Statement by the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Death of Alex Colville

OTTAWA, July 17, 2013 /CNW/ - It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Alex Colville, one of Canada's most gifted and iconic visual artists.

Born in Toronto in 1920, Alex Colville was raised in Amherst, Nova Scotia, and graduated from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1942. He spent the following two years with the Canadian Army's War Artist Program painting Allied operations throughout Europe, including the Canadian assault on Juno Beach in France. After the Second World War, Mr. Colville returned to Mount Allison University to teach art and art history. By 1963, he was painting full time and had developed a reputation for creating beautiful works depicting routine moments of Canadian family life, as well as landscapes, animals, and the sea.

Today, his brilliant works can be found in many of the world's most popular art galleries. Thanks to his captivating yet serene creations, we will remember this exceptionally distinguished artist for his unparalleled contribution to the arts.

In recognition of his achievements and his exceptional career, Mr. Colville was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1967. He also received countless honorary degrees from prominent universities and colleges and received the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts in 2003.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Alex Colville.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage