Group of Seven Interpretation Project: Algoma and Lake Superior Shore

The paintings of the Group of Seven artists have attained iconic status in Canada and internationally. Many of their most famous works were created in the part of Northwestern Ontario that includes the Algoma region and the north shore of Lake Superior. Working with the Regional Tourism Organizations, a consultant team led by the Tourism Company was retained to bolster local tourism development by creating interpretive signage that featured works by the Group, to be located in easily accessible locations near to the scenes the paintings portrayed. Working with local historians and interpretive planners, Carl Bray undertook archival research to create the interpretive themes and panel text as well as provided images for individual panels. His familiarity with the region (from growing up there) allowed him to contribute to the second part of the project: training local tourism operators and stakeholders in knowledge of the interpretation plan that would help visitors understand the Group’s work and encourage increased visitation to the region.

16 panels were designed and installed and training workshops provided, accompanied by training manuals and marketing materials. Each panel includes a primary image and three secondary images along with interpretive text, all playfully placed on an aluminum reproduction of an artist’s easel and stool.