The Arts

Tom Thomson (1877-1917) As an adult, he became an avid outdoors man and expert canoeist. In Algonquin Park he would often disappear for days, having discovered the perfect site for a sketch.

Lauren Harris (1885-1970) Harris is credited with being most responsible for the formation of the Group of Seven. Harris's art reflected his interest in Theosophy and Biology and his search for deeper spiritual meaning.

JEH MacDonald (1873-1932) His fellow artists described him as a quiet, frail, redhead. He had the dreamy air of a poet and philosopher. On sketching trips, when MacDonald was not drawing, he was forever engrossed in a book.

Arthur Lismer (1885-1969) Always sketching, Lismer would often create clever cartoon drawings of his artist friends. With a passion for teaching, Lismer established one of the most successful children's art programs in North America.

FH Varley (1881-1969) Restless by nature, Varley was constantly on the move. His travels took him to remote areas of the world, including the Arctic and Russia.

Frank Johnston (1888-1949) Although an original member of the Group, Johnston's association was brief. He participated in the 1920 exhibition, but by 1921 had left Toronto to become principal at the Winnipeg School of Art in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Franklin Carmichael (1890-1945) Franklin Carmichael’s artistic talent was evident at an early age – so much so, that his mother enrolled him in both music and art lessons. As a teenager Carmichael worked in his father’s shop as a carriage striper. Working on the scrolled decorations of the carriages, he practiced his design, drawing and colouring skills.

AY Jackson (1882-1974) Alexander Young Jackson left school at the age of twelve to work. Group of Seven founding members Harris and MacDonald were so impressed by Jackson's work that, in 1913, they invited him to move to Toronto.

AJ Casson (1898-1992) Although Casson was born in Toronto he spent most of his childhood in Guelph and Hamilton. Best known for his depictions of the rural settings of southern and central Ontario, Casson was the Group's youngest member.

Edwin Holgate (1892-1977) Holgate’s talents as a graphic artist gained him respect and attention. Best known for his portraits, Holgate also painted many murals – including those for the Totem Pole Room at Ottawa’s Château Laurier Hotel.

LL Fitzgerald (1890-1956) Spending childhood summers on his grandmother’s farm in Manitoba, he developed a deep love for Canada’s Prairies. Fitzgerald chose simple subjects for his paintings. Prairie scenes... His neighbour’s backyard... A potted plant...