Nova Scotia Archives Celebrates Wolfville Artists
Three young women from Nova Scotia who established prominent artistic careers in the United States more than a century ago are being celebrated in a new online exhibit presented by Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management.
The Prat Sisters: Free Spirits of the 1890s, chronicles the lives and works of Annie, May and Minnie Prat of Wolfville.
"We are excited to present the story of the Prat sisters and their contribution to our province's artistic heritage," said Brian Speirs, provincial archivist. "This new exhibit takes a look at the careers and lives of these talented Nova Scotians who attained international recognition for their work."
The virtual exhibit features many of the miniature portraits and watercolours of wildflowers and fungi created by Annie, an accomplished artist who studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. It also showcases some of the bookbinding and leather work by May and Minnie, who apprenticed in New York City with noted arts and crafts bookbinder, Evelyn Nordhoff, and later opened their own studio. The sisters went on to win international awards for their work and were written about in Harper's Bazaar magazine.
The virtual exhibit also offers glimpses into the Prat sisters' personal lives through a mix of photographs, poetry and other memorabilia. It illuminates their creative spirits, warm personal and family relationships, and passion for life. It explores their friendships with Canadian poets, Bliss Carman and Charles G.D. Roberts, and includes some never-before published letters from Carman to Annie and Minnie.
An exhibit featuring more than 50 selected items from the much larger virtual exhibit are on display at the Nova Scotia Archives, 6016 University Ave., in Halifax, until Oct. 31.
Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management acquires, preserves and makes available the province's documentary heritage. The Prat Sisters: Free Spirits of the 1890s is available on the website at <a href="http://www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/prat/">www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/prat/</a .