Lunch and Learn with Annemarie Hagan

Lunch and Learn: “From Cabbagetown Dropout to the Ontario College of Art: Exploring the Unexpected Life of Artist Frederick Hagan”
 

Wednesday, June 26
12:30 to 1:30 PM
Free | Online | Registration required

Delve into the fascinating and unconventional journey of Canadian artist Frederick Hagan, as his daughter Annemarie shares personal stories and insights into his remarkable career.

About Frederick Hagen

When Frederick Hagan passed away in 2003 at the age of 85, he was lauded for his influential role as a respected artist, stamp designer, and teacher at the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University) for 37 years.

Born to working-class parents in Cabbagetown, Toronto in 1918, Fred was expected to quit school after grade ten to help support his widowed mother and seven siblings. While working in local factories in the late 1930s, he began taking evening art classes at the Ontario College of Art, where he was encouraged by teachers such as Group of Seven member Franklin Carmichael.

The onset of World War II in 1939 brought unexpected opportunities and challenges to Fred, as unlikely personal and historical factors came together, allowing him to fulfill his dream of becoming an artist and a teacher.

One of his works, Boy in the Wilderness, is currently exhibited in our summer exhibition, Summer Solstice, on display until September 2, 2024.

About Annemarie Hagan

Annemarie Hagan, the daughter of Frederick Hagan, has been interested in her father’s art since childhood, first assisting him with historical research when she was just twelve. Now retired after a career in museums, she has been researching Fred’s early life and influences.

Annemarie is an award-winning curator and museum professional with over 35 years of experience. From 1998 to 2014, she was the Manager of the Museums of Mississauga, guiding the growth of the museums, including the restorations of Benares Historic House, the Port Credit Log Cabin, and the Leslie Log House. More recently, she served as Senior Curator of History at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum, and Archives (PAMA) in Brampton. Her work there included innovative collaborations with local Sikh, Muslim, Black, and Indigenous communities. A lifelong history enthusiast, Annemarie holds a B.A. in History and Women’s Studies from the University of Toronto and an M.A. in Public History from the University of Waterloo. Annemarie now enjoys a quiet life in the historic town of Fergus, Ontario.