Art exhibition at Military Museums kicks off Great War centennial commemoration

An exhibition opening Jan. 22 at the Founders’ Gallery at The Military Museums will feature soldiers’ trench art and civilian artwork never before publicly displayed in Canada. 

To commemorate the centennial anniversary of both the beginning of the First World War and the formation of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), the University of Calgary and PPCLI Foundation are presenting Forging a Nation: Canada Goes to War at the Founders’ Gallery. This is the first exhibition to open in Canada on the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War and the kick-off to a series of events planned across the country.

This exhibition illuminates the remarkable events of both world wars, the Korean War, peacekeeping efforts and the war in Afghanistan through the eyes of military and civilian artists. In addition to regimentally-owned art, the exhibition also includes pieces on loan from the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa and the Imperial War Museum in London, England, as well as several other important collections.

This year marks the centennial anniversary of the beginning of the First World War and the entry of Canadians into battle. Individual and collective contributions and sacrifices to this war changed Canadian history and continue to shape present-day notions of Canadian identity.  

Forging a Nation: Canada Goes to War is part of the University of Calgary’s ongoing efforts to share with Calgarians the very real and long-term effects of war and conflict on both military and civilian populations. The exhibition looks at the development of Canadian national identity and the development of Canadian art through war.

“It is a great honour for the University of Calgary to mount the Forging a Nation: Canada Goes to War exhibition, and share the stories of the dedicated members of the Canadian Forces who continue to make a lasting impact on our country and our world,” said University of Calgary President Elizabeth Cannon. 

“Thanks to the support from our private donor, we are able to bring vital educational exhibitions to the university and the city of Calgary. Additionally, we are grateful for the support and partnership of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry as we present this dynamic exhibition,” says Cannon.

The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, His Honour Col. (Ret’d) the Honourable Donald S. Ethell, a highly decorated soldier, acknowledges the historical significance of this important exhibition.

“Forging a Nation: Canada Goes to War is truly a transformational exhibition of our country’s military history and comes at a very important time. The exhibition commemorates a crucial step forward in military operations for this country and the key peacekeeping and combat roles that Canadian soldiers have played, and will continue to play, in military operations around the globe. I commend the University of Calgary and PPCLI for their partnership in developing this exhibition,” says Ethell.

Lieutenant-General Raymond R. Crabbe, Colonel of the Regiment of PPCLI, also remarks on the history of the regiment and the collaboration that brings this exhibition to the public.

"The opening of Forging a Nation: Canada Goes to War and the re-opening of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Museum mark a very important milestone for the regiment and all Canadians as we commemorate 100 years of service by the regiment and 100 years since the start of World War I. Both will provide an outstanding opportunity for Canadians to relate to the tremendous contribution made by the PPCLI and Canada's military to the development of our nation. The Regiment is delighted to have partnered with the University of Calgary for this project,” said Crabbe.

Forging a Nation: Canada Goes to War runs from Jan. 22 to March 7 at The Founders’ Gallery located at The Military Museums, 4520 Crowchild Trail S.W.