William Allister, PoW and painter (1919 – 2008)
Tom Hawtorn’s, Special to The Globe and Mail, November 29, 2008. http://tomhawthorn.blogspot.ca/2008/11/william-allister-pow-and-painter-1919.html
The Art of Compassion
An hour-long documentary film aired nationally on CBC.
The Art of Compassion from Peter Campbell on Vimeo.
“Manitoba-born artist and writer William Allister and Vancouver-born Japanese-Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama were prisoners of war during World War II. Allister was imprisoned in Japan after the fall of Hong Kong, and Moriyama was interned in British Columbia after the Canadian government implemented the War Measures Act. During the war years, Allister and Moriyama drew upon artistic expression and a love of nature as a means of survival. Today, their creative work bridges the two cultures which have had such a significant impact on their lives”–Container.
Produced by Gumboot Productions Inc. in association with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Sunday Arts Entertainment, British Columbia Film; written by Penny Joy ; directed by Peter C. Campbell. Moving Images Distribution, ©1995.
May 17, 2013 Press Release
MEDIA ADVISORY / PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
LIBRARY TO UNVEIL NEVER BEFORE SEEN WILLIAM ALLISTER ORGINALS
The Fraser Valley Regional Library celebrates nearly $160,000 art donation.
Abbotsford, BC – Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) is celebrating a generous art donation from the estate of acclaimed Canadian artist and Delta resident, the late William Allister. FVRL has received the entire International Collection, valued at nearly $160,000. The collection, which has never been publically exhibited, contains 19 large acrylic on canvas paintings that feature imaginative renderings and symbols highlighting the interconnection of cultures throughout history.
What: Public unveiling of 19 original paintings by the acclaimed Canadian artist, the late William Allister
When: 3 p.m. on May 25, 2013
Where: Ladner Pioneer Library
4683 – 51st Street, Delta BC
Who: Fraser Valley Regional Library and its Board
Mrs. Mona Allister, wife of the late William Allister
The paintings will be exhibited at the Ladner Pioneer Library until September 3, after which the paintings will move to their permanent locations in various FVRL libraries to fulfill Mr. Allister’s wish that his creative works be accessible to the public to enjoy.
Note to Editors & Assignment Desks: A partial preview of the paintings for the media can be arranged for Friday, May 24, 2013. Please call Irene Geng at 604-557-4706 for more information.
About Fraser Valley Regional Library
Fraser Valley Regional Library is the largest public library system in British Columbia, with 25 community libraries serving almost 700,000 people in its service area. Established in 1930, it is funded with taxes raised in the community it serves, plus a Government of BC operating grant. The governing Board consists of elected officials representing 15 member municipalities and regional districts. With its mission “to connect people to the world of information and ideas,” FVRL plays a prominent role in the communities throughout the Fraser Valley.
FVRL Member Libraries
| Abbotsford Community | Agassiz | Aldergrove |
| Boston Bar | Brookswood | Chilliwack |
| Clearbrook | Fort Langley | George Mackie |
| Hope | Ladner Pioneer | City of Langley |
| Maple Ridge | Mission | Mount Lehman |
| Muriel Arnason | Murrayville | Pitt Meadows |
| Sardis | Tsawwassen | Terry Fox |
| Walnut Grove | White Rock | Yale |
| Yarrow |
MEDIA CONTACT:
| Irene Geng |
| Donor Relations Manager |
| [direct] 604-557-4706 |
| [office] 604-859-7141 ext. 7005 |
| [cell] 604-702-8317 |
| irene.geng@fvrl.bc.cawww.fvrl.ca |