Maud Lewis, born on March 7, 1903, in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, is a celebrated Canadian folk artist whose life and work continue to captivate art lovers worldwide. Despite facing severe physical challenges from birth defects and rheumatoid arthritis, Maud's resilience and passion for art shone brightly throughout her life.

Maud Lewis was born Maud Dowley in South Ohio, Nova Scotia. She endured a difficult childhood marked by deformities in her face and hands due to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Her father, John Dowley, a blacksmith and harness maker, and her mother, Agnes Germain Dowley, who introduced her to painting, provided a supportive environment. Maud's early artistic endeavours included hand-painted Christmas cards, which she sold to supplement the family's income.

In 1938, Maud married Everett Lewis, a fish peddler, and moved into his tiny one-room house in Marshalltown, Nova Scotia. Despite living in poverty without electricity or plumbing, Maud transformed their home into a vibrant canvas, painting everything from the walls to household items with cheerful scenes of flowers, animals, and landscapes.

Encouraged by Everett, Maud expanded her artistic repertoire to include small, brightly coloured paintings on various surfaces such as pulp boards, cookie sheets, and Masonite. Her whimsical and nostalgic depictions of rural Nova Scotia life, including oxen teams, boats, and winter scenes, quickly gained popularity.

Maud Lewis achieved national recognition in the 1960s, with features in the Toronto Star Weekly and on CBC-TV's Telescope. Her art, characterized by its bright colours and joyful themes, resonated with many, leading to increased demand. Notably, two of her paintings were ordered by the White House during Richard Nixon's presidency.

Despite her growing fame, Maud continued to live humbly, painting from her corner of the small house she shared with Everett. Her works are now highly valued, with paintings fetching significant sums. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia houses a substantial collection of her art, including the restored Lewis home, which stands as a testament to her enduring legacy.

Maud Lewis's life and art have inspired numerous books, documentaries, and plays. Notable works include the book "The Illuminated Life of Maud Lewis" and the National Film Board of Canada documentaries "Maud Lewis - A World Without Shadows" and "The Illuminated Life of Maud Lewis." Her story was also dramatized in the 2016 film "Maudie," starring Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke.

Maud Lewis's remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming one of Canada's most beloved folk artists is a testament to her indomitable spirit and artistic talent. Her vibrant paintings continue to bring joy and inspiration, celebrating the beauty of everyday life in rural Nova Scotia. Maud Lewis's legacy lives on, her work treasured by collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide.