On October 4, the RCA unveiled its latest exhibitions to the public. Among them, in the RCA Atrium and Display Cases, is Myths, Fables, & Fairytales from the Medallic Art Society of Canada (MASC) and the Kelowna Sculpture Network (KSN). MASC is a non-profit organization with members located throughout the world, serving artists who create stunning art medal works and those who appreciate and collect medal art The Kelowna Sculptors Network Society promotes public awareness and appreciation of sculpture through workshops, demonstrations, displays, shows in galleries, etc. The exhibition includes medallic work from seventeen medal artists from MASC and 2D and 3D work from nine members of KSNS.
Many of the medals on display at the RCA will be exhibited in Munich in 2025 in the State Antique Collection (Antikensammlung) at Königsplatz for the XXXVIII FIDEM Congress from October 15th, 2025, to January 31st, 2026.
With works ranging from pewter, bronze, and sterling silver, the medal pieces in this exhibition have each been hand-crafted with impressive attention to detail and quality. Here’s a closer look at some of the works displayed in this unique exhibition, and what their artists had to say about them.
The Tortoise and the Hare by Lynden Beesley
“This medal was commissioned at the time of the Vancouver Olympics by the grandfather of three young men who wanted to win Olympic medals. It depicts the Tortoise and the Hare from Aesop’s Fables and speaks to the fact that not everyone will win an Olympic medal but that by trying hard, everyone can be a winner.”
Athena / Demeter: The Burden of War and The Power of Love by Susan Taylor
“Athena and Demeter are powerful female deities who wage war against injustices and personify the power of love to overcome them.”
“Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom, is stoically gazing into the distance, aware that strategic warfare against injustices come with a cost. The olive branches flowing from the tetradrachm in the form of an acanthus leaf symbolize the Athena's gift of the olive tree to the people of Athens. The owl on the tetradrachm honours Athena as the goddess of wisdom.”
“Demeter, the goddess of harvest and fertility of the earth, is bravely facing forward determined in her search for her daughter Persephone who was abducted by Hades and taken to the under-world. Crops were neglected and began to fail during Demeter's absence in her search for her daughter. Through Demeter's perseverance Zeus was forced to intervene on her behalf and Hades reluctantly agreed to release Persephone to her mother for several months of the year during which time crops once again flourished. The wheat sheafs flowing from the torch symbolize the fertility of the earth and the torch a beacon of hope.”
“The shape of the flowing acanthus leaf represents the enduring legacy of the ancient myths of Athena and Demeter. A reflection on the relevance of ancient myths in today's world.”
Ki-Lo-No-Po-Go Yin Yang by Scott McKinnon
“For centuries, local first nations in the Okanagan Valley (Syilx/Okanagan People) have told the myths of a creature in the waters that is the Spirit of the Lake, "nsyilxcen", who was later named Ogopogo by white settlers who have also claimed to see him on rare occasions. The mighty Grizzly Bear "Kilona" watched over the valley lands.”
“This medallion shows the harmony and balance between these two legends of the valley.”
Old World Abduction by Scott McKinnon
“For centuries, sailors have passed down stories of mythical sea monsters and serpents that have ravaged and destroyed many sailing ships, often abducting their crews to a life under the sea. Stories would abound, in attempt to explain strange new creatures and console many a sailor's widow as to how their loved ones vanished into the sea, never to be seen again.”
“This medallion uses bronze, a medium used for centuries to preserve past stories for future generations.”
Wendigo by Angel Calender
“This medal wants to portray the "Wendigo", a supernatural being belonging to the Algonquian-speaking First Nations of North America. Wendigos are 12' tall with long limbs and paw- like hands, they can hibernate for years and they like to kill and eat their victims.”
“Legend says, humans transform into Wendigos because of their greed and weakness.”
The Kiss by Judith Christine Mills
“"The Kiss" is an ode to all 'fairy tale' lovers. Could this be the scene of a clandestine meeting, a heart-fluttering reunion, a stolen kiss in the shadows, or even a bittersweet farewell - perhaps between someone of noble birth and a commoner?”
“Whatever the circumstance, it is here that their destinies are now intertwined in a never-ending story - becoming part of the rich tapestry of fable, myth, legend and fairy tale from around the world and across time.”
Works from the Kelowna Sculptors Network include stunning sculptures made of wood, stone, and other distinctive mediums.
Stop by the RCA to see these works and many more in person! Myths, Fables, & Fairytales is on display until December 31. Learn more about what’s going on in our gallery spaces here.