Artist: Conrad Furey (1954 - 2008)
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 24''x 36'' 

Bidding on this artwork will take place at the Live Auction event, Friday, April 5. Tickets available at the link at dvsa.ca. Absentee bids can also be placed in advance – request a form at the school office or email bid@dvsa.ca.

About This Piece
"Picnic Basket”  represents a close friend who would bring dinner each Tuesday night after Conrad’s chemotherapy treatment that took 8 hours for the infusion. The day was long, and our friend would drop off dinner at our home each Tuesday night which was special for us and showed such support through Conrad’s cancer journey. -- Theresa Furey, wife of Conrad Furey

Biography
Conrad Furey was a self-taught Canadian Artist, with his work bordering on a naïf style. The bulk of his success has been with the memories of his East Coast upbringing, "The years I spent growing up in Newfoundland, that's where all these images are from. Our front door looked out onto an ocean bay, and that was my focus. I remember thinking about how it would have been to follow in my father's footsteps, living off the sea. I loved those times spent out fishing together, but I also realized I would have to make my own way in the world, as our back door symbolically looked out onto mines and other kinds of work. It seems I paint what I dreamt of doing with my life."

Furey passed away from cancer on January 23rd, 2008. Today his works are sold through private galleries and are a part of major collections in public galleries throughout Canada. They adorn the walls of many corporations, government buildings, churches, and private collections such as Mark Preece House, The Wellwood Juravinski House, Camp Oochigeas, Juravinski Hospitals, North Hamilton Health Centre, Niagara Health Network St. Catharines General site, Dofasco and Walker Environmental Group Inc. office to name a few.

Furey’s legacy lives on through his wife, Theresa, and daughter, Leah. “He spent his entire life painting and wanted people to enjoy the work. We’re very excited when a piece finds a new home because it means his legacy will live on.” Conrad’s portrayal of the everyday life of Canadians marks him as an important National Artist. His works, although most definitely Canadian, has a universality that makes them appreciated by peoples from all corners.