Our Stories: An Engaging and Interactive Exhibition

Introducing Visitors to the History of Art in Canada

Lead designer Stefan Canuel and his team faced the challenge of creating a visual identity that would communicate key messages, concepts, and images to visitors of all ages, while working within the limitations of space and budget. The result was a 440-square-meter exhibition divided into eight sections, each focusing on a different aspect of art in Canada.

The first section, "How It's Made," showcased various art-making techniques through text, images, objects, and videos. Visitors learned about carving, bronze casting, beading, photography, and painting, gaining insight into the creative processes behind these artworks.

In "Art Can," visitors refined their own definition of what art can be and do. Through examples in the collection, they were encouraged to explore the diverse possibilities and meanings of art, expanding their understanding and appreciation.

The Woolsey Family section invited visitors to step into a life-size set recreating the home depicted in the Woolsey Family portrait. They were encouraged to take their own pictures and learn about the composition of the artwork and the people depicted in it.

A timeline presented on three walls highlighted important moments in the history of art in Canada. This interactive display engaged visitors with facts and images, providing a comprehensive overview of the country's artistic development.

A large round table, 12 feet in diameter, served as an interactive map of Canada. Visitors could activate the map using push buttons, which highlighted 13 artworks from different regions of the country. This immersive experience helped visitors understand the connection between the artworks and their places of origin.

In the "To Imagine the Landscape" section, video projections of Canadian landscapes, including the location where Tom Thomson painted "The Jack Pine," inspired visitors to create their own digital landscape paintings at iPad stations. Text panels explained the development of landscape painting in Canada and the compositional elements of a landscape artwork.

To orient visitors to the exhibition, a video featuring the Director, Marc Mayer, deconstructed five fallacies about art. This section aimed to challenge preconceived notions and encourage visitors to approach art with an open mind.

The final section, "Art Match Quiz," offered visitors a chance to plan the rest of their visit. Floor plans and self-guide brochures were available, along with tablets where visitors could take a quiz to find their art match – an artwork on view in the galleries that might appeal to their sensibilities. This interactive feature helped visitors personalize their experience and discover artworks they might have otherwise overlooked.

Key to the success of Our Stories was the use of an interpretive plan, which outlined the goals and desired educational outcomes of the learning space. This document evolved from a mood board into a record of content and design decisions, ensuring that the exhibition effectively communicated its intended messages.

Designed to respond to the needs of multiple target audience segments, the interactive components of Our Stories were developed based on visitor research. The exhibition aimed to provide information on how art is made and the historical context in which artworks are produced. By catering to different learning styles and interests, the exhibition engaged visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

The Our Stories exhibition was open to the public from June 14 to September 4, 2017, and received positive feedback from visitors. It successfully introduced visitors to the history of art in Canada, increased their comfort level with being in a gallery setting, and prepared them to interpret art in personal and meaningful ways.

Recognized for its outstanding design and creative ingenuity, Our Stories was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2018. This prestigious accolade acknowledges designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.