About Hazel Cryderman Wees Foundation Scholarships
History
Mackie Cryderman came to London in 1926 and started the visual arts programme at the H.B.Beal Technical School. Under Mackie's direction its modest beginnings grew into one of the leading art schools in Canada. The training that a student received at "Beal" was considered comparable to the first year of the college curriculum for the Ontario College of Art. Mackie was a very talented designer; her handcrafted jewellery was exquisite as was her hand carved furniture.
Mackie personally sought funding for her students so that they could study abroad. She developped her unique art department at Beal and she chose the very best teachers and then left them alone to teach and attract other teachers to the program. Herb Ariss was a perfect example of this. Mackie brought Herb to her art department after the war and let him develop a Fine Art programme that attracted such teachers as John O'Henly, Paterson Ewen, Hugh MacKenzie and Bert Kloezman, who produced students such as Jack Chambers, Greg Curnoe, Ron Martin, Joh Boyle, Ed Zelenak, Murray Favro, Robert Jones, Jamelie Hassan, Ron and Tom Benner, Jeff Wilmore and many others who have become internationally recognized Canadian artists.
Hazel Cryderman-Wees was Mackie Cryderman's sister-in-law. Hazel greatly admired Mackie as a teacher who wanted her students to excel regardless of their financial circumstances.
Hazel wished to establish a scholarship foundation to help students pursuing the arts. After her death the Hazel Cryderman-Wees Foundation was formed and began to distribute scholarships in her name in 2001.
For more information on Mackie Cryderman contact: Museum London www.londonmuseum.on.ca
Michael Menear
Michael Menear is the chair of the HCWF Board of trustees. He has been a member of the board since its formation. He is a supporter of the arts in London and throughout Canada.
Michael is a lawyer with an established law practice at the City of London, Ontario. The firm Menear Worrad & Associates has a complement of lawyers covering the full range of general practice. Michael's involvement in community organizations has included community health care, hospital restructuring, charitable trusts, fundraising endeavours, sports associations, and support for the arts. Michael attended Huron University College (University of Western Ontario) during his undergraduate years, which included a program of studies in Honours Economics and Philosophy. Michael has been married to Debra for 26 years. They have four children. They continue to be London residents and active participants in its community life.