I never was much of a fashionista, but I have always liked original necklaces from countries I visited. Just last summer at a family reunion in B.C., I gave five of my treasures to five granddaughters.

They were a ceramic Celtic cross from Ireland, a circular stainless-steel chain enlivened with poinciana tree pods from Zambia, a large shiny shell dangling from a black cord from a Jamaican beach, a string of ivory beads (all legally catalogued and exported) cut from a Tanzanian elephant tusk, and finally a polished piece of pale-green marble from the island of Iona, off Scotland.

Imagine then my delight to learn that a talented artist and craftsman, Donald A. Stuart — who has a degree from the Ontario College of Art and has been a recipient of an Order of Canada — was coming to Peterborough. Stuart will speak about his signature collection of 41 necklaces honouring 41 eminent Canadian women, some living and some dead, to mark International Women’s Day, on March 8.

All of this is being arranged by our small, modest but important historical museum, Hutchison House. It is highlighted by a talk by Stuart at 1 p.m. on March 8 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, followed by an opportunity to admire the exhibit that same afternoon a few doors away at Hutchison House on Brock Street.

The exhibit is dazzling in its beauty and originality. It is at present mounted for viewing at Hutchison House and will be there until the end of March. Hutchison House staff just ask for a donation from any member of the public who comes to view the exhibit.

The museum is to be congratulated on its vision and timing. Each necklace is mounted in a glass frame. Nearby is information about the achievements of the woman for whom the piece is designed.

I’m longing to ask the artist if any of the living women so honoured have seen or even worn his creations.

Stuart’s choices of important Canadian women include historical heroine Laura Secord, dancer Karen Kain, hockey star Hayley Wickenheiser, painter Emily Carr, jazz singer Diana Krall, Olympic medallist Catriona LeMay Doan, noted opera singer Measha Brueggergosman, writer Margaret Atwood, political leader and former prime minister Kim Campbell.

Also represented are Canada’s songbird Anne Murray, African-Canadian activist Viola Desmond, Terry Fox’s mother Betty Fox, astronaut Roberta Bondar, Gov. General Mary Simon, Supreme Court Justice Bertha Wilson, and Mohawk poet and performer Pauline Johnson.

It’s a test of one’s feminist knowledge to find out how many of these inspirational stories one knows.

Stuart has used a wide variety of materials: wood, wool, gold, pearl, silver, onyx, amethyst, coral, driftwood, leather, jade, stainless steel, diamonds and ebony.

He has published a beautiful catalogue showing the works, which is available for purchase.

Kain’ s necklace suggests an Elizabethan ruff. Wickenheiser’s is made from a hockey stick. Actor Mary Pickford’s from celluloid. Diana Krall’s from antique piano keys.

One of my heroines, Justice Bertha Wilson who led the Supreme Court in acquitting Dr. Henry Morgentaler in 1988, has a necklace resembling a jurist’s collar.

It is a fresh feminist tribute to history and the Canadian women who have shaped the present. High school and college-age girls (and boys) are especially welcome.

© Peterborough Examiner