Lucy Jarvis

Lucy Jarvis' relationship with UNB began in the early 1940s when she met Pegi Nicol MacLeod, a friend and fellow painter, and together they visited with Mrs. MacKenzie, wife of UNB President Norman MacKenzie. It was this meeting that sparked the idea of an art centre at the university. Mrs. MacKenzie commented on the odd little structure outside the Old Arts Building (the Brydone Jack Observatory), and upon investigation they found it to be a perfect spot for an art centre. Under the direction of Lucy Jarvis, the Art Centre grew from a small venue for art exhibitions to a vibrant cultural centre for exhibits, art classes, concerts, poetry readings, and Sunday-night record playing sessions for students. In 1946 Lucy was named the Director of Art at UNB (at this time, the Art Centre was located at Alexander College) and held this position until 1960. After leaving UNB, Jarvis was awarded a Canada Council Fellowship enabling her to travel and study in various European studios.

To supplement her work at the Art Centre during the war years, Jarvis worked for the National Film Board of Canada as a film projectionist for the War Information Service. This job took her to many small communities around New Brunswick where she would show movies and host discussions. These travels also led to her hosting creative arts groups for children, which in turn led to the creation of the Travelling Child Art Exhibitions.

Source(s):

• Cameron, Shelley. "Biography." The Visual Experiences of Lucy Jarvis. Fredericton: UNB Art Centre, 1985. ND249 .J37 A4 1985.