The Model Organizer
In the early 1950s, Verna Van Sickle tried to support herself by modelling for life drawing classes at the Ontario College of Art, but the job paid starvation wages.
She couldn’t survive on the pay, and the working conditions were miserable, so she decided to do something about it. She launched an organizing campaign. Did she succeed? Watch the video. Sadly, Verna passed away in July, 2025. We are grateful to have been able to interview her.
Life Drawing Class circa 1950s.
Ontario College of Art circa 1950s.