Downtown Collingwood
Release Party
The Ski Barn
"In The Beginning" - Artist Nick Hodson
The Georgian Frame Gallery in historic Downtown Collingwood is pleased to announce its newest edition to the Georgian Frame Collection, "In the Beginning - Jozo's Ski Barn" by Collingwood resident and artist Nick Hodson. Picture above are the artist, Collingwood's Nick Hodson and Margot Nicholson-Trott, owner of the Georgian Frame Gallery. Mr. Hodson was on hand to greet visitors to the Georgian Frame Gallery on Saturday October 6th.
If you are a veteran skier on the slopes of Blue Mountain, you no doubt have your own stories of "The Ski Barn" to share with friends and family. Throughout the 1950's and 60's, The Ski Barn welcomed skiers with hot coffee, tremendous chili and apres-ski gatherings. When people spoke of their visit to Blue Mountain, the conversation somehow always managed to become a discussion of what had happend at the Ski Barn.
"The Ski Barn was the scene of many apres-ski parties. Jozo (Weider) played the accordion and led singsongs, and there were also square dances. On these occasions the whole structure vibrated from the activity. Seldom did the partying go beyond midnight, as Jozo insisted that his guests retire and get a good night's sleep in order to be fresh for the next day's skiing."
-- George Weider, from his book "Blue Mountain."
Mr. Hodson, now in his 90's, painted this wonderful image in the early 1950's while taking lessons from renowned local artist Robert Kemp. Mr. Hodson is best known in the Collingwood area for his historically significant pencil sketches, as well as paintings of houses and many of the ships that were launched from the northern end of Hurontario Street in the Collingwood Shipyards.
"The Georgian Frame Gallery is pleased that Mr. Hodson asked us to publish this historically significant piece of art." says owner Margot Nicholson - Trott at the release party in her gallery on Saturday October 6, 2007. Mr. Hodson made a guest appearance from 1-m to 4pm to meet with visitors and personalize the reproductions. Mr. Hodson also had copies of his book, 'A Collingwood Collection' as well as several original works on display.
"In the Beginning - Jozo's Ski Barn" is being reproduced with a vintage poster look. It will be available for sale as a flat print, plaque mounted or framed. Anyone who participated in any of the activities at the Ski Barn, or have heard the now legendary Stories, won't want to miss owning a copy of this piece of local history.
The Ski Barn was once a popular gathering place for skiers at Blue Mountain
Collingwood artist Nick Hodson has captured the images of many Collingwood and area landmarks in his paintings and sketches over the years.
Mr. Hodson is best known for his collection of pencil sketches of area landmarks and scenes, including the above sketch of Downtown Collingwood. Notice the ship at the northern end of Hurontario Street. The ship would have recently been launched at the Collingwood Shipyards at the time period captured in this sketch.