artistic communities as a pioneering feminist, innovative artist, and community builder.

The exhibitions the body may be said to think and Revisiting Fool’s Paradise: The Doris McCarthy Fonds complemented the symposium. Through the body may be said to think, presented at the Doris McCarthy Gallery, curator Stuart Reid pairs the artistic forces of Kate Wilson and Doris McCarthy. The combination makes apparent the artists’ kindred spirits, and the ways in which they translate both the visible and invisible features of our environment.

U of T Scarborough Librarian Paulina Rousseau curated Revisiting Fool’s Paradise, a display in the Doris McCarthy Gallery vitrines, drawn from the McCarthy archival fonds. Rousseau’s research offers a view into McCarthy’s meticulous plans for a home that could accommodate an artist’s need for solitude as well as provide space for frivolity.

Reframing Doris McCarthy was generously supported by the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, and Canada Council for the Arts.