The Manitoba Museum’s Conservation staff had their work cut out for them last fall as they undertook the restoration of a very special work of art. Created by renowned Odawa (Ottawa) artist Daphne Odjig in 1971, the 7 x 10 foot painting had been hanging in the hallway of Peguis Central School in Hodgson, Manitoba.
In June 2002, following a request made to The Manitoba Museum’s Preventive Conservation Services, Head Conservator Radu Balica and Conservator Kathy Nanowin travelled to the Peguis First Nation, located 170 kilometres north of Winnipeg, to retrieve the damaged painting. “This has been an intensive project for our department,”
said Balica of the work that has seen himself, Nanowin; Andrew Fallak, Conservation Technician; Museum intern Cornelia Herrmann from Germany and a crew of volunteers working since late September to repair the painting.”

“Although the school had tried to protect the piece with plexi-glass a few years ago, the damage had already been done, especially to the bottom portion where students had rubbed against it. The painting had also been punctured in three places, so overall, it presented severe damage and was in dire need of cleaning and a new frame.” On October 22, Fallak and Balica travelled to the newly built school where they installed the restored painting in the main foyer. On October 23,2002 at a special rededication ceremony, the painting was unveiled once again for the benefit and enjoyment of future students.