Beginning July 1, 2017, visitors to Colville House at Mount Allison will be able to step into the late Alex Colville’s (’42, LLD ’68) studio. On Oct. 2, Colville’s family announced it is donating the entire contents of the studio to the University.

The gift includes Colville’s paints, brushes, easels, work tables, and other studio materials.

“Any of these objects on their own is relatively meaningless, but all together, the studio is a fascinating glimpse into his working process,” says Colville’s daughter, Ann Kitz. “We felt that it was important to keep it all together.”

The studio will be installed at Colville House, the residence where Colville and his family lived from 1949 to 1973.

“This is a unique and consequential gift,” says Mount Allison President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Campbell. “Visitors, admirers of Colville’s work, and those who wish to make a study of it, will be able to come to Mount Allison, step into his studio, visit his home, view his pieces, and literally walk in his footsteps around the community. We deeply appreciate the Colville family’s extraordinary and thoughtful contribution.”

The Government of Canada is also supporting the project with a $98,700 grant through the Canada 150 Fund. The grant will support the installation of the studio in Colville House and provide funds for the development of a Colville website, as well as education and community outreach programs on Colville’s life and work.

Photo caption: Ann Kitz, daughter of the late Alex Colville, in front of Colville's Athletes.