NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE 09/04/2013

Portraits Pay Tribute to Western Canadian Women

(Calgary, AB) On September 12, 2013 a portrait of Senator Elaine McCoy will be unveiled as the second part of a series called Women of the West by Zinour and Gayle Fathoullin. The unveiling will take place between 4:00pm and 6:00pm at the McDougall Centre on 455 6th St SW in Calgary. The Fathoullins will focus on western Canadian women such as Kathy Sendall, Dr. Mary Percy Jackson and others who have lived lives of purpose, passion and service. Kathy Sendall is the first woman to have been named Chair to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. Dr. Mary Percy Jackson was a prominent female doctor who worked in the 1920s to fight tuberculosis and to care for the Mtis in her community. The Fathoullins also intend to paint Nell Shipman and Victoria Belcourt Callihoo. The series aims to pay tribute to all these women, who have often made a difference without public recognition. Hayley Wickenheiser, four time Olympic medalist in womens hockey, was the first woman to have her portrait painted for the series. Wickenheiser has led Canada to six gold medals and one silver medal at the Womens World Hockey Championships. In addition to being a well known hockey player, Hayley and her team are responsible for the organization of WickFest, an annual International Female Hockey tournament in western Canada. In keeping with the series theme, Ms. Wickenheiser has committed herself to advancing the role of women in sport both as a role model, and through her efforts with WickFest. For all of her achievements, Ms. Wickenheiser was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2011 by Governor General David Johnston. Zinour Fathoullin, the award winning artist who is one half of the couple behind the series, has received international acclaim for his work as a portrait artist and as a fine artist. Fathoullin immigrated to Canada from Siberia in 1990, and in 1996 he resumed a career in art with help from his wife, Gayle Fathoullin. In June 2009, Zinour was included in the Kingston Prizes Top 30 Portrait Artists in Canada. Fathoullin was also an Olympic Endorsed Artist for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. Zinours first portrait series was "The Elders of Nunavut", the portraits from which now grace the halls of Nunavuts Legislative Assembly, as well as other government buildings in Nunavut. The absence of prominent western Canadian women in Canadian art led the Fathoullins to their second portrait series, Women of the West. Canadian Senator Elaine McCoy will be the focus of Zinours second portrait. Senator McCoy is honoured to be a part of a portrait series with such remarkable women, known for their sense of purpose. A high resolution photo of Senator Elaine McCoys portrait will be distributed to media on September 12th, at 5:15pm, via email.

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For interviews and more information: -30-

Contact:

Gwendolyn Crowdis Policy Advisor Senator McCoys Office

Contact:

Gayle Fathoullin Legacy Artwork

Phone: Email:

1.587.892.1922 gwendolyn.crowdis@sen.parl.gc.ca

Phone: Email:

1.403.667.2194 gaylefathoullin@me.com