Last month, members of the Feller family gathered at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (SJCC) for a special visit to the Greenberg Families Library. The purpose of the visit was more than just a tour — it was an opportunity to reconnect with a cherished family heirloom: a painting by their late mother, Connie-Gail Feller Saloman, called Germany 1938, that now hangs proudly on the library’s wall. Hosted by librarian Carlie MacPherson and archivist Teigan Goldsmith, the visit became a meaningful celebration of Saloman’s artistic legacy and her deep-rooted connection to Ottawa.
Connie-Gail Saloman, born in Ottawa in 1941 as the eldest daughter of the late Betty and Joseph Feller, maintained a deep connection to her hometown throughout her life, even after moving to Montreal in her early 20s. Growing up on Island Park Drive, her Ottawa roots played a central role in shaping her identity. Saloman first gained public attention when she was crowned "Miss Canada 1962," becoming the first Ottawan to hold the title. However, her reign was cut short after less than six weeks when, on September 23, 1961, she was controversially dethroned for "parental interference." The real reason, however, was her refusal to work on Yom Kippur.
As for her art, Saloman’s passion for creating was evident throughout her life, but it wasn’t until after her passing in 2023 that the full extent of her creative output was discovered. As her children began the emotional task of clearing out her Montreal apartment in late 2021, they uncovered hundreds of never-before-seen works, each revealing a different aspect of her artistic journey. Among the discoveries was a particularly striking piece, hidden behind a piano, that stood out from her usual bright, flower-filled canvases. Titled Germany 1938, the painting was unlike anything her family had seen before.
Saloman’s artistic style often focused on the vitality of life, with bright colours and themes of nature, particularly flowers. However, Germany 1938 diverged sharply from this pattern. The piece, shrouded in dark colours, conveyed a weighty and somber story, reflecting a chapter of history marked by persecution and suffering.
The Feller family believes the work was created using a burnt Torah cover and ink, a symbolic choice meant to represent the climate of fear and repression in Germany during that time. The exact inspiration behind the painting remains speculative, as Saloman never shared the full story. Her passing in 2023 has left much of the context a mystery, but the emotional depth of the piece is undeniable.
"We can only think about what this may inspire in people," the family reflects. "Whether the background is of a Torah cover, a tallit, or something else entirely, we want people to remember that her full and complete life wasn’t defined by her Miss Canada experience. She was a creative soul, a loving mother, and someone who deeply valued her Jewish roots."
Saloman’s art, especially Germany 1938, offers a window into her complex inner world—a world that balanced joy and sorrow, light and darkness. Her family hopes that those who view the painting at the Greenberg Families Library will see beyond the surface and appreciate the emotional and spiritual layers that define her legacy.
For the Feller family, the decision to donate Saloman’s painting to the Archives was deeply meaningful. (With the family permission, it is on permanent loan to the library to be on display.) "This library is a hub for people to connect with their heritage, to learn, and to reflect," they explain. "We felt that her painting, with its deep emotional and spiritual undertones, belonged in a place where it could inspire and provoke thought. The library is more than just a backdrop for her work; it is a fitting environment where her art can continue to live on, influencing and touching the hearts of those who see it."
In reflecting on their mother’s life, the Feller family emphasizes the importance of remembering Saloman as more than just an artist. "She was prolific, to an extent we didn’t really understand until we cleaned out her apartment," they say. "Her art captures the many layers of her life—her experiences, her emotions, her faith."
For the family, Saloman’s Ottawa roots and the choice to house her painting in the Greenberg Families Library were no coincidence. "The Ottawa Jewish Archives is the perfect place to house this piece and the documents of our family’s history because it keeps her memory alive in the city she loved. We wanted to ensure that our family and our mom’s unique life story would be accessible for many future generations."
Connie-Gail Saloman’s Germany 1938 now stands as a powerful reminder of her artistic depth and the impact of her life on those who knew her. Her family’s decision to share this work with the Ottawa community ensures that her legacy will continue to inspire, provoke thought, and invite reflection for years to come. Through her art, Connie-Gail Saloman’s story—full of creativity, love, and deep connection to her Jewish roots—will live on in the hearts of all who view her work.
