Murray MacDonald: A gifted art teacher in Edmonton in the 1930s, by Gladys Nagel

Date: 1930s

I would like to say a few words about a wonderful art teacher who taught me to take an interest in drawing. His name was Murray MacDonald. He was a very kind, patient gentleman. He took the time to encourage me in art. I was a student attending the Normal Practice School in the early thirties. It was the depression years, when there were very few jobs around. There wasn't any money available due to these problems. My parents couldn't afford to send me for the art lessons, but Murray MacDonald always made sure we had pencils, paints and brush and some paper to sketch on.

He came one afternoon a week to teach the students who were interested in art, appreciated seeing him, it helped to brighten up our day.

I was so happy to read that the University of Alberta conferred an honorary doctor of laws degree on Murray MacDonald. He certainly deserved it.