Summary information
| Repository: | South Peace Regional Archives |
| Title: | Colleen Stewart fonds |
| Reference code: | 0690 |
| Date: | 1987 – 2001 (date of creation) |
| Physical description: | 10 cm of textual records
114 photographs |
| Language: | English |
| Dates of creation, revision and deletion: | Processed by Stephanie Friesen February 2021 Exported from AoR and added to new database Dec 2024, JL Description reviewed October 2025 – TD |
Administrative history / Biographical sketch
Colleen Stewart, born in April 1942, was the first of five children born to Henry and Jean Wagner of Goodfare, Alberta.
In 1965, Colleen, along with her husband Joseph (Joe) and son Terry, moved to Prince George British Columbia. After encouragement from her mother, who had recently began painting herself, Colleen began painting in 1978. She was a self-taught artist who took inspiration from the Group of Seven, Emily Carr, and Euphemia McNaught. Colleen began exhibiting her art work in 1981 in both group and individual shows. One particular show, called “East of the Rockies – West of the Rockies,” featured artwork from herself and her mother Jean Wagner, who was an artist from Beaverlodge.
In 1996, Colleen began making art in the form of quilts. The themes of these art pieces centred on the human condition, rather than the Northern British Columbia landscape which were the predominant themes of her oil paintings. According to Colleen, one of her favourite materials to use in quilts were men’s neckties.
Colleen and her husband Joe moved to Fort St. James following Joe’s retirement in 1996 where Colleen continued working on her art.
Stewart’s art was made part of the permanent collections of the Two Rivers Gallery in Prince George, The Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Grande Prairie, and the BC Provincial Government. Her artwork was added to many private collections including private collections in places as far away as New Zealand, Australia, and Germany.
Custodial history
The scrapbook was created by Colleen Stewart and preserved by her husband Joseph (Joe) Stewart. Joe passed it on to his sister Mary Dever who donated it to the South Peace Regional Archives in June 2015.
Scope and content
This fonds consists of one scrapbook. The scrapbook details Colleen Stewart’s career as an artist. It contains exhibition programs, photographs of paintings and quits that Colleen created, artist statements, correspondence, and newspaper clippings. The subjects of Stewart’s art varied, but include: landscapes, nude figures, and themes around domestic violence.
Notes
Title notes
- Source of title proper: Title based on content of fonds.
Arrangement
Due to preservation concerns, the records have been removed from the scrapbook and placed in archival folders. Original order was maintained. A digital and printout copy of the scrapbook as it looked when it was donated to the archives is available for viewing.
Restrictions on access
There are no restrictions on access.
Accruals
No accruals are expected.
Access points
- Textual record (documentary form)
- Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)
- Art (subject)
- Women (subject)