The "Spirit Wrestlers" exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Civilization was held from January 18, 1996 to September 7, 1998, the initial closing was scheduled for October 12, 1997, but was later extended to September 7, 1998.
This exhibition commemorates the centenaries of two important historical events: the Destruction of Weapons by Doukhobors in Russia in June 1895 and the January 1899 arrival of the first Doukhobors in Canada. The central image used to publicize the exhibit was the painting by Paul Morin, commissioned by the Museum in conjunction with the Exhibition. The central image highlights Doukhobor values, and features traditional motifs from Russian folk culture. The event depicted is a sobranie or gathering.
On the strength of having worked on the film which was shown with the exhibit as well as collecting music and evaluating artifacts for the CMC under contract, I used my contacts to set up a dialogue with Dr. Robert Klymasz, Curator of the exhibit, as to how we could obtain parts of the exhibit for showing at our village once their exhibit was completed. Dr. Klymasz was the Curator of the East European section of the Museum of Civilization. Featured also was Koozma Tarasoff, as Guest Curator for this particular exhibit.
With assistance from the Regional District and other funding sources, the Doukhobor Village Museum was able to access specific photographs, posters and modules from this exhibit on a permanent loan basis. The Castlegar Arts Council, with funding from the Columbia Basin Trust, assisted financially in the installation of the exhibit.
In the end, through the cooperation of these various bodies, and a small museum with a very large one, the modules became the feature presentation of our exhibits for this summer.
Shortly before our official opening on April 29 of this year, we received the welcome news from Dr. Rabinovitch, CEO, that ownership of these modules were officially granted to the Doukhobor Village Museum. The modules themselves are interactive, with pages, movable demonstration pieces, drawers which open, and illustrations focussing on Doukhobor traditional life, involving the crafts, family ties, skills and diet of the Doukhobors. Because of their illustrative nature, they are especially a hit with the younger visitors and schools' tours, as well as with the regular visitors.
This is indeed a worthwhile addition to our wonderful exhibits. The Doukhobor Village Museum is enjoying record attendance and is open daily from 10 to 6 until September 30
.