P.E.I. Artist Resigns After Vet College Pulls Political Painting
P.E.I. artist Christopher Griffin has resigned from his role as artist-in-residence at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) in Charlottetown after being asked to remove a politically charged painting. The work, inspired by growing U.S.-Canada tensions following Donald Trump’s second inauguration, drew complaints from staff and ultimately led to Griffin’s decision to step away from the unpaid position.
What Sparked the Controversy?
Griffin, known for his animal-themed art, says the shift in tone came after Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, which included anti-Canadian rhetoric and trade threats. Feeling compelled to respond artistically, Griffin began exploring themes of national identity and political tension.
One piece in particular, The Crossing, featured lemmings rowing a boat draped with a damaged U.S. flag—a visual nod to Washington Crossing the Delaware. Griffin said he used lemmings deliberately, referencing their cultural symbolism of self-destructive behavior.
“This was not an anti-American painting,” Griffin told CBC News. “I took great pains to not make it so.”
AVC’s Response and Griffin’s Departure
After receiving three complaints, including two from American faculty members, AVC officials asked Griffin to remove The Crossing. Dean Dominique Griffon explained that while Griffin’s early work matched the program’s goal of creating calm and creativity on campus, the newer political pieces did not align with that intent.
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“This is not the best venue for that debate,” said Griffon, noting that a third of the college’s staff and students are American.
Griffin refused to take the painting down and chose instead to leave the residency. The decision sparked discussion among students and faculty, many of whom expressed support for Griffin’s work and its message. A thank-you card signed by staff and students praised his contributions.
What Happens to the Artwork?
While his time at AVC is over, Griffin’s paintings will now be housed in his Charlottetown art gallery, where he also runs charity auctions for causes like food banks. He remains hopeful the pieces created during his six-month residency will find a new public home.
Griffin holds no bitterness, but questions the college’s stance on free expression:
“If a painting of lemmings in a boat causes them to feel unsafe, they’re going to have a tough time. It’s not a primary school, it’s a university.”
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More…
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-avc-artist-in-residence-quits-controversial-painting-1.7506019
- https://www.reddit.com/r/canada/comments/1jvnn7o/artist_quits_post_after_pei_vet_college_tells_him
- https://unpublished.ca/news-feed-item/2025-04-09/artist-quits-post-after-pei-vet-college-tells-him-to-remove-painting-based
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