Saskatchewan renowned artist and sculptor Joe Fafard passed away on March 16th, 2019, at the age of 76 years.
Currently residing on an acreage by Lumsden, SK, the distinguished artist was celebrated throughout the country and worldwide, having exhibitions that exemplified his influences from Saskatchewan surroundings.
Born in Ste. Marthe, Saskatchewan in 1942, Fafard received a B.S.A. from the University of Manitoba in 1966 and a M.F.A. from Pennsylvania State University.
From 1968 to 1974, he taught sculpture at the Regina University Campus and was a visiting lecturer at the University of California from 1980-81.
As a recognizable influence in the arts scene in Canada, Fafard was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1981 and was awarded the Architectural Institute of Canada Allied Arts Award in 1987. He also received an Honorary Degree from the U of R in 1989.
As a sculptor, he used plaster and ceramic to create his sculptures, until he switched to bronze as his primary medium in the 1980s. Fafard opened the Julienne Atelier foundry in Pense, Sk in 1985.
Another of Fafard’s accomplishments was the privilege of having his work featured on a series of postage stamps issued by Canada Post in 2012.
Also noteworthy was the installation of his vivid sculpture Running Horses (2007) in 2011 adjacent to the Sussex Drive entrance of the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa.
