The Muse Blog
Welcome to The Muse Blog, a place where we share updates, creative projects, artwork, artifacts, and archival research from the Lake of the Woods Museum and Douglas Family Art Centre.
Happy Canadian Rivers Day!
Canadian Rivers Day is held annually on the second Sunday in June to promote public awareness of the importance of preserving the heritage and health of Canada’s rivers.
Voices: A Survival Guide for Wimmin
The Muse is looking for information on a nationally recognized feminist newsletter published in Kenora between 1978-1984 called Voices: A Survival Manual for Wimmin.
We’re Hiring! Art Centre Programmer (Temporary Full-Time)
We’re hiring! The Muse is looking to fill a temporary full-time position at the Douglas Family Art Centre as an Art Centre Programmer.
Bakaan nake’ii ngii-izhi-gakinoo’amaagoomin: We Were Taught Differently
For the month of June, free copies of the “Bakaan nake’ii ngii-izhi-gakinoo’amaagoomin: We were taught differently” will be available at the Lake of the Woods Museum.
What’s in a Name? “The Muse” Explained
Learn why we chose “The Muse” as the overarching name for the Lake of the Woods Museum & Douglas Family Art Centre.
Virtual Exhibition of Strike a Pose: Portraits from the Collection
New virtual exhibition! Strike a Pose: Portraits from the Collection features over 60 portraits from the Museum’s extensive photo collection.
Museum from Home: Happy International Tea Day!
Today (May 21st) is International Tea Day! Here is a case from the Lake of the Woods Museum collection full of Rat Portage souvenir china.
Shop the Muse: World Bee Day
May 20th is World Bee Day and we’re showing off some items from Shop the Muse to teach your kids about the importance of bees!
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, also sometimes called Red Dress Day.
Shop the Muse: Save 20% on Muse Chocolate Bars for a Limited Time
Does your mom have a sweet tooth? The Muse’s custom-made Sweet, Lake of the Woods chocolate bars are on sale for 20% off for a limited time!
A Mother’s Day Gift of Art, History, and Inspiration – A Membership to the Muse
Give your Mom the gift of art, history, and inspiration this year with our special Mother’s Day membership package!
The World Sculling Champion Jake Gaudaur Sr.
The World Sculling Champion Jake Gaudaur Sr. lived in Rat Portage (Kenora) for several years around the turn of the century.
Did You Know: The Keewatin-Kenora area was the Flour Milling Capital of Canada in 1916
In 1916 the Keewatin-Kenora area was the flour milling capital of Canada. Between Keewatin’s Lake of the Woods Milling Company and Kenora’s Maple Leaf Milling Company they could produce 13000 barrels of flour a day!
Virtual Exhibition: Art in the Time of Corona #WorldArtDay
It’s World Art Day and we want to celebrate our regional artists featured in our virtual exhibition, Art in the Time of Corona.
Shop the Muse: Maud Lewis Colouring & Activity Books
Maud Lewis Colouring & Activity Books are available from Shop the Muse! Pick one up at the Douglas Family Art Centre using curb-side pick-up.
From the Collection: Allenbury’s Feeder
In Swedish tradition, thin bread has been a simple and tasty recipe for families to enjoy for centuries.
Cherish An Antique Day: The Museum Boardroom Table
April 9th is Cherish an Antique Day. Here’s the story of one of our most prominent antiques: the Lake of the Woods Museum boardroom table!
Archives Awareness Week 2021: Plan of Rat Portage Water Works System (1899)
It’s Archives Awareness Week! This is the plan of the original Rat Portage Water Works prepared by the design engineer John Chalmers in 1899.
COVID-19 Closure: Sorry, We’re Closed
Due to the COVID-19 shutdown, the Lake of the Woods Museum and Douglas Family Art Centre in Kenora are once again closed to the public.
Call for Submissions: MNRF’s Kids’ Fish Art Contest
Due to the COVID-19 shutdown, the Lake of the Woods Museum and Douglas Family Art Centre in Kenora are once again closed to the public.
Archives Awareness Week 2021: Plan of Rat Portage, Ontario (1880-81)
April 5th to 9th is Archives Awareness Week! This map is one of the oldest in our collection and shows downtown Kenora in 1880-81.
From the Collection: Swedish Thin Bread Rolling Pin
In Swedish tradition, thin bread has been a simple and tasty recipe for families to enjoy for centuries.
Inside Ken’s Cafe (c1940s)
A slice of life from the 1940s with the staff at the lunch counter of Ken’s Cafe, formerly on the southwest corner of Second St S & Matheson.
