Accepting her Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Trent University in absentia last week, Mary Pratt sent an apt gift to the University, a lithograph called “Graduation Dress.”

In donating the work, Ms. Pratt explained that the image was drawn directly onto stone and printed in St. Michael's print shop in St. John's, Newfoundland. It is signed Mary F Pratt, 1987 in the lower right corner.

"This is a lithograph - you'll see its edition number in the lower left corner,” she said in a note to University staff. “Hanging crookedly on its hanger - it is as awkward as most young teenagers. An innocent dotted swiss against a darkening forest. I hope you will like it.”

The donated piece, measuring 30” x 28 ½“ framed, was displayed in the Great Hall at Champlain College, where graduates and their families gather after Convocation for light refreshments. It will become part of the permanent Art Collection at Trent University.

Mary Pratt received one of five honorary degrees that were conferred at Convocation ceremonies at Trent University last week.

Mary Pratt is one of Canada's most eminent and beloved artists. After completing a certificate in Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Mount Allison University, getting married and having four children, she had her first exhibition at the Art Gallery of Memorial University in 1967. Since then, her art has been displayed and celebrated in galleries across Canada and in the US, such as the Vancouver Art Gallery and the National Art Gallery of Canada. Described as a visual poet of femaleness, Ms. Pratt offers many different layers of meaning in her works, some of which are explored in her book, Mary Pratt: A Personal Calligraphy, a collection of essays, speeches and candid personal journal entries. For her contributions to the field, she has received many prestigious honours, including: the Ontario College of Art Fellowship Award; Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council Hall of Honour; and Companion of the Order of Canada. She has also received honorary doctorates from eight Canadian universities and served on various boards, committees and task forces.