ONTARIO SOCIETY OF ARTISTS
PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT
1928-29

The Annual Meeting took place March 6th, 1928.

The following officers were elected:

President; F. H. Brigden.
Vice-President; T. W. Mitchell.
Secretary; H. S. Palmer.
Executive Council; C. Comfort, C. W. Jefferys. E. Wyly Grier, Mary E. Wrinch, J. E. H. MacDonald, Marion Long, Emanuel Hahn.
Representatives on Board of C.N.E.; F. H. Brigden, G. A. Reid.
Art Gallery of Toronto; F. H. Brigden.
Ontario College of Art; H. S. Palmer.
New members elected; Arthur Heming, J. W. McLaren, G. A. Kulmala.

We have to regretfully note the passing of one of the original members of the Society; F. A. Verner, whose death took place in England shortly after our last Annual Meeting. Mr. Verner for many years had been on our list of Life Members.

The Art of the Province also suffered a loss during the year in the death of A. M. Flemming of Chatham, who from 1915 to 1922 was a member of the Society, and has since been represented from time to time in our exhibition up to this year. We understand that the city of Chatham is considering the establishment of a Memorial Gallery.

EXHIBITIONS
The Fifty-sixth Annual Exhibition of the Society was held in the Art Gallery of Toronto, March 3rd to April 8th, 1928. The Selection and Hanging Committee was composed of: E. Wyly Grier, Florence Wyle, Emanuel Hahn, L. H. C. Panton, and T. W. Mitchell.

205 works in various mediums were shown. The following sales were made:

Portrait of Mrs. Sutherland, by Allan Barr, $600.00.
Evening Light, Credit Valley, by A. M. Flemming, $500.00.
Storm. Lake Simcoe, by T. G. Greene, $225.00.

The attendance at the Exhibition was 15,438.

The Fine Art Section of the C.N.E., under the direction of Commissioner F. S. Haines, assisted by H. S. Palmer, Curator, achieved another notable success in its 1928 Exhibition. There were 110,000 paid admissions, besides the many thousands who daily thronged the Graphic Arts building. The widely representative character of the Exhibition was maintained; Spain, France, Britain, Canada and the United States all making important contributions. In all there were 1,683 works of art covering painting, sculpture, miniatures, water colors, illustrations, etchings and prints, together with an unusually fine showing in the International Salon of Photography. A popular feature in the Graphic Arts building was the series of Canadian Wild Flower Paintings by Robt. Holmes, O.S.A., R.C.A.

The following purchases were made by the Directors:

Orange and Silver, by Rosalie Emslie.
The Tile Factory, by Frank Brangwyn.
The Aspirants, by W. Russell Flint.
Gerone, by Guy Kortright.
Hillside Village, by A. J. Casson.
Aurora, by A. Y. Jackson.
Warren's Landing, Lake Winnipeg, by W. J. Phillips.
3 Le Orphelins, by Bernard Boutet DeMonvel.
Court Musicians, Korea, Elizabeth Keith.
Lagunita, by Roi Partridge.
The Graces of the Ballet, by Laura Knight.

The Art Gallery of Toronto purchased from C.N.E.:

Snow Clouds, by Frank Carmichael.
Head of R. B. C. Grahame, by Jacob Epstein.

The exhibition of small pictures was held in the Art Gallery of Toronto during the month of November, 1928. The Committee of Selection was J. W. McLaren, T. G. Greene and Dorothy Stevens Austin. There were 335 exhibits. Of these 25 were sold, bringing a total revenue of $1,270.00. The attendance was 12,613.

The majority of our members were represented in the Annual Exhibition of Canadian Art assembled by the National Gallery in Ottawa during the months of January and February of this year. The announcement of purchases from this exhibition has not yet been made public.