Mucktavius and the SS Keenora on Lake of the Woods
For many of the 20 years the SS Keenora spent on Lake of the Woods from 1897-1917, she was piloted by Muctavius, pictured here.
John “Scotty” Pattison – The Scotty of Scotty’s Island
Learn the story of John “Scotty” Pattinson – the man who lived on an island on Lake of the Woods that came to be known as Scotty’s Island!
From the Collection: Saltpetre
Saltpetre (also spelled saltpeter) or potassium nitrate has had many different uses over the course of many years including curing meats.
International Women’s Day 2021: Marguerite Canfield
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Kenora area women.
International Women’s Day 2021: Emma Sharpe
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Kenora area women.
International Women’s Day 2021: Jocelyn Koeneg, Lee Caron, Agnes Berchaminski and Ethel Stoke
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Kenora area women.
International Women’s Day 2021: Maggie White
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Kenora area women.
International Women’s Day 2021: Florence Humble
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Kenora area women.
International Women’s Day 2021: Ruth Bowiec
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Kenora area women.
International Women’s Day 2021: Ogimaamaashiik / Matilda Martin
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Kenora area women.
International Women’s Day 2021: Barb Graeper
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of Kenora area women.
We’re Open! (By Appointment Only)
The Muse is excited to announce that both the Lake of the Woods Museum and Douglas Family Art Centre will be open by appointment only.
In the Studio: Intro to Relief Printmaking
Here’s a peak into the studio at the Douglas Family Art Centre in Kenora with some creations from our Intro to Relief Printmaking art class.
From the Collection: Egg Carton Press
Before the invention of the egg carton, eggs were carried in baskets. Joseph Coyle of British Columbia invented the first egg carton.
Could a Visit to The Muse be Good for Your Health?
Did you know that participating in arts, culture, and heritage activities may be good for your health? All the more reason to visit The Muse!
Maud Lewis – Open Now by Appointment Only!
The Maud Lewis exhibition is now open by appointment only at the Douglas Family Art Centre in Kenora, Ontario.
From the Collection: Buttoned Boots
Starting in the 1880s, one of the most popular items for any women to have was a pair of buttoned boots.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day from The Muse! Check out this valentine from the Lake of the Woods Museum collection from around the 1930s.
Maud Lewis & Reopening of the Muse!
The team has been hard at work setting up for the Maud Lewis exhibition over the last few days. Here’s a peek behind the scenes!
From the Collection: Keen’s Oxford Blue
Keen’s Oxford Blue was once a popular brand of laundry detergent, known for its bright blue colour that kept whites bright in the wash.
From the Collection: Fels-Naptha Soap
Fels-Naptha soap has been used for over a century to treat stains in clothing,and as a home remedy for poison ivy and poison oak.
From the Collection: Bearpaw Snowshoes
These snowshoes, commonly referred to as bearpaw snowshoes, are much wider, bigger, and more circular than normal snowshoes.
The Tradition of the Downtown Christmas Tree in Kenora
Christmas in Kenora wouldn’t be complete without the giant Christmas tree downtown! This holiday tradition began in 1931.
Shop the Muse: Fine Art Face Masks
New to Shop the Muse: fine art face masks! Available now at the Douglas Family Art Centre in 7 different double-sided designs.
The 103rd Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion
Today marks the 103rd Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion. It was a devastating event and news quickly spread across Canada.
Quick Craft: Paper City
Looking for something to drive the rainy day blues away and keep the kids busy? Try out this quick craft and make your own paper city!
Bateman’s Sketch Across Canada
Visit the Douglas Family Art Centre to pick up your free sketchbook as part of Bateman’s Sketch Across Canada project!
Online Office Hours with Ontario Arts Council
Ontario Arts Council has partnered with The Muse to offer online office hours to artists and arts organizations in the Kenora area.
Art for Lunch: The Death of Virginia
Curator, Sophie Lavoie, discusses the story surrounding this painting of Death of Virginia in the style of Frencesco de Mura (1696-1782).
Colouring the Collection: Jack Pine (1940)
The jack pine is a staple in the work of many Canadian landscape painters, including Tom Thompson and Walter J. Phillips.
The First Trans-Canada Flight (1920)
On this day (October 10th) 100 years ago Kenora officially welcomed the first plane to make a trans Canada flight.
Maud Lewis: A World Without Shadows
Maud Lewis: A World Without Shadows is a heartwarming 10 minute documentary about the artist, who’s work is currently on display at The Muse.
