Myfanwy Pavelic facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Myfanwy Pavelic
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| Born |
Myfanwy Spencer
April 27, 1916 Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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| Died | May 7, 2007 (aged 91) Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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| Education | Privately by Emily Carr |
| Known for | Painter |
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Notable work
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"Katharine Hepburn", "Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau" |
| Movement | Post Modern, Contemporary |
| Awards | Order of Canada Order of British Columbia Canadian Portrait Academy |
Myfanwy Pavelic (born April 27, 1916 – died May 7, 2007) was a famous Canadian artist. She was known for painting amazing portraits of people. Her full name was Myfanwy Spencer, but she later became Myfanwy Pavelic. She received important awards for her art.
Becoming an Artist
Myfanwy Pavelic was born in Victoria, British Columbia. Her family was quite well-off. She first became interested in art after meeting a famous Canadian artist named Emily Carr. Emily Carr even gave Myfanwy some art lessons.
Myfanwy mostly taught herself how to paint. She did study for a few months with an artist from Yugoslavia. She also attended a school in Montreal. During the Second World War, Myfanwy held an art show. She gave all the money from her show to the Red Cross. This organization helps people in need around the world.
Later, Myfanwy married a diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. She had one daughter.
Famous Portraits and Recognition
Myfanwy Pavelic was one of the few Canadian artists whose work was shown at the National Portrait Gallery, London. This is a very important art gallery in London, England. Her portrait of the famous musician Yehudi Menuhin was displayed there.
She later gave her portrait of Yehudi Menuhin to the National Portrait Gallery. This made her the first Canadian-born artist to have a painting in their permanent collection. This means her artwork would always be on display there.
Myfanwy's childhood home in Victoria was later given to the city. It was turned into an art gallery. This way, more people could enjoy art in her hometown.
Awards and Special Honours
Myfanwy Pavelic received many important awards for her artwork. In 1984, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honours a Canadian citizen can receive. It recognizes people who have made a big difference to Canada.
Also in 1984, she received an honorary doctorate from the University of Victoria. This is a special degree given to people who have achieved great things. In 2001, she became a Member of the Order of British Columbia. This award recognizes people who have done excellent work in British Columbia.
In 1997, Myfanwy helped start the Canadian Portrait Academy (CPA). This group celebrates portrait artists in Canada. In 1998, she won the F.H. Varley Medallion for Best Portrait Painting. She won this award for her portrait of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. She also became a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. This is a group of Canada's most talented artists.