Lord Willingdon, who during his stay with us as Governor- General of Canada, has displayed a keen interest in the Fine Arts, during 1928, with the view of giving definite encouragement to Art, instituted the Lord Willingdon Competition open to all artists resident in Canada. A number of our members on request entered their work. We understand that the results of the competition will be published in the near future.

TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONS
The outstanding exhibition events of the year from the standpoint of progress have been those held by the Society in various points throughout the province and in the West. In our last year's report mention was made of the interest taken in the project by Mr. Clarence Lanspeary of Windsor. This gentleman has continued to actively support the movement and besides organizing a permanent Art Committee of Service Clubs, Board of Commerce, etc., in the Border Cities, has been chiefly responsible for securing the co-operation of the Service Clubs in other cities of the Province for our extension programme.

The following exhibitions have been held under the above auspices:

The Border Cities, December 5th-12th, at the Prince Arthur Hotel. 90 smaller sized works were displayed and the greatest enthusiasm was kept up throughout the period of the exhibition. A well organized programme had been drawn up, which included meetings of all important organizations of the Border Cities, and the following members of the Society journeyed to Windsor and addressed two or three gatherings each: E. Wyly Grier, F. S. Haines, Alfred Howell and F. H. Brigden. Twenty pictures were purchased at this Exhibition.

Mr. Haines spoke specially on the subject of a permanent Art Gallery for the Border Cities, and we are pleased to record that a committee is now definitely working on this project and report satisfactory progress.

The exhibition was then moved to Chatham, where it was held from 15th to 20th January. Here again the pictures were enjoyed by all. Mr. Geo. Reid addressed the Rotary Club of Chatham and also spoke to a large gathering of the children from the higher school grades. Arthur Lismer followed the next day with one of his lantern talks on Canadian Art.

From Chatham the exhibit moved to Stratford, where it was shown from February 11th to 16th. Owing to the inability of other speakers to get away at the time, the President went at the last moment to represent the Society. He had three fine audiences consisting of the Rotary Club, the Normal School students under Dr. Silcox, and a large gathering of citizens in the evening organized by The Lions Club.

No sales were made at either Chatham or Stratford, but in both places the exhibition was well received and assurances were given that it would be an annual event.

The next move was to St. Mary's, where the pictures were shown from 18th to 23rd February. The speaker here was Mr. C. W. Jefferys, whose very fine address to the Rotary Club was reported at length in the St. Mary's Journal-Argus. An adjournment was made from the meeting, which was held in the hotel, to the Town Hall, where the pictures were on display and where Mr. Jefferys continued his talk by reviewing them in detail. Judging from the newspaper publicity given to the exhibition in St. Mary's, which included a most appreciative editorial, the Society's exhibition will always be welcomed there. One picture found a home in St. Mary's.

Arrangements have been completed for the exhibition in Kitchener, which is to take place from 25th March to 2nd April. The programme will include meetings of Service Clubs, High School pupils and women's organizations of the two cities of Kitchener and Waterloo.

While this group of 90 smaller sized pictures was on its way to the towns of Western Ontario, other collections of our members' work were travelling far afield. A selection of 48 larger sized canvasses and water colours were shown from 15th to 20th January in Kingston, under the auspices of Service Clubs and women's organizations of that city. Mr. Wyly Grier represented the Society at this exhibition and had several inspiring meetings. One picture was sold.

Another group of works by our members was sent to Winnipeg on the request of the Manitoba Society of Artists and was well displayed in the new rooms of the Manitoba Artists over Richardson's store on Maine St., during the month of January. Good reviews were given in the Winnipeg papers and several social events were held at the exhibition rooms. No sales are reported.

This collection has since gone to Edmonton and Calgary, where it is being shown under the auspices of The Arts Club of those cities.

While our work lies principally in the Province of Ontario, this advent into western fields may be looked on as a contribution by our Society towards one of the great problems of our Dominion, that of unifying the interests of East and West.

