Heritage Day 2019 Honours Nova Scotian Maud Lewis

Friday, February 15, 2019

Monday, February 18, 2019 is Heritage Day in Nova Scotia.  In 2019, Heritage Day honours Nova Scotian born folk artist Maud Lewis.

Maud Lewis was born Maud Kathleen Dowley to John and Agnes Dowley, in the town of Yarmouth, March 7, 1903. Maud lived with her husband Everett Lewis in a small house in Marshalltown, Nova Scotia. Despite living with arthritis, and in poverty most of her life, her folk art paintings garnered much attraction and interest. Maud achieved national recognition in the mid 60’s, becoming known as one of Canada’s best-known folk artists. Her art and restored house are on display at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

Maud died in July 1970, but her reputation as an inspiring folk artist continues to grow. Through newspaper, magazine articles, television documentaries, and more recently, a biographical drama film named “Maudie”, Maud Lewis has become well known internationally.  For in-depth information on Maud Lewis, please go to:  https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/paying-tribute-to-painter-maud-lewis

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is celebrating Maud Lewis Heritage Day at the Gallery on Monday, February 18, 2019.  For more information go to:  https://www.artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/events-programs/maud-lewis-heritage-day

Heritage Day is an annual reminder of our province's storied past and an opportunity to honour the remarkable people, places and events that have contributed to our unique heritage.

Photograph Copyright: Bob Brooks