This exhibition surveys the fascinating and multifaceted career of Erica Rutherford (b. Edinburgh, 1923 – d. Charlottetown, 2008), whose work explores themes of persona and gender, home and landscape, and whose life was shaped by the search for identity and community. The show includes over 100 works, accompanied by memorabilia and photographs that support the stories told by the work itself.

Erica Rutherford is the first Prince Edward Island artist to be featured at the prestigious La Biennale di Venezia. The 60th edition of the international art exhibition began in April 2024 and showcases five paintings by Rutherford.

Curated by Pan Wendt.

Photo: Erica Rutherford, Earnscliffe, PEI, 1978, ed. 3/80, serigraph on paper, 66 x 56.5 cm, Gift of Gail Rutherford, 2009, CAG 2009.1.13

ERICA RUTHERFORD: HER LIVES AND WORKS 2025 – 2027 TOUR DATES

ERICA RUTHERFORD: HER LIVES AND WORKS

2025–2027 Tour Dates

Confederation Centre Art Gallery
Charlottetown, PE
June 8, 2024 – January 5, 2025

National Gallery of Canada
Ottawa, ON
June 13, 2025 – October 13, 2025

The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery
St. John’s, NL
November 22, 2025 – March 9, 2026

Owens Art Gallery
Sackville, NB
May 30 – September 13, 2026

Art Windsor-Essex
Windsor, ON
November 19, 2026 – February 21, 2027

Art Gallery of Guelph
Guelph, ON
May 2 – August 22, 2027

MSVU Art Gallery
Halifax, NS
September 11 – November 27, 2027

Erica Rutherford: Her Lives and Works – Part 1: Diversification

Erica Rutherford Memorial Fund

The family of Erica Rutherford set up the fund in 2014 with donations raised at the time of Erica’s passing in 2008. The fund awards an annual bursary for a student continuing a second term in any manner of accredited performing or visual arts education.

Click here and locate the fund under ‘Youth Education’