Legendary art educator honoured with plaque unveiling ceremony at Art Gallery of Ontario
Toronto, Ontario, December 6, 2011 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Linda Frum, Senator for Ontario, today commemorated the importance of Arthur Lismer, a national historic person. A special ceremony was held in the seminar room at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Accompanied by the Chair of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Dr. Richard Alway, Senator Frum unveiled a commemorative plaque dedicated to the renowned artist.
“One of the founding members of the Group of Seven, Arthur Lismer was a great contributor to the artistic view of the Canadian wilderness,” said Senator Frum. “I am pleased to celebrate the legacy of one of Canada’s most talented artists and prominent art education pioneers.”
Arthur Lismer was an art educator and an exceptional painter. Lismer began his distinguished career as an art educator in 1916 when he was hired as principal of the Victoria School of Art and Design in Halifax. After the First World War, Lismer returned to Toronto where he became vice-president of the Ontario College of Art and Design and one of the founders of the Group of Seven. While he was a powerful artistic force in the Group, Lismer was primarily interested in art education. In addition to his impressive legacy of paintings, he was influential to generations of Canadian artists who attended his classes for over 50 years. He died in 1969 and he is buried in the cemetery at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario.
“A captivating artist, Arthur Lismer was a pioneering art educator in Canada,” said Minister Kent. “We are proud to mark his legacy as one of Canada’s most brilliant artists and recognized art instructors. Today his work continues to serve as an inspiration to Canadians.”
Created in 1919, and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Government of Canada through the Minister of Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. Parks Canada manages a nationwide network of national historic sites that make up a rich tapestry of Canada’s cultural heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
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Information:
Amandeep S. Chawla
Promotions Officer
Southwestern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
905-518-6585
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
