The Bert Weir and Family fonds, consisting of correspondence, reports, newspaper clippings, sketches and publications, depicts Bert Weir’s professional, artistic and personal life. The documents depict his activities and achievements as a painter, sculptor, environmental activist and teacher. Bert’s life as a teacher and youth mentor is outlined through handwritten notes, photos, e-mail messages and newspaper clippings. These items document the many summer studios that he directed at his home in McKellar, as well as art programs in Southern Ontario in which he was involved. The documents also illustrate his time teaching art to underprivileged students in Knoxville, Tennessee (SSSP Knoxville Team), as well as his time as the art teacher for W.D Lowe Vocational in Windsor, Ontario. Photos, maps and journal entries outline personal interests of Weir. Maps with outlined routes give insight into the canoe trips that Weir undertook in such places as Algonquin Park and Quetico. Included as well are Weir’s sketches, documents relating to his construction projects and social activism. Correspondence, legal documents, and account books detail the business side of Weir’s activities. Weir and his first wife opened and ran Loon Studio, where they offered art courses. The fonds also includes documents relating to Elena’s work, as she was an accomplished painter and sculptor in her own right. Original sketches, books, photos and thumbnails relating to personal matters reflect the everyday life of Bert Weir and his family. Insight into his family life is provided by Weir family creations. Though there are no original paintings included in the fonds, promotional work, such as fliers and posters for exhibitions, and books on his work, attest to his acclaimed stature as an artist, and illustrates the evolution of his art. Correspondence with former students, other artists and owners of art galleries provide an insight in Weir’s artistic world and his friendships.