The Group of Seven exhibitions has been on tour in the States and in various parts of Canada during the past year. It has everywhere stimulated interest and has drawn the attention of critics in the U. S. to Canadian art.

The Society has reason to be gratified at the success which has up to date attended the travelling shows. The financial problem will have to be solved, however, before the enterprise can be considered on a safe and permanent basis. We have been encouraged to go on with this project owing to the sympathetic reception your committee received when they interviewed Premier Ferguson regarding the increase of the Society's grant to enable us to do this particular piece of work. We understand that he still has it under his favorable consideration and are hopeful that definite action will soon take place. In the meantime we have incurred financial obligations which will have to be met. This will be one of the first duties of our incoming executive.

Still referring to exhibitions, and coming nearer home we are pleased to note that the group of paintings by our members recently returned from Kingston will constitute the major part of the Fine Arts Display which opens on Thursday, March 7th, in St. Aiden's Parish Hall. We congratulate Miss Rooke of the Beaches Library, Dr. Cotton, and all those who have had a part in stimulating the interest in Art which for some time now has centred around the Beaches Public Library. A series of exhibitions and lectures on Art have been held during the past two years in the library reading room, and a feature has been made of having a wide selection of Art books and publications available for patrons of the branch. The exhibit now opening, to be held in St. Aiden's Parish Hall, may be looked upon as a culmination of the community interest in Art which has been created in the Beaches district.

Hart House, under the administration of Dr. Bickersteth, has continued its series of one man monthly shows in the Print Room, and many of our members have co-operated in this fine University movement. Some of our members have also loaned important works for hanging in the library and resting room of Hart House during the fall and winter.

ART EDUCATION
An important change took place during the past year in the administration of the Ontario College of Art. It was felt by the Council that some tangible recognition should be made of the many years of unselfish service given as Principal of the College by Mr. George Reid, and it was decided to give him leave of absence for one year on full salary and a substantial retiring allowance as Principal Emeritus. Mr. J. E. H. MacDonald accepted the position of Principal problem and has ably conducted the affairs of the College. In this connection we are pleased to note that our fellow member, W. J. Beattie, who has been through a serious operation, is making a splendid recovery and hopes to be back at the school in a month's time. Allan Barr and F. S. Challener have taken Mr. Beattie's duties during his absence. Franz Johnston has accepted a position on the College staff, bringing to his work all the enthusiasm for which he is noted.

The Summer School, under Mr. J. W. Beatty, has had a successful season, several of our members assisting by giving lectures in connection with the Saturday Evening Course commenced in 1927 by Mr. Reid.

The number of works by graduates of the Ontario College of Art and its Summer School, which have been accepted in recent exhibitions of the Society, are a tribute to the effective work being accomplished by the College.

We are pleased to note that Mr. L. H. C. Panton has received the appointment of Art Director at the new West End Technical School.

SCULPTORS' SOCIETY OF CANADA
An important event of the past year was the formation of the Sculptors' Society of Canada, the Charter Members being:

Emanuel Hahn, Francis Loring, Florence Wyle, Alfred Howell, Elizabeth Wyn Wood, Sunya Cote, A. Laliberte and Henri Hebert. Emanuel Hahn was elected President and Francis Loring, Secretary.

The initial exhibition was held in the Art Gallery of Toronto, opening October 5th, and was a revelation to art lovers of this city who have hitherto had no opportunity of seeing any comprehensive collection by our Canadian sculptors. The Society fills a needed place in the art life of Canada and its success is assured.

PRESERVATION OF BEAUTY IN THE PROVINCE
At the meeting of our own Society, held May 1st, 1928, the following motion was carried:

"That the Society, while recognizing the importance of developing the natural resources of the Province, ask the Premier to give consideration to the possibility of doing something to safeguard the natural beauty of the places in which these developments take place. They suggest that a Commission might be appointed with authority to check over proposed plans in order to see that no unnecessary destruction of natural beauty is incurred."

