Some Events of 2015

On November 4, 2015, a group of 19 WASM members and friends gathered at the Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel Dieu de Montréal at 201 Pine Avenue West to enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour in English conducted by Caroline Grant.

They were warmly welcomed by Museum staff and their guide was very well-informed and attentive. During the tour they learned a lot about the beginnings of Montreal and the important role the European French, the Catholic Church, Founder of the Hospital, Jeanne Mance, and the arrival in 1659 of The Hospitallers of St. Joseph, an order of nursing sisters who played such a crucial role in caring for the first settlers. They learned about their struggles, the daily lives of the nuns and about the early evolution of medicine and nursing, which made them all very thankful for modern medical discoveries and treatments!

Dr. Mary Hunter on Toulouse-Lautrec’s, “Rue des Moulins, 1894″

On October 27, 2015, WASM held another event at the McCord Museum where Dr. Mary Hunter, Associate Professor of Art History and Communications at McGill University, discussed Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec‘s painting, Rue des Moulins, 1894. Although Dr. Hunter focused on that particular painting, she also discussed his other fascinations and depictions with Parisian prostitutes and their relationships with STIs, particularly syphilis. She explored the troubled ties between bodily and painterly surfaces, medical penetration and artistic encounters, as well as the tensions between the ‘slow time’ of waiting and the desire for speed and efficiency in modern medical life. The lecture was fascinating and Dr. Hunter’s in-depth knowledge of the topic facilitated interesting discussion.

Some reviews on the event:

“Thoroughly enjoyed Mary Hunter and her lecture. One can never learn too much about the relevance of visual art in society. I wish every meeting would focus on artists in our field. Thank you for a well spent afternoon. “

“I give this an A+ and I am looking forward to reading Dr. Hunter’s book which is coming out in December.”

“The lecture was fascinating, especially so for me because I worked in gynaecologic pathology for many years at McGill and Jewish General Hospital. As a matter of fact, I have enjoyed all the lectures so far; inspiring, informative and thought-provoking. Thank you!”

“Very interesting. The art/medicine angle intriguing.”

“Thank you for a wonderful lecture by Dr. Mary Hunter, a very interesting topic and so well presented. I give this 10 out of 10.”

Viewing of film, “Suffragette” 

On October 22, 2015, some WASM members attended a screening of the film Suffragette, a movie portraying working class feminists fighting for equality in the early days of the feminist movement. Although the film focuses on the initial fights for equality, it implies the continued fight that exists to this day.

The above right picture was taken with the Suffragette phone app. At fightsnotover.com there’s more information on how to get involved with the current day fight of women for equality.

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Meet and Greet 2015

On Tuesday October 6, 2015 WASM had our annual Meet and Greet & Art Exhibit at 2700 Rufus Rockhead right beside the Atwater market which was a great success. Dozens of new and returning members attended, bringing their art for sale and getting to know each other. Additionally, decorations from last year’s tree ornament activity (which we will be doing again this year with the Museum of Fine Arts) were available for members to take home with them. Members and prospective members mingled, enjoying tea/coffee and chips and dip. A delicious lunch was prepared by Board member Bonnie Hill, including but not limited to: chicken satay skewers; egg and tuna salad sandwiches; cheese and crackers; and spring rolls. Following lunch, every member briefly introduced themselves and mentioned what their passion was. This allowed WASM members to become better acquainted with each other, creating a closeness that other events are not always able to. In response to the event, many members contacted WASM to mention how much they appreciated this aspect of the Meet and Greet. All in all, the day was a great success and we’re already looking forward to next year’s. Visit our Facebook page to see the rest of the pictures from the event and for reminders/follow ups of future events. If you weren’t able to make it to this event, we hope you can make the next one!

​Thank-you for your gracious welcome! I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the Meet and Greet. So many lovely interesting women who all have a special talent and a story to tell. I look forward to participating in the group’s events.