In 1985 the Historic Sites Association commissioned twelve of Canada's outstanding landscape print-makers, one from each province and territory, to create original prints in a variety of mediums; silkscreen, etching, lithograph, serigraph, and woodblock. Each artist chose a subject reflecting a national park or historic site in the artistic medium they felt best suited the image.

These twelve prints became a limited edition of 100 portfolios, whose common element celebrates Canadians' affection for our wilderness, cultural and historic heritage. 1985 marked Parks Canada's centenary, and the portfolio became the legacy project that commemorated this event.

The Canadian Art Print Portfolio was launched in October 1985 at a ceremony at Rideau Hall. The first portfolio was presented to Governor General of Canada, Madame Jeanne Sauvé.

The collection of prints is as richly varied as the artists that produced them. It ranges from abstracts to high realism and traditional Dorset style, and the brooding Norse spirit of the Blackwood and the luminous surrealism of the Eyre.

The portfolios were sold by the Historic Sites Association. The profits were placed in a trust fund to support the Signal Hill Tattoo, a living history program at Signal Hill National Historic Site of Canada.

The reproductions shown on this Web site are copyrighted by the artists and/or their estates. The images may not be reproduced, or used in any form, downloaded or transferred, electronically or otherwise, without prior written permission from the gallery, the respective artists and/or their estate. Further inquiries regarding their work should be directed to galleries representing these artists.