The Ontario Society of Artists (OSA) was founded in 1872.[1] It is Canada's oldest continuously operating professional art society.[2] When it was founded at the home of John Arthur Fraser, seven artists were present. Besides Fraser himself, Marmaduke Matthews, and Thomas Mower Martin were there, among others.[3] Charlotte Schreiber was the first woman member in 1876 and showed work in the Society's Annual show of that year.[4]
The list of objectives drawn up by the founding executive included the "fostering of Original Art in the province, the holding of Annual Exhibitions, the formation of an Art Library and Museum and School of Art".[3] Prominent businessman William Holmes Howland was invited to be President of the Society.[5]
- ^ R. F. Gagen,"Early Days in Canadian Art". The Canadian Forum vol. 2 (March 1922), pp. 560-561, 582.
- ^ "Ontario Society of Artists: 100 Years, 1872-1972". Centre for Contemporary Canadian Art. Retrieved April 26, 2013.
- ^ a b Murray 1972, p. 5.
- ^ Schreiber, Charlotte. "Canadian Exhibition Reviews Online Database". cwahi.concordia.ca. Canadian Women Artists` History Initiative, Concordia University. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
- ^ "The Founding of the Society and its First Exhibition". Archives of Ontario. Retrieved 2023-07-04.