Barbara Paterson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Barbara A. Paterson
Born	1935 (age 89–90) Edmonton, Alberta
Occupation	Sculptor

Barbara A. Paterson is a talented Canadian artist. She is famous for making sculptures, especially those made from bronze. Bronze sculptures are artworks shaped from metal. She also works with materials like wax, stone, and welded steel. Barbara lives in Edmonton, Canada. She is best known for her public sculptures of the "Famous Five". These are large artworks placed in public spaces for everyone to see.

About Barbara Paterson

Barbara Paterson was born in 1935 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) to study art. There, she met her husband, John Paterson.

Her Artistic Journey

After getting her first art diploma, Barbara focused on raising her three sons. Once her children were older, she returned to the University of Alberta. In 1988, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. This showed her dedication to art.

Famous Public Sculptures

Barbara Paterson has created many important public sculptures. One of her well-known works is the statue of Lois Hole, called "A Legacy of Love and Learning." Lois Hole was a famous Canadian who loved learning.

Barbara is most famous for her "Famous Five" monuments. These sculptures honor five brave Canadian women. These women fought for women's rights in Canada. The monuments can be seen in Calgary, Alberta's Olympic Square, and on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario.

The "Women are Persons!" Monument

A special detail from the "Famous Five" monuments was featured on a Canada Post stamp in October 1999. It was also pictured on the Canadian $50.00 bill. Today, an image of part of the statue can be seen inside Canadian passports.

The "Famous Five" sculpture is also known as the Women are Persons! Monument. Barbara added an empty chair to this sculpture. This empty chair makes the artwork interactive. People can sit in it and feel like they are part of the monument.

Awards and Recognition

In 2000, the University of Alberta honored Barbara Paterson. She received a Distinguished Alumni Award. This award recognizes former students who have made important contributions. In 2021, she was named to the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. It recognizes people who have made extraordinary contributions to the country.

Works

• 

  Barbara Paterson's statue of Emily Murphy in the Famous five, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario

• 

  Barbara Paterson's statue of Nellie McClung in the Famous five, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario

External links

• Learn more about Barbara Paterson in this interview

See also

In Spanish: Barbara Paterson para niños