Government pays tribute to Anne Meredith Barry

Premier Roger Grimes today paid tribute to the late Anne Meredith Barry, one of Newfoundland and Labrador�s premiere visual artists.

"Ms. Barry came to this province recognizing its unique cultural and natural heritage," said Premier Grimes. "She understood our deep cultural roots, our passion for life and our connection to our natural heritage. Through her paintings, she expressed our powerful landscapes, presenting the land as she saw it. We have lost an artist with a unique flair for telling the story of our people and our province."

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, acknowledged the contribution Ms. Barry has made to the arts community in this province.

"Ms. Barry was a great ambassador for the visual arts community of the province, with her works being exhibited as far away as Taiwan. She recently received the Queen�s Jubilee Medal for her support of the arts in Newfoundland and Labrador, and she was a major inspiration for young artists in the province," said Minister Bettney. "She possessed the ability to capture us as a people of the North Atlantic shaped by our bold terrain and our colourful past."

Premier Grimes and Minister Bettney extended their sincere condolences to the members of the Barry family on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. A celebration of Barry�s life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28 at the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact:
          Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960
          Melony O�Neill, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928

2003 01 24                                       12:35 p.m.