The Rooms Corporation is pleased to announce the presentation of a gift of significant art work from its long-time corporate sponsor, BMO Financial Group. To mark the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Newfoundland and Labrador joining Canada, Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMO, presented an oil painting by one of the province�s most accomplished artists, David Blackwood. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources, accepted the painting on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Also on hand for the celebration were his Honour, the Honourable John Crosbie, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Mrs. Jane Crosbie; Dr. Priscilla Renouf, Chair of the Board of Directors of The Rooms Corporation; Dean Brinton CEO of The Rooms Corporation; dignitaries from St. John�s and across the province and artist David Blackwood.

"We are grateful to BMO Financial Group for this generous gift," said Mr. Brinton. "The Rooms is a place for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to gather and share the many stories of our rich culture and this magnificent work by David Blackwood will be a prized addition to our collection."

The oil on canvas titled Home from Bragg�s Island will remain on display at The Rooms throughout summer 2009. The painting is one of Blackwood�s largest works to date, measuring 1.8 metres by 2.7 metres (6 ft X 9 ft.) and was completed by the artist in 2008. 

Blackwood�s etchings, drawings and paintings, are in high demand by collectors across Canada and around the world. His acclaimed works capture the land, traditions and people of his native province in images that are as compelling and unforgettable as the place itself.

Blackwood was born in Wesleyville, in 1941 and by the age of 23 had work on display in the National Gallery of Canada.  He has been recognized with numerous Canadian and international honours, among them, the Order of Canada in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to the artistic and cultural life of this country.  While he now lives and works in Ontario, Blackwood returns to Newfoundland and Labrador every year to sketch and paint, and his subjects are all drawn from the province�s themes.

BMO Financial Group, recognising that it has conducted business within the province of Newfoundland and Labrador for more than 50 years before it joined Canada, is holding its Annual Meeting of Shareholders in St. John�s on March 3, 2009.

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