The Great Coat and the White Cat

The Great Coat by Jacqueline Treloar

Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break. William Shakespeare

The Great Coat and the White Cat, is artist Jacqueline Treloar's exploration of loss and celebration of memory at the Artscape Triangle Gallery. This talented Toronto artist and former textile designer (and friend) created this majestic yet whimsical great coat as a pivotal focus of her exhibition.  
The exhibition commemorates her mother Lucy Treloar, and centres on The Great Coat, a dramatic 1950s style floor-length double-layered garment embellished with beading and decorative trims. It evokes the sheltering and protective elements in that the large and wide collar and cuffs can be turned out to protect the face and hands from cold and rain.
Intended as a vehicle of recognition and thanks, the coat is made of various synthetic translucent fabrics. The outer layer carries images of the memorial cards the family received upon the death of her mother on September 9, 2010. The inner layer carries the personal written messages and texts from inside the cards.
The accompanying paintings complement the coat, portraying places and times experienced by Jacqueline's mother and family in England.

The Great Coat and the White Cat
Artscape Triangle Gallery
33 Abell Street
October 5-30, 2011
Gallery Hours: 12-6 pm

Opening Reception: Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 2-4 pm
Artist Talk: October 22, 2011 at 4 pm
Website: www.jatreloar.com