The story behind the statue.
This statue goes to the President to retain during presidency and to pass on to the next President.
In 1978 there was a national crisis: the first referendum on Quebec sovereignty was to be held. Dialogue with Quebec was encouraged. CFUW Etobicoke brought 8 women from Quebec City for the events sponsored by the Canadian Unity Group, culminating in dinner at the Old Mill.
The door prize, won by a member from our club, was this statue, created by world renowned artist, Mary Hecht. The concept of the statue was to present dialogue – person to person – as the best way to combat prejudice. It was decided by the members of our Club, present at that dinner, that it should be given to the Club and passed along by each president.
Mary Hecht was born in New York, NY, June 23, 1931 and moved to Canada in 1970. Her education and training in drawing, painting, and sculpture resulted in a B.A. in fine arts (University of Cincinnati, 1952) and an M.A. in sculpture (Iowa State University, 1957). She worked as a magazine illustrator and taught at McLaughlin College, York University. Her cast metal sculptures were regularly exhibited in the United States and Canada. She was also very active in the Jewish community and interfaith conferences about religion and art. She won several awards including the Individual Artist’ Grant, Ontario (1975); Arts Council (1979); Excalibur Bronze Award, National Arts Club, New York NY (1983). Mary died in April 2013 at age 81.