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About Donald Stuart

Profile of Donald Stuart

Advisor to the Pangnirtung Weaving Program, 1969-1972

 

 

Donald A. Stuart, one of Canada's leading gold/silversmiths, has been awarded Canada's highest honour, the Order of Canada, in recognition of his work as a craftsman, educator and volunteer.

Don has earned an international reputation, receiving over thirty awards for his work in gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds, including the top prizes in many competitions. He has participated in well over 100 national and international exhibitions. His work is found in numerous national and international public, corporate, and private collections. He is in demand to give lectures and workshops across North America and beyond.

A graduate of the Ontario College of Art, Toronto, in 1967, Don later received a Masters of Fine Arts from the School for American Crafts, Rochester, NY, in 1981.

From 1969 to 1972, he initiated the unique weaving project for Inuit women at Pangnirtung (Baffin Island), Nunavut. Today this is the largest handweaving studio in Canada and currently the Canadian Museum of Civilization has a 30-year survey of tapestries on exhibit until September 2003. In 1995, Pangnirtung honoured Don with a community feast and a Recognition Award for his "dedication and contribution to the people of Pangnirtung." Starting the weaving in Pangnirtung has been one of Don's greatest pleasures and an ongoing source of pride. He has returned on several occasions as a friend and advisor, as the project and the people of Pang are still very close to his heart. The Arctic environment has been an inspiration for many of his own designs and creative works. Don met his wife Jill in Pang. Jill, from England, was a nurse in the former St. Luke's Hospital.

In 1972, Don joined the Design Arts faculty at the Barrie Campus of Georgian College. Involved with teaching in a variety of areas, ultimately he was instrumental in launching a unique jewellery program. His passion for excellence has resulted in many national and international honours, and significant careers for his students. In 1990, Georgian College awarded him the "Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching," and upon retiring in 2001, the College made him their very first "Professor Emeritus."

For almost 30 years Don has been a very active volunteer, serving as a director of various arts organizations including the Ontario Crafts Council (President 1983-84), the Canadian Crafts Council, Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, and the Society of North American Goldsmiths (first Canadian President, 1997-1999). An enthusiastic volunteer with the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), he has served on assignments with native groups in Canada, and jewellery projects in Africa, Asia and Central America.

Other honours bestowed upon Donald Stuart include: membership in the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, 1985; the "John Mather Award for Service to the Crafts," from the Ontario Crafts Council, 1986; the Jean A. Chalmers Award for Craft that "recognizes innovation, excellence and contribution to the craft field," 1994; and the Order of Ontario that "pays tribute to those Ontarians who exemplify the highest qualities of achievement and excellence and whose contributions enrich the lives of their fellow men and women in our province, in Canada, and the world," 2000.

The Order of Canada is a pinnacle of an illustrious and ongoing career. Very few craftspeople in Canada have been so honoured.
 

 

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