Barbara Paterson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Barbara A. Paterson
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| Born | 1935 (age 89–90) Edmonton, Alberta
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| Occupation | Sculptor |
Barbara A. Paterson CM RCA is a well-known Canadian artist. She is famous for her amazing sculptures, especially those made from bronze. Her art often shows people and can be found in public places. Barbara uses different materials like wax, stone, bronze, and welded steel to create her works. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, and is best known for her public statues of the "Famous Five."
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Barbara Paterson's Life Story
Barbara Paterson was born and grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. Her great-grandfather was a doctor named William Morrison MacKay. Barbara went to the University of Alberta (U of A) for her studies. There, she met her future husband, John Paterson.
After getting her first diploma in Fine Arts, Barbara became a stay-at-home mom. She raised three sons. Later, she returned to the University of Alberta. In 1988, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Famous Sculptures by Barbara Paterson
Barbara Paterson has created many important public sculptures. These are art pieces placed in public spaces for everyone to see. Some of her most famous works include:
- A statue of Lois Hole, called "A Legacy of Love and Learning." Lois Hole was a much-loved former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
- The "Famous Five" monuments. These sculptures honor five brave Canadian women. They fought hard to make sure women were seen as "persons" under the law. This was a very important step for women's rights in Canada.
You can find the "Famous Five" monuments in different places:
- In Calgary, Alberta, at Alberta's Olympic Square.
- On Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario. This is where Canada's government buildings are.
Recognitions and Awards
Barbara Paterson's "Famous Five" sculptures have received special honors.
- A picture from the "Famous Five" monuments was put on a Canada Post stamp in October 1999.
- The image was also featured on the Canadian $50.00 bill.
- Today, you can see part of the statue inside the Canadian passport.
One of the "Famous Five" sculptures is called the Women are Persons! Monument. It has a special feature: an empty chair. Barbara Paterson added this chair so that people could sit in it. This makes the sculpture interactive, allowing visitors to become part of the art.
In 2000, the University of Alberta honored Barbara Paterson with a Distinguished Alumni Award. This award celebrates former students who have achieved great things. In 2021, she was given another big honor. She was named a member of the Order of Canada for her amazing contributions to art.
Works
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Barbara Paterson's statue of Emily Murphy in the Famous five monument on Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario. Emily Murphy was one of the five women who fought for women's rights.
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Barbara Paterson's statue of Nellie McClung in the Famous five monument on Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario. Nellie McClung was another important member of the Famous Five.
