Born in Drummondville, Quebec to Abenaki and Québécois parents, Rita Letendre began painting in 1950s Montreal, when she associated with Quebec's prominent abstract artist groups Les Automatistes and Les Plasticiens. After living in Europe and the U.S., she moved to Toronto in 1969. Seeking to express the full energy of life and harness in her powerful gestures an intense spiritual force, Letendre worked with various materials including oils, pastels and acrylics, using her hands, a palette knife, brushes and uniquely the airbrush. Renowned for her bold and visceral style, she pushed the boundaries of colour, light and space to new heights. Her work embodies her ongoing quest for connection and understanding.

The free event will include a screening of interviews with Letendre, alongside remembrances by her colleagues, friends and family. The event will take place in the Art Gallery of Ontario's Baillie Court.

Image credit: Tess Boudreau Taconis. Rita Letendre, early 1960s. gelatin silver print, Image: 23.7 x 34.8 cm (9 5/16 x 13 11/16 in.). Art Gallery of Ontario. Gift of the artist, 2007. 2006/463