This motion was forwarded to the Premier of the Province and shortly after the Society had a communication from the Hon. William Finlayson, Minister of Lands and Forests, who asked for a conference with our committee. This conference was held at the Arts and Letters Club, and we found the Government as represented by Mr. Finlayson most sympathetic to the Society's proposal.

As a practical outcome, we have been informed that all contracts now being made with companies developing water power or lumbering in Ontario contain a clause which gives the Government power to restrict any unnecessary destruction of natural beauty. Special attention will be given to the preservation of trees and the flow of water on the larger waterfalls.

Mr. Finlayson has further offered to give any assistance in the Government's power to any of our members who wish to paint in the more remote parts of Ontario. Accommodation may be had, on application, in camps on Government reserves and special arrangements made for transportation.

ART GALLERY OF TORONTO
Under the direction of Mr. F. S. Haines, the Art Gallery of Toronto has had the most active year in its history up to the present, attendance records showing a steady increase. Total for year 101,433.

Special emphasis continues to be given to the educational aspect of the Gallery's functions. Mr. Arthur Lismer in charge of this department of the Gallery, besides conducting classes himself for various groups, arranged a series of lectures throughout the year which have drawn many interested audiences.


The following exhibitions took place during the past year:

January -West Coast Indian Art.
February- Group of Seven.
March-0. S. A.
Richard Jack
Edmund Morris.
April- Canadian Society of Graphic Art.
Toronto Camera Club.
Paul Manship, Sculpture.
R. Tait McKenzie,Sculpture.
Robert Holmes.
Albrecht Durer.
May- Old Masters.
Modern Posters.
June- British Paintings.
July
August- Permanent Collection.
September
October- Canadian Sculpture.
Spanish Paintings.
Robert Riggs.
Elizabeth Keith.
Emil Fuchs.
Arthur and Lawrence Smith.
November- Phillips Memorial Gallery.
Frank Benson.
O.S.A. Little Pictures.
December- R.C.A.
Carl Hallsthammar.
John Taylor Arms.

Total attendance of Art Gallery for 1928, 101,433.

Lectures at the Art Gallery of Toronto during 1928:
Art of the West Coast, by C. M. Barbeau.
Significance of Dramatic Art of West Coast Indiana, by Prof. McIlwraith.
Pacific Art, by Prof. Currelly.
Modern Art, by Walter Pach.
Ontario Society of Artists, by F. H. Brigden.
Canadian Wild Flowers, by Robert Holmes.
Canadian Sculptors and Sculpture, Emanuel Hahn.
The Athlete in Sculpture, R. Tait McKenzie.
The Art of Etching and Woodblock Painting, by Fred S. Haines.
Art in Canada, by Mrs. Maud S. Brown.
The classical Elements in Modern Art, by Walter Pach.
The Making of the Book, by J. E. H. MacDonald.
Canadian Painting, Sculpture, etc., purchased by the Art Gallery in 1928:
Mrs. Sutherland, by Allan Barr.
Snow Clouds, by Frank Carmichael.
Hillside Village, by A. J. Casson.
Athlete, by R. Tait McKenzie.
Head of Jongers, by Henri Hebert.
Head of Elizabeth Wyn Wood, Emanuel Hahn.
Jim King's Wharf, Alert Bay, W. J. Phillips.
Mamalilicoola, B.C., W. J. Phillips.
Lumberjacks, by Edwin Holgate.
Nude, by F. S. Challener.

During the year purchases of works by the following artists were made by the Gallery:
Allen Barr, Alec Panton, A. J. Casson.

The Gallery has become firmly established as a cultural factor in our civic life. It has made many friends among our public spirited citizens, and we may look for its rapid development and expansion.

The Society places on record here its appreciation of the co-operation received from the Art Gallery in all its projects, and particularly for the practical assistance given in connection with the travelling exhibitions.

* Courtesy of Archives of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario
   fonds Ontario Society of Artists