Orange Shirt Day
On September 30th each year we remember the Canadian residential school system and its students on Orange Shirt Day.
Disastrous Fire at Rat Portage (1902)
The Hilliard House Hotel was considered one of the biggest and best hotels in western Canada. In January 1902, a disastrous fire took place.
Artist Talk: Cassandra Cochrane
On September 5th we wrapped up Cassandra Cochrane’s exhibition, Nindinawemaaganag: My Relations, with a talk from the artist.
Artist Talk: Cheryl Wilson-Smith, 21 Pillows
On October 29th we opened 21 Pillows by award-winning glass artist, Cheryl Wilson-Smith with a talk from the artist.
Colouring the Collection: Gloaming (1921)
Gloaming (1921) by Walter J. Phillips captures that feeling of a peaceful paddle on Lake of the Woods, and now you can colour your own!
Safety at The Muse During COVID-19
Read more about the COVID-19 safety measures we are taking at The Muse to ensure the safety of both our visitors, staff, and volunteers.
Quick Craft: Magical Mason Jar Snowglobe
Learn how to create your very own magical mason jar snowglobe! This super-simple sensory art project is fun for all ages and skill levels.
Welcome Back!
Just in time for the first day of summer, the Muse is pleased to announce that we have reopened to the public! Be sure to drop by and say hello.
Goodbye (For Now)
The Muse staff will be laid off with other non-essential workers of the City of Kenora, effective April 25, in relation to the current COVID-19 situation.
Recipes from the Collection, pt. 4
Milk rolls, French Rolls, Milk Biscuits, and Muffins… Delicious! Some delicious roll recipes from Matilda Lees Dods Handbook of Practical Cookery, 1901.
Colouring the Collection: Evening (1921)
Join us in colouring the Douglas Family Art Centre collection with this rendering of Evening (1921) by Walter J. Phillips.
Recipes from the Collection, pt. 3
In this 1901 copy of Isabelle Beeton’s Cookery Book there is an authentic Victorian crumpet recipe— time for a tea party!
Call for Submissions: Art in the Time of Corona
Calling all regional artists! The Douglas Family Art Centre is now accepting submissions for an upcoming exhibit titled Art in the Time of Corona.
Quick Craft: Toilet Paper Roll Creatures
Struggling to keep your children entertained while they stay home? Try out this quick craft using toilet paper rolls to create animals, monsters, and more!
Colouring the Collection: Sunset, Lake of the Woods (1928)
Inspired by our friends at the WAG, join us in “Colouring the Collection” with the beautiful Sunset, Lake of the Woods (1928) by Walter J. Phillips.
Recipes from the Collection, pt. 2
The Five Roses Cookbook was a staple in Canadian kitchens for most of the 20th century. This edition was published in 1915.
New Acquisitions – April 7, 2020
The Lake of the Woods Museum actively collects material history (photos, clothing, tools, etc.) relating to the Kenora region. Check out our latest acquisitions!
Ice Harvesting Plow
While chipping the ice away from my windshield yesterday morning, I was reminded of this region’s ice-harvesting industry. Blocks of ice would be carved from the lakes, and placed in ice-boxes (think “wooden fridge”) to keep food fresh.
Recipes from the Collection, pt. 1
While we’re all spending time at home it’s a great chance to do some baking! This cookbook was put together by the ladies of the Women’s Auxiliary of St Joseph’s Hospital in the 1930s.
Norman Bay, Lake of the Woods c. 1920
This watercolour by W. J. Phillips makes me think of this time of year, when thin ice hugs the shoreline, and it feels as if a single rainy afternoon could wash away all that’s left of winter.
UniveX Camera
Lately, we have seen a tonne of thoughtful, creative, and sometimes downright funny ways to keep occupied while at home. Today, anyone with a mobile phone, tablet, or notebook computer can turn their kitchen table into a film studio. In the 1930s and 1940s, handheld 8mm movie cameras like this one from UniveX were the tool of choice.
Kenora Thistles, 1940
Missing hockey? Well, at least one MUSE staff member certainly is! Here’s a highlight from our archives: 80 years ago this week, the Kenora Thistles Junior “A” team defeated the Winnipeg Monarchs to become champions of the Manitoba Junior South Division.
Did you know?
Group of Seven member, Frank Johnston, visited Kenora and painted “Serenity, Lake of the Woods” in 1922, a shoreline view of Kenora with it’s distinctive smoke stacks from the pulp and paper mills.