NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF MIDLAND
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Earlier this month, the Town of Midland received two beautiful paintings donated by Murray Van Halem, a local artist from Victoria Harbour.
The paintings, titled ‘Winter Layup’ and ‘Baie Comeau at Night’, both feature the Baie Comeau bulk cargo vessel, a frequent visitor to Midland Harbor that has laid up in port many times for the winter season.
"The two paintings that depict the Baie Comeau in Midland Harbour are emblematic of this Georgian Bay community and the Midland Municipal Office is the natural home for these works,” said Murray Van Halem. “I am delighted that they will be displayed here for years to come."
Murray has been active in the local arts community, with his home studio being a popular stop on the Coldwater and Area Studio Tour, and many of his paintings have been exhibited at the Quest Art School + Gallery in Midland.
His art has also been featured at exhibitions in Toronto, Royal Victoria Hospital, Orillia Museum of Art and History, and the Collingwood Public Library.
Murry and his wife, Bayla Fishman, are moving to Dundas to be closer to their children at the end of the summer, which prompted the donation of the paintings to the Town.
“The Town of Midland has a beautiful harbour, complemented by the historic mural on the grain towers and the numerous vessels that visit our port,” said Mayor Stewart Strathearn.
“Mr. Van Halem’s paintings capture the beauty of our harbour at different times of the year and we’re grateful and thank him for this generous donation. I look forward to displaying them in the halls at the Municipal Office for all to admire.”
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