Nerene Virgin Obituary

Bart Schoales, a versatile Canadian artist known for his roles as an art director, photographer, painter, and videographer, as well as a filmmaker who received two Juno Awards for his exceptional album designs and art direction, passed away on January 18 at the age of 83.

Schoales left an indelible mark on the music industry with his artistic contributions to over 100 album and CD covers, the majority of which belonged to Canadian artists. Notably, he played a pivotal role in designing 30 gold and 10 platinum-selling recordings. His notable achievements included winning Juno Awards for his work on two Bruce Cockburn albums, namely 1974’s “Night Vision” and 1976’s “Joy Will Find A Way.”

From 1970 to 1987, Schoales served as an Art Director at True North Records in Toronto. During this period, he crafted album designs for renowned artists such as Murray McLauchlan, Bruce Cockburn, Kensington Market, and Barney Bentall.

Schoales’ artistic touch also graced albums for other Canadian stars, including Anne Murray, Dan Hill, Colleen Peterson, Syrinx, The Demics, Tom Cochrane and Red Rider, Paul Janz, Véronique Béliveau, True Myth, and John Mills-Cockell.

Beyond his visual artistry, Schoales extended his creativity to writing, directing, and producing music videos for artists like Murray McLauchlan, The Good Brothers, Joe Mavety, and Eugene Martynec.

His freelance clientele included major entities such as Sony, EMI, CBS, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, CBC, and TVO.

Schoales’ diverse career also included a stint as a road manager for Kensington Market and management and performance in the Toronto rock band Leather, which occasionally opened for Kensington Market shows.

His artistic contributions extended beyond the music realm, with his work showcased at Expo 67 in Montreal, featured in a National Gallery of Canada touring exhibition, and displayed in galleries across Toronto and other cities, including notable institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and The Robert MacLaughlin Gallery in Ottawa.

In 1984, Schoales left his mark on the Toronto music scene by painting a monumental three-story mural on the exterior of The Holiday Tavern, transforming it into The Big Bop club.

Bernie Finkelstein, a legendary figure in the music industry and founder of True North Records, reflected on Schoales’ passing in an interview with Billboard Canada, expressing deep sorrow at the loss of “a very dear old friend.” Finkelstein emphasized the close bond they shared, recalling weekly conversations over many years, and expressed the profound impact Schoales had on his life.