Steve Wells: Art Collector, ALS Survivor

By Mark Skeffington Steve Wells’ hospital room walls are covered with Canadian art. Steve, who is North America’s longest living person with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), has made a conscious decision to surround himself with beautiful things that bring him joy as he continues to beat the odds against the terminal disease. "Yes, I have ALS. Yes, I reside in a hospital. SO WHAT! Life is what you make it, so If surrounding myself with art brings me pleasure, why wouldn't I do it,” … [Read more...]

Sampson-Matthews Silkscreen Story

By Mark Skeffington When is a print more than just a print? The answer: When it’s a Sampson-Matthews silkscreen. Prints aren’t as valued or sought-after by art collectors. However, Canadian art silkscreens produced by the Sampson-Matthews Ltd. company of Toronto from 1942-1963 hold a special place in the homes of many art collectors. The silkscreens also hold a special place in the history of Canadian art and Canada. The story is familiar to some, but not to … [Read more...]