Summer Speaker Series: Dr. Robert Thirsk

by Cloe Hintz

Last week, the Douglas Family Art Centre had the pleasure of hosting retired engineer and physician, and former Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert “Bob” Thirsk. On Sunday, July 28th, Dr. Thirsk gave a presentation as part of our 2024 Summer Speaker Series to complement our new exhibition Symbols to the Stars, featuring Canadian astronaut mission patches and flight suits.
 
You can learn more about the exhibition here: https://themusekenora.ca/exhibit/symbols-to-the-stars/
 
Dr. Thirsk talked about everything “space flight” from take off to landing, including what it was like to live and work on the International Space Station for over 187 days during the 2009 Expedition 20/21. Afterwards, Dr. Thirsk held a meet and greet and signed autographs for an eager audience.
 
Thank you, Dr. Thirsk!

​

Curator Sophie Lavoie gives Dr. Robert Thirsk a tour of the exhibition Symbols to the Stars. Sophie is pointing to Jeremy Hansen's patch.
Dr. Robert Thirsk explaining the symbolism in each of his patches. He is in the Symbols to the Stars exhibition room, pointing at his patches on display.
Dr. Robert Thrisk giving a talk. Presenting his experiences during Expedition 20_21 to the International Space Station. The projector shows photos of the rockets thrusters.
Dr. Thrisk giving a talk. Thrisk explains life and work on the International Space Station. The projector behind him shows photos of him and fellow astronauts floating in space with text reading: STS-78 - Life & Microgravity Spacelab.
Dr. Robert Thirsk giving a talk. A projector screen shows his view of the Australian Outback from space. The surface of the planet looks orange, blue and purple.
Dr. Robert Thrisk holding a meet and greet and signing photos of himself at the Douglas Family Art Centre.
Dr. Thirsk signs autographs in the Douglas Family Art Centre. The photo he is signing is of him in an orange astronaut flight suit.
Co-curators of Symbols to the Stars Cloe Hintz and Sophie Lavoie with Dr. Thirsk. They are standing in the Symbols to the Stars exhibition room.

Did you know?

The name “Kenora” is a portmanteau of the names of local towns Keewatin, Norman, and Rat Portage— KE from Keewatin,  NO from Norman, and RA from Rat Portage.