“Building on Faith:
The Architects of St. Ann’s Academy”
St. Ann’s Academy, in conjunction with the Sisters of St. Archives, is pleased to present the opening of the new exhibit “Building on Faith: the Architects of St. Ann’s Academy.” Learn about the men—and woman!--who designed the nationally, provincially and municipally designated St. Ann’s Academy building, as well as schools and hospitals throughout BC, Alaska and the Yukon. Includes historic photographs and reproductions of rare original blueprints from well known local architects John Teague and Thomas Hooper, as well as Sister Mary Osithe,—one of BC’s earliest female architects—and a Sister of St. Ann!
St. Ann’s Academy was built as a school and convent for the Sisters of St. Ann between 1871 and 1910. Over the years, it has become a landmark in Victoria’s cultural landscape, brick and mortar testimony to the early francophone presence in Victoria. Learn how Brother Joseph Michaud brought his own experiences in rural Quebec to the west coast of Canada with his design for the original Catholic Cathedral in Victoria in 1858, which later became the chapel at St. Ann’s Academy. Learn how his influence at St. Ann’s Academy continued long after his return to Quebec in the 1860s.
Without any formal training as an architect, Sister Mary Osithe, ssa designed many buildings for her congregation, including a hospital in Smithers, St. Ann’s School for Boys in Duncan (now Providence Farm) and Foundress Hall at Little Flower Academy in Vancouver. A woman of diverse interests and talents in addition to her training as an artist and teacher, Sister Mary Osithe was also an accomplished photographer and administrator for her congregation.
Wherever the Sisters of St. Ann’s mission led them throughout the West, they commissioned the leading architects of the day to build their schools and hospitals. Learn how John Teague, Thomas Hooper, C. Elwood Watkins and Samuel Maclure, among others, helped the Sisters of St. Ann build “strong foundations” for their education and healthcare mission in BC, Alaska and the Yukon.
Continues until April 1, 2012. Admission by donation.