A painting of a nude woman is causing problems for B.C.’s Kelowna Art Gallery, apparently prompting nearby schools to warn parents and suggest it be covered up for student visits.

The painting, called Dark Girl by Canadian artist Prudence Heward, was painted in 1935 and is part of an exhibition of rare paintings from the University of Toronto called A Story of Canadian Art, which runs until July 19.

Executive Director of the gallery, Nataley Nagy says the gallery works closely with schools and provides them with study guides noting any sensitive art pieces.

“Two schools in particular felt it was important to let the parents know and let the parents decide whether or not they wanted their children to see nudity in art,” said Nagy.

The study guides the art gallery provides do suggest ways to handle sensitive material with children, said Nagy.

In this case, it suggested teaching visitors about the historical importance of nudity in art, as well as other aspects of the painting.

“There was some suggestion that we cover it up or remove children from the tour,” said Nagy. “We decided that’s really not an appropriate way to handle it.”

To offer alternatives, the gallery has made other tours available with less controversial material — an option Nagy says was pursued by one school.

source CBC