I developed this quiz for English 208H, Arts Writing at St. Jerome’s University, University of Waterloo.
Match the name on the left with the description of the person, on the right. If you recognize the name but can’t describe what the person does, simply circle the name.
I would have students do this in class, then take the tests away to be marked and graded. Class average was four out of 40.
On Teahen Tales, I update the original quiz whenever someone on the “artist living today” list is no longer with us or has had a significant career change: last reviewed in November 2024.
You can use Ms Google to find out who all these people are. But first take the quiz without googling – how many do YOU know?
CANADIAN ARTISTS LIVING TODAY
| 1. Karen Kain | 1. architect, known for museums and concert halls |
| 2. Ed Burtynsky | 2. Oscar-nominated actress |
| 3. Jackie Maxwell | 3. classical violinist |
| 4. John Relyea | 4. novelist and poet, lives in B.C. |
| 5. Djanet Sears | 5. opera singer (bass) |
| 6. Kent Monkman | 6. opera singer (soprano) |
| 7. Mustafa Ahmed | 7. singer and songwriter |
| 8. Rachel McAdam | 8. modern dance choreographer La La La Human Steps |
| 9. Lara St. John | 9. playwright, Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God and Harlem Duet |
| 10. Susan Aglukark | 10. photographer and artist |
| 11. Diana Krall | 11. Former Artistic Director, Shaw Festival |
| 12. Peter Oundjian | 12. novelist and poet, lives in Ontario |
| 13. Measha Brueggergosman | 13. visual artist |
| 14. Rex Harrington | 14. retired ballet dancer (male) |
| 15. Margaret Atwood | 15. Filmmaker and actor |
| 16. Edouard Lock | 16. Quebec director, playwright, filmmaker and performer |
| 17. Joy Kogawa | 17. Artistic Director, National Ballet of Canada, 2005-2021 |
| 18. Frank Gehry | 18. Sudanese-Canadian poet and musician |
| 19. Sarah Polley | 19. jazz pianist and singer |
| 20. Robert Lepage | 20. violinist and Conductor Emeritus, Toronto Symphony Orchestra |
CANADIAN ARTISTS – FROM THE PAST
| 1. Jean-Claude Riopelle | 1. opera singer (soprano), 19th century |
| 2. Celia Franca | 2. Nova Scotia folk artist |
| 3. Sir Ernest MacMillan | 3. jazz trumpeter |
| 4. E. Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake) | 4. painter, member of “Group of Seven” |
| 5. Glenn Gould | 5. Haidan sculptor |
| 6. Margaret Laurence | 6. writer, known for Anne of Green Gables |
| 7. Maynard Ferguson | 7. Founder, National Ballet of Canada |
| 8. Maud Lewis | 8. conductor, organist and composer |
| 9. Bill Reid | 9. playwright, The Ecstasy of Rita Joe |
| 10. Florence Wyle | 10. abstract expressionist painter, Quebec |
| 11. Lawren Harris | 11. First World War poet, “In Flanders’ Field” |
| 12. Maureen Forrester | 12. pianist |
| 13. Robertson Davies | 13. director, actor, co-founder National Theatre School |
| 14. Lucy Maud Montgomery | 14. Mohawk poet, writer and performer |
| 15. George Ryga | 15. theatre director |
| 16. Emily Carr | 16. sculptor |
| 17. John McCrae | 17. singer (contralto) |
| 18. Emma Albani | 18. novelist, Fifth Business, What’s Bred in the Bone |
| 19. Jean Gascon | 19. West coast painter and writer |
| 20. Dora Mavor Moore | 20. novelist, The Stone Angels and The Diviners |
Main image: Charles Pachter, Leaf Radiant, 2015, acrylic on canvas, for sale through the Oeno Gallery. Used with permission.
