Frederick R
McDonald

Painter, Poet, Photographer

Life, History & Spirituality thru Art

self-portrait painting of Frederick R McDonald

Exhibition of New Artwork by Frederick R McDonald

Surekha's on the Snye is hosting the exhibition of Fred's new artworks during the month of November.

The exhibition opening is on November 5th. Due to COVID-19, the opening is by invitation-only.

Surekha's is open Tuesday thru Sunday

2 Clearwater Drive
Fort McMurray, Alberta
T9H 0J5

ph 780 - 713 - 3330

Artist Biography

Frederick R McDonald is an international, award-winning artist - a painter, poet and photographer - and a member of the Fort McKay First Nation. Fred was born in Fort McMurray and raised in the bush along the Athabasca River, he was brought up in the traditional hunting and trapping lifestyle of his parents. Although he has traveled far and wide, Fred’s heart is still with his community and he continues to be an active member of the Fort McKay band. Fred keeps himself grounded through his family; his children and his grandchildren are his inspiration for everything he does and they are ultimately his greatest creation.

The Indigenous Art Collection, housed at the Indigenous Art Centre, is "The most important living art collection of contemporary Indigenous art in Canada." Fred’s art has been exhibited at the IAC and his painting Dancing on a Table is held in the permanent collection.

The Glenbow Museum, the Alberta Arts Foundation, the University of Calgary, and the Red Deer Museum all hold works by Fred in their collections. Many public art institutions and events have exhibited Fred’s paintings, including: Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe (New Mexico, US), the Art Gallery of Alberta, Glenbow Museum, Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art, Nickel Arts Museum, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and the Edmonton Art Gallery.

Fred's art is also held in many corporate and private collections and he is regularly commissioned to create paintings that bring to life the patron's vision.

Contact Fred to arrange a commission or purchase.

Fred's Art is Sought-After by Prominent Collectors

Museums and Public Collections

Painting of Fred dancing on a table

Indigenous Art Collection
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Government of Canada

Dancing on a Table
7' x 4'
Acrylic on Canvas
2003

View selected works held in museums and public collections.

Corporate Art Collections

a painting of traditional cree symbols and bush life

Suncor Energy
Corporate Art Collection

Time Present is Time Past
4' x 8'
Acrylic on Canvas
2010

View selected works held in corporate collections.

Private Collections

painting of children playing

David Tuccaro
Private Collection

Business Development
32" x 60"
Acrylic on Canvas
2016

View selected works held in private collections.

Commissioned Works

painting of traditional cree bush life painting of modern truck in the bush

Commissioned by
Birch Mountain Enterprises
Corporate Art Collection

All in a Day's Work, 1 & 2
4' x 4' each
Acrylic on Board
2015

Contact Fred to arrange your commission.

Fred is a Creative Powerhouse

Since 1993, Fred has exhibited in public museums and commercial galleries, internationally.

Fred was first inspired to become a painter after he first saw the art of Arthur Schilling, an Ojibway Canadian painter.

Fred is returning to his first medium, photography, as another method to explore our world.

Inspiring and fascinating - poetry is Fred's favourite media, especially the classics: Robert Frost, WB Yeats, EA Poe, E Pauline Johnston.

Published Works
Ancestral Portraits: The Colour of My People
Canada & September 11th - The Mythical City

Guest curating at the Glenbow, developing a new museum, organising Treaty Days - Fred is a community leader.

Alberta Heritage Scholarship.
Regional Aboriginal Recognition Award, Wood Buffalo.
PACE Recipient Keyano College.

Master of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts
President of the First Nations Student Association
University of Calgary