GORE BAY—On Saturday, July 22, the Town of Gore Bay unveiled a sesquicentennial gift at the Harbour Centre. The bronze sculpture is by noted Canadian artist, Frances Gage, RCA.
The sculpture, entitled ‘Sleeping Mindy’ is a two-thirds life size portrait of the artist’s beloved dog, ‘Mindemoya.’
Frances Gage first visited Manitoulin Island in the summer of 1949. She, along with a friend, travelled and explored the Island on bicycles. She continued to visit the Island over subsequent decades, and was prompted to name her dog after a Manitoulin place name, as a reminder of the affection that she had for “this magical place.”
Ms. Gage served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a WREN during the Second World War. Following her military service she attended the Ontario College of Art, followed by further study in both New York and Paris. She has many commissions on public view across Canada, as well as in private collections.
The Town of Gore Bay is honoured that the artist and her family have chosen Gore Bay as a permanent home for this work of art. Ms. Gage currently resides near Cobourg in a long-term care facility. Her niece and family visit Manitoulin every summer.
