1995/96
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Finally able to return to his studio for sustained periods of work, Ken devotes himself to new paintings as well as travelling to various locations for on-the-spot research. One of these trips is devoted to Stonehenge, in England, which he had visited years earlier. On this ocassion he timed his visit so that he could observe the sun's positioning on September 22nd at 6 pm - the precise beginning of the 'autumn equinox.' The result was a large oil painting so-titled.
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1997
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Ken's schedule is now almost exclusively devoted to creating the new works for his next exhibition - scheduled for 1998 - but he takes time out to be presented with an Honourary Doctorate of Arts degree from Algoma/Laurentian University in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
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1998
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Ken Danby: New Paintings opens at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery in Toronto in October. It is Ken's first exhibition of new work in Canada since 1985 and his largest exhibition to date. As such, it generates national press and broadcast coverage even before it opens.
A huge success, the show sets attendance records with more than 10,000 visitors in four weeks, and breaks Canadian records for exhibit sales at a one-man show.
One of the featured works is Niagara, an eight-foot oil on canvas, the largest Ken has painted to date. It is one of dozens of works sold at the opening reception of the exhibition.
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Among various celebrities who visit the exhibit is legendary movie actor Anthony Quinn, who with his wife Katherine, share many hours of conversation with Ken and Gillian.
 
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| A one hour television special Ken Danby - Behind the Mask, is produced for The Life and Times biography series and broadcast nationally on CBC. |
1999
2000
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 Ken is the featured artist at the annual Manitoba Art Expo. Ken and Bobby Orr team up in Winnipeg in support of the Rainbow Society, a charity for children with life threatening illnesses. Proceeds from the sale of the limited edition prints of Ken's portrait of Bobby go to the Society.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources asks Ken to become a member of a team of celebrity sponsors to support the goal of long-term protection of the Great Lakes Heritage Coast. Along with such luminaries as the astronaut, Roberta Bondar; hockey heroes, Bobby Orr, Phil and Tony Esposito; writer Pierre Berton and musician Paul Schaffer, Ken is named a Champion of the Great Lakes Heritage Coast.
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 'Trail 2000', the historic six day overland horse drive to bring 'bucking stock' from their northern ranch to the Calgary Stampede and Rodeo is the subject of a major work and exhibition. |
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 To experience the trail drive first-hand, Ken is assisted by cowboys at the Stampede Ranch in Alberta.
The event and the painting receive national press coverage. As they approach the City of Calgary, Ken is asked to join the trail riders for the last day of the drive.
Kodak Canada sponsors a limited edition print of Trail 2000 to raise funds for the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and the charities of the Rotary Clubs of Calgary.
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As a celebration of the millenium, Sears Canada commissions Ken to create a painting which is then featured on the cover of Sears Christmas Wish Book. The painting, entitled Christmas at the Mill, features Ken's mill home as the subject, with family members posing. The Christmas Wish Book is the largest publication in Canada, with four and a half million copies distributed.
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2001
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 The Great Farewell, Ken's official NHL retirement portrait of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, is unveiled at a media conference in Toronto. The news reports on several networks that night, and many newspapers the next day, feature the painting and special print publication. |
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2001
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Ken Danby is invested in the Order of Ontario, the province's highest and most prestigious honour, by the Honourable Hilary M. Weston, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. The black tie ceremony took place at Queen's Park, Toronto, on December 4th.
The Order of Ontario recognizes and honours those who have enriched the lives of others by attaining the highest standards of excellence and achievement in their respective fields (Government of Ontario news release).
A total of 27 recipients from across the province were selected for this honour by a special advisory committee chaired by the Chief Justice of Ontario, the Honourable R. Roy McMurtry.
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 Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, appointed Ken Danby to the Order of Canada. His appointment is in effect as of October 18, 2001.
The Order of Canada recognizes people who have made a difference to our country. From local citizens to national and international personalities, all Canadians are eligible for the Order of Canada, our country's highest honour for lifetime achievement.
The following statement about Ken Danby is from the official Governor General's announcement:
"He is one of our nation's foremost realist painters. His images, which depict familiar and cherished Canadian themes, have earned him an international following. His work is displayed in major public collections such as those of the National Gallery of Canada, The Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Montreal Museum of Fine Art, as well as in numerous private and corporate collections. A strong advocate for the arts in education, he has championed this cause in many of his volunteer positions, including board member for national arts organizations and guest speaker."
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2002
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 The Bernarducci Meisel Gallery in New York, presents an exhibition of works titled, 'Earth, Sky and Water - Ken Danby Landscapes', marking the artist's return to the New York art scene after an absence of some 13 years, ..... and Canada's Consul General, Pamela Wallin, hosts a reception for the artist at her official residence.
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2003
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 Ken travels to Italy to explore Tuscany, which results in a number of important new works.
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2004
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 The largest exhibition of Ken's work to date opens in Toronto, at the Joseph D. Carrier Gallery. Comprising more than 50 works, the exhibit is titled 'Land, Water and Light - Ken Danby Landscapes'.
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