JoEllen Brydon

Elizabeth Thompson Advises

April 12, 2026 - June 14, 2026

A vibrant town scene under a swirling green sky; colorful trees and varied houses fill the landscape. People gather joyfully around a fire, conveying warmth.

Painting of a room with a cozy atmosphere. Three people knit at a table, while two relax on a couch. Walls feature yarn shelves, vintage sewing machine, and fashion photos.

A woman in a vintage coat and cloche hat sits on a sofa, writing on a notepad. The setting is a wood-paneled room, conveying a calm, focused tone.

A black-and-white photo of a woman at a typewriter is displayed above a wall-mounted case with handwritten notes. A vintage typewriter is on a stand nearby.

A woman in a vintage setting sits at a typewriter, smiling warmly. She wears a pearl necklace and cardigan. Maps adorn the wall, evoking a historical tone.

Guest curated by Rhona Wegner

Born and raised on a fruit farm in Beamsville, Ontario, Jean Armstrong Brydon was the advice columnist for the Globe and Mail from 1966 to 1978. She worked under the pseudonym, “Elizabeth Thompson.” Jean’s daughter, artist JoEllen Brydon, inherited the vast archives of letters and columns.

A progressive writer and thinker, Jean captured personal experiences within a larger social movement as people resisted and embraced change during a revolutionary time in our history. Contributors came from all walks of life and a variety of backgrounds. Jean would challenge them, encouraging them to look inward, initiating lively debate, ultimately exploring all complexities of an issue.

This exhibition is a nuanced and loving exploration of the stories that people tell — to others and to themselves.

Born in Toronto, JoEllen Brydon has lived most of her life in the township of Cavan, Ontario. Through her vibrant paintings and multimedia installations, she has developed a large body of work that explores anecdotal community stories as well as unique aspects of Canadian history.

Brydon’s work is represented in The Art Bank of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History as well as private collections in North America and the UK.

Events

Apr

Opening Reception

Opening Reception: JoEllen Brydon

Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Join us to celebrate the opening of JoEllen Brydon | Elizabeth Thompson Advises at the Art Gallery of Peterborough. This event is free to attend and open to the public. All are welcome.We strive to be a scent-f...

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