PRYNCE NESBITT
A retrospective exhibition of his life and work
Saturday 12 October to Friday 25 October 2013
Opening Reception Saturday 19 October at 3PM
Though Prynce Nesbitt died forty-years ago this year, for some, he continues to represent the cultural and artistic spirit of St. Catharines. Author Howard Engel remembers Nesbitt fondly and wanted the legacy of the accomplished local painter, musician, historian, and popular eccentric celebrated with an exhibit of his art work along with selected artifacts from his artistic life. The Niagara Artists Centre, in cooperation with the St. Catharines Museum and with the support of local collectors, has assembled the first retrospective exhibition of paintings by Nesbitt.
Nesbitt was a multi-talented artist and an eclectic icon in St. Catharines in the 1950s and 60s. Widely acknowledged as the community’s first bohemian, he was the mentor for a generation of young artists including the famed crime novelist Howard Engel. Nesbitt recorded the individuals in his wide circle of friends that included business and civic leaders in oil and charcoal portraits. Many of these will be presented to the public for the first time in this exhibit.
The exhibition also features ephemera from Nesbitt’s studio and from his television series the Sage of Aquarius. It is the first exhibit celebrating the life and work of Prynce Nesbitt, one of St Catharines’ most eccentric and venerated artistic icons. It has been curated by NAC intern Douglas Watt.
Opening Reception Saturday 19 October at 3PM
Contact Information:
For more information and high resolution images contact NAC: 905-641-0331
Douglas Watt, Curator: 905-688-6489
Howard Engel, Author, contributing text to the exhibit: 416-960-4723
Timothy Healey, friend, collector, portrait featured in exhibit: 905-684-1634
Tim Neelin: Friend, portrait featured in exhibit: 905-934-6559
