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When Joan Larson’s husband, Paul, first told her of his idea to create a series of paintings based upon the RCMP Musical Ride, Joan was immediately flooded with images and excitement.
A Canadian icon– the RCMP Musical Ride is a part of our heritage. It embodies both the soul and memory of a country. From the vast sea-to-sea-to-sea settlement of Canada to the bringing of law to the wild and rugged frontier, the RCMP and their horses have become, and are, an integral part of our history.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Larson has set out to do what no artist has done before: complete a comprehensive series of twenty paintings illustrating the life of the men and women of the Ride, the horses, the thrill of the performances, and the reaction of the crowds.
I’ve watched people reach out to touch the horses and applaud as the men and women of the Ride paraded before them. I have seen and felt the special sense of what it is to be Canadian when I watch the Musical Ride. These horses and riders are uniquely Canadian and it was my goal and passion to produce a series of paintings that celebrate their pageantry and Canadian Heritage
~ Joan Larson
Larson first began the series in 2008. On Tuesday, April 26th, 2010, MLA Scott Fraser in BC Legislature, spoke of Joan’s work:
She is embarking on a series of paintings celebrating the RCMP Musical Ride. When I visited her gallery, I was quite frankly in awe. I recall seeing the musical ride when I was a child, and this brought it right back to me. The quality of this work is phenomenal.Joan Larson’s depictions of this Canadian iconic event are simply magnificent. Her and Paul’s vision is to take this series on tour to any and all communities that are interested and that have never been able to have the opportunity to host or sponsor a series of paintings of this magnitude or the musical ride itself.
Joan’s ultimate quest is to showcase the series at the National Gallery in Ottawa and bring these marvelous paintings of this major part of Canadian history past, present and future to the Canadian public. I urge everyone to check out her work on the website www.canadarides.ca. The collection is destined to be known as a significant statement of Canadian heritage for generations to enjoy…
~ MLA Scott Fraser
Keep watching for updated information on upcoming exhibition dates, times and locations.