Minister expresses condolences

Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, sends condolences today to the family and friends of gifted artist Rae Perlin who died Sunday at the age of 95. Ms. Perlin, one of the first professional artists in the province, was a key figure in the cultural community.

"Rae Perlin will long be remembered as a pioneer who blazed the trail for many succeeding generations of artists who continue to work and live in the province," said Minister Hedderson. "I extend my deepest sympathy to family and friends of this remarkable woman."

Born in St. John�s in 1910, Ms. Perlin originally worked as a nurse in New York because she did not think art was a viable career option. However, she continued to explore the visual art field and later moved to Paris to seriously study the craft. She moved back to St. John�s in 1959 and became known for her paintings and sketches. She also wrote art reviews for local newspapers and was an active member of the Writer�s Guild.

Media contact: Susanne Hiller, Communications (709) 729-0928, 728-7762

2006 03 06                         4:30 p.m.