Take a winding drive north of Belleville on Hwy 37 and you will eventually come across a hamlet known as Actinolite, a rural community in the municipality of Tweed. Nestled alongside the Skootamatta river, it was first settled in 1859 during the Ontario gold rush. The community was named after a form of asbestos that was also mined there.
The Schneider School of Fine Art, established in 1963 by Mary and Roman Schneider, is a notable institution and put Actinolite on the map. This school became a hub for artists from various parts of Canada, particularly from urban centres like Toronto and Montreal, who sought to retreat with fellow artists, refine their skills and immerse themselves in nature at its best.
Mary Schneider was born in Vilnius, Lithuania. She was an accomplished artist who studied in Warsaw, Berlin, and Paris. She continued her artistic pursuits even during her internment in Siberian work camps during World War II. After emigrating to Canada in 1950, she became a significant figure in the Canadian art scene. To this day, her easel and art supplies remain at the retreat.
Roman Schneider was a professor of applied art in Warsaw. He co-founded the school with his wife, contributing to its development and success. Several prominent artists attended or taught at the Schneider School of Fine Art, including:
A.Y. Jackson: One of the founding members of the Group of Seven, who is believed to have taught at the school during the 1960s and 70s
Don Fraser: well known Canadian painter; best known as a Scenic Artist by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation; taught landscape painting at the school
Carl Schaefer: A well-known Canadian landscape artist who taught at the school
Bruce Steinhoff: A landscape artist who studied under Carl Schaefer at the Schneider School and became known for his vivid depictions of northern Ontario landscapes
Jack Henry Pollock: author, painter, art educator and art dealer who was a fixture on the Toronto art scene and founder/owner of The Pollock Gallery in Toronto
The property changed hands a few times over the years and was renamed the Bridgewater Retreat in the 1990s offering wellness, yoga and writing retreats. In keeping with the history of the place, well known artist Lucy Manley helped convince the new owners to open it up to art groups and art instruction. “I was involved with the ECOAA – East Central Ontario Art Association and our group was always looking for places for our members to plein air paint and stay overnight. Bridgewater Retreat then started to offer this and that is when I attended and also taught classes there through the club.” This led to the return of many talented artists from across the province including Manley, Fraser, Poul Thrane, Audrey Ross, Ron Leonard, and Charles Spratt to name a few.
The Schneider School of Fine Art played a crucial role in nurturing Canadian artists and contributing to the country’s rich artistic heritage. What a treat to have this legacy right here in our very own rural backyard.
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