OSCAR PETERSON
BY RUTH ABERNETHY
THE MAKING OF OSCAR
Ruth Abernethy, a Canadian Artist, was comissioned to make a statue of Oscar, that would live as a permanent memoir of his life and career in the city of Ottawa. The life-size statue is made of bronze and cost $300,000 which was generously funded by private donations. The statue was unveiled on June 30th, 2010 by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Oscar Peterson’s wife, Kelly Peterson, and daughter, Celine, were also in attendance. At the ceremony, the Peterson’s met the Queen and Oscar’s original song “Hymn to Freedom” was performed.
Oscar Peterson Sculpture- In-Progress
Oscar Peterson- Piano Template
Oscar Peterson- Sculpture Detail, Top View with Pin Points
Oscar Peterson- Side View
Oscar Peterson- Top View at NAC
Sculpture- NAC Location
ABOUT THE PIANO
This piano is unique — based on Peterson’s favourite, an Austrian Model that has 97 keys instead of a normal 88. In that extra octave, keys that would normally be all white had black tops.
A PART OF OTTAWA’S CULTURE
He has become a permanent addition to the NAC’s collection, as well as an important part of the culture and society of Ottawa.
Citizens of Ottawa will often dress-up Oscar to fit an occasion or in the case of the pandemic, put a mask on the statue.
REFERENCES
Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
All photographs and videos are provided by the NAC Archives, Carleton Immersive Media Studio, and BMPD Students’ Joe Creech and Eddie Benhin, unless otherwise noted.
PROJECT DISCLAIMER AND THANK YOU
The Art@NAC project is a student assignment within MPAD2002: Basics of Visual Communication. Research, narratives, and development are conducted by Bachelor of Media Production (BMPD) 2nd-year students at Carleton University and it is not an official National Art Centre (NAC), Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS), or Carleton University project. Special thanks to the NAC, CIMS, and Carleton University for their support.
WHERE TO FIND OSCAR
Oscar’s statue is located on the corner of Elgin and Albert St., right outside of the National Art Centre.
CALL US
613 947-7000
Toll Free: 1-866-850-ARTS (CAN/US)
MAIL US
P.O. Box 1534, Stn B
Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1
Canada