Catherine Jones
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release:
June 7, 2005
“AT THE END OF THE DAY” CROSS-CANADA TOUR
HALIFAX – This year, 2005, marks the sixtieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the Year of the Veteran. In celebration of this auspicious occasion, a collection of twenty-one oil on linen portraits of WWII veterans, painted by Halifax artist Catherine Jones, will tour Canadian provincial legislatures.
“At the End of the Day” was inspired by the legendary Dinner of Reconciliation in Ortona, Italy, which took place fifty-five Christmases after the vicious battle that was waged in this small town in 1943. The series portrays Canadian, British, and German veterans without identification or military insignia, allowing the humanity of their venerable faces to transcend the geopolitics of war.
Jones, for whom veterans have always held a special place, states: “Forgiveness is the rarest of all human attributes. What does it tell us that these men, literally once mortal enemies, have been able to sit down and raise a glass together?” She adds, “The lessons are profound and many; in getting to know these remarkable men, all of whom have seen front line fighting, not one is in favour of war. Not one”.
In November 2004, Jones was invited to unveil the series of portraits in the Senate of Canada during the Ceremony of Remembrance. Never before, in Canadian history, has an artist been given this honour. The Senate, the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, The Royal Canadian Legion and the heroes we call veterans, are the driving force behind this unique tour in observance of the Diamond Jubilee of peace over Europe. This endeavour was made possible by the generous support of the Farnsworth Foundation, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Royal Canadian Legion.
SCHEDULE OF TOUR
Edmonton, Alberta: July 18 to July 29.
10800 97th Avenue.
For info call 780-427-7362
Regina, Saskatchewan: August 8 to August 19.
2405 Legislative Drive.
For info call 306-787-5358
Toronto, Ontario: August 29 to September 9.
Queen's Park. For info call 416-325-7500
Carleton Place, Ontario: September 19 to October 1.
267 Edmund Street. For info call 613-253-7013
Halifax, Nova Scotia: October 11 to October 21.
1726 Hollis Street. For info call 902-424-5982
St. John’s, Newfoundland: November 1 to November 11.
Confederation Building.
For info call 709-729-3630
Catherine Jones has been making commemorative art that has been exhibited and collected internationally for more than twenty-five years. She was presented with the San Diego Art Institute Annual International Juried 2000 Exhibition Award of Excellence and recently had a two man show with Andy Warhol.