My name is Han Nguyen. I鈥檓 in my third year pursuing a major in Anthropology and a minor in Art History with Religious Studies. My keen interest lies in the history of artistic materials, particularly with a focus on watercolor. During this summer, I had the privilege of working with Jardins de M茅tis / Reford Gardens on a project centered around the works of Anna Lois Dawson Harrington, a talented watercolorist from the late 19th to early 20th century. My aim was to contribute to the narrative that sheds light on the life of a woman during that era, emphasizing her individuality beyond being solely someone's daughter, wife, or mother.
Under the guidance of my supervisor, H茅l猫na Samson, the curator leading the upcoming exhibition dedicated to Anna Lois Dawson Harrington's work, I delved into thorough research about her artistic accomplishments and personal life. I had the privilege of accessing invaluable materials at both the McCord Archives and the 平特五不中 Archives. H茅l猫na provided me with valuable instructions while also encouraging independent exploration and learning. She was always attentive to my opinions and readily addressed any queries I had.
One of the most thrilling experiences during the in
Another memorable aspect of the internship was the visit we made to Metis with the Anna Lois Dawson Harrington team. This opportunity allowed us to explore the town's history, including a visit to the Harrington house and interactions with family members. Furthermore, we engaged with numerous historians in Metis, absorbing their stories about life in the area. The experience of exploring the town's streets and landmarks offered us a deeper understanding of the environment that influenced Anna Lois Dawson Harrington's life, personality, and artistic inspirations. This visit proved to be an eye-opening and enlightening journey that greatly enriched our understanding of the project and its context.
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity extended to me by Alexander Reford, as well as for the invaluable guidance provided by H茅l猫ne Samson and the support from both the Anna Lois Dawson Harrington Team and Heather from McCord Archives. Their collective efforts made this summer truly remarkable and fulfilling.
I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the donors of my AIO Experiential Learning Undergraduate Internship Award. Thanks to their support, I had the means to stay in Montreal to work on the project and conduct research in Metis, making this experience possible.
This summer has been an enriching and rewarding journey, filled with unforgettable moments and ample learning opportunities. I am sincerely thankful for the chance to be part of this significant project and to contribute to the appreciation of Anna Lois Dawson Harrington's exceptional legacy.
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