The apropos theme of event was GLAM given the content of the The Clichettes’ exhibition which celebrated the renowned artist trio of Louise Garfield, Johanna Householder and McMaster Associate Professor Janice Hladki. Their groundbreaking practice from 1978 to 1993 was at the crossroads of performance art and feminist satire bridging theatre, lip-sync, dance, drag, costume, and comedy, scrutinizing the tropes of femininity and masculinity. The group’s first-ever retrospective was curated by Dr. Ivana Dizdar and celebrated the many dynamic collaborations with artists, writers, designers, and directors, bringing together over 150 costumes, props, videos, photographs, drawings, scripts, and archival materials.

For Dizdar the exhibition production brought to life “the kindness, courage, spirit, magic, and friendship… In a world that feels chaotic and unjust, I hope this show stands as a testament to the power of art to help us imagine a better world.”

The GOG Awards celebrate the outstanding achievement, artistic merit, and excellence of arts institutions and professionals in the public art gallery sector across Ontario and to be shortlisted for an award is a tremendous honour. However, winning is an incredible accomplishment particularly for the M(M)A given the other shortlisted institutions in this category were the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Ottawa Art Gallery, whose budgets and resources far exceed those of the modest yet mighty M(M)A team. Special acknowledgement needs to be given to former Director and Chief Curator Carol Podedworny who stewarded the project and publication prior to her retirement, Betty Julian, Senior Curator, who saw the exhibition come to fruition, along with Preparator and Exhibition Designer, Sam de Lange, and Exhibition Coordinator Julie Bronson.

The Clichettes also extend their gratitude to “the many photographers, designers, wigmakers and musical influencers who contributed their work and to Kim Tomczak and Lisa Steele at V-Tape for bringing our recorded past into the present day.”

The GLAM (also an acronym for galleries, libraries, archives and museums) event also featured Toronto’s Poet Laureate, Lillian Allen, receiving an award for her contribution to The Clichettes’ exhibition catalogue. Another contributor, Dr. Mark Kingwell, University of Toronto Professor, was also shortlisted for a writing award as well the gorgeous publication designed by Rob Gray was up for an award.

An impressive undertaking, The Clichettes exhibition, is an important example of how the museum serves as a liaison between the university and the wider public at large. From the number of partners and contributors to both the exhibition and publication production to the full circle moments such as McMaster alum Jenn Heldson, of The Muses, playing a key role in restoring the costumes and props of her former professor Janice Hladki along with her business partner Hope Wickett.

The important work that takes place at the M(M)A is certainly in service to the campus community yet has the ability to stretch out into the greater community at large, extending McMaster’s reach and impact.

On a personal note, when I was considering applying for the role of Director and Chief Curator, I visited this exhibition and was blown away, as many were, by its complexity, sassiness and sophistication. I left the Museum knowing that this was a place I wanted to join and belong. My intention is to continue to carry forward and build upon the impressive foundation that has been most deservingly acknowledged by Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries, for which the M(M)A is very thankful for this prestigious recognition.

Written by Mary Reid, MA, MBA, Director and Chief Curator

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