Joe Fafard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe Fafard
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Joe Fafard in his studio in 2008
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Joseph Hector Yvon (Joe) Fafard
September 2, 1942 Ste. Marthe Rocanville, Saskatchewan, Canada
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| Died | March 16, 2019 (aged 76) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Education | University of Manitoba Pennsylvania State University |
| Known for | Sculptor |
| Awards | Order of Canada Saskatchewan Order of Merit |
Joseph Fafard (September 2, 1942 – March 16, 2019) was a famous Canadian sculptor. He was known for making amazing sculptures, especially of animals and people. His art often showed scenes from his home province of Saskatchewan.
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About Joe Fafard
Joe Fafard was born in 1942 in Ste. Marthe, Saskatchewan. His parents were Leopold Fafard and Julienne Cantin. He was part of a very old Canadian family.
He studied art at the University of Manitoba. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1966. Later, he got a Master of Fine Arts degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1968.
From 1968 to 1974, Joe taught sculpture. He worked at the University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus. This school is now called the University of Regina. He also taught as a guest lecturer in California.
His Art Style
When Joe started teaching in Regina, he met other artists. They introduced him to a style called "Funk art." This style inspired him to start making figures from clay.
Throughout his career, Joe used different materials. He sculpted with plaster, clay, and bronze. Bronze became his main material in the 1980s. His art was greatly inspired by the places and animals around him in Saskatchewan.
His sculptures came in all sizes. Some were small enough to hold in your hand. Others were much bigger than real life.
In 1985, Joe opened his own foundry. It was called the Julienne Atelier foundry. It was located in Pense, Saskatchewan. A foundry is a place where metal is melted and shaped into sculptures. He made many of his artworks there.
He often worked on series of sculptures. He created portraits of famous artists and politicians. These included bronze sculptures of Canadian prime ministers. Some examples are Pierre Trudeau and John Diefenbaker.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Joe Fafard's art was shown all over the world. His sculptures were displayed in Canada, the United States, and even Japan. They were also seen in Great Britain and France.
In 2007, a special show of his art was held. It was called a "retrospective exhibition." This means it looked back at his art from many years. The show was at the National Gallery of Canada and the MacKenzie Art Gallery.
His art was even featured on Canadian postage stamps. Canada Post released these stamps in 2012. This was a big honor for his work.
One of his colorful sculptures is called Running Horses (2007). The National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa put it on display in 2011. It is near the entrance on Sussex Drive.
Joe Fafard passed away at his home in Lumsden, Saskatchewan. He died on March 16, 2019, at 76 years old.
Family Life
Joe Fafard was married and had children. He had five children: Joёl, Misha, Gina, Solenne, and Julien. His family was an important part of his life.
Public Artworks
Many of Joe Fafard's sculptures are in public places. People can see them in cities across Canada.
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Joe Fafard's sculptural work, "The Pasture" (1985), Toronto Dominion Centre, Toronto, Ontario Canada
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Joe Fafard's sculptural work, "The Pasture" (1985), Toronto Dominion Centre, Toronto, Ontario Canada
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Joe Fafard's sculptural work, Paskwamostos, outside of Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Alberta
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Joe Fafard's sculptural work, Nurture Nature (1993), east side of Hart House, Toronto, Ontario Canada
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Joe Fafard's sculptural work, Running Horses at the National Gallery of Canada Ottawa, Ontario Canada
- Oskana-Ka-Ashteki (Cree for Bones that are piled together), 800 block of Scarth Street in downtown Regina, Saskatchewan (1998)
- Claudia, along avenue de Musée entrance of Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (2003)
Awards and Honors
Joe Fafard received many important awards for his art. These awards recognized his amazing talent and contributions.
- Officer of the Order of Canada, 1981: This is one of Canada's highest honors. It recognizes people who have made a big difference to the country.
- Medal in Allied Arts, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, 1987
- Honorary Doctorate Degree, University of Regina, 1989: This is a special degree given to honor someone's achievements.
- Saskatchewan Order of Merit, 2002: This award recognizes excellence and achievement in Saskatchewan.
- National Prix Montfort, 2003
- Lieutenant Governor's Saskatchewan Centennial Medal for the Arts, 2005
- CTV Citizen of the Year in 2006
- Honorary Doctorate Degree, University of Manitoba, 2007
- Saskatchewan Arts Board Lifetime Achievement Award, 2007
