By DARLA MCCAMMON

Lakeland Arts Association

WARSAW — The Group of Seven was a small exclusive club of artists in Canada. This group had a great impact on art in Canada, particularly in two of the largest cities, Toronto, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec. We talked about the founder Carmichael last week.  A.Y. Jackson was another of the founding members of The Group of Seven. Jackson was born in 1882 and became a breadwinner for his six siblings and mother after his father deserted all of them.  Jackson was a young boy and found work with a lithography company where he was exposed to the art of lithography and began his own training in art. In 1905 at the age of 23 he was able to get to Europe by working on a cattle boat. Two years later he was able to take some courses at the Art Institute of Chicago and eventually returned to Europe where he was influenced by the new spread of impressionism in France. He kept up his work and training and was accepted in to the Paris Salon—a great honor.

Jackson’s career continued to flourish with some impressive purchases and substantial support from wealthy patrons in Canada as he returned to live in Toronto and shared a studio in a new building there. Like Carmichael, Jackson developed a bold and bright style of Landscape painting that is revered today.

Soon other members joined the group and off they went on excursions to paint the gorgeous Canadian scenery.  Jackson interrupted his art with the advent of World War I.  He joined up, was injured, and caught the attention of Lord Beaverbrook who pulled him into a non-combat position as an artist.  His work was well-utilized by the war department.  His credentials and career were now well-launched.

The Group of Seven was formally brought together in 1919 and many noted how these brave artists were able to paint areas of Canada thought to be impenetrable. In speeches about his work Jackson was known to say, “…individual expression is our chief concern.”  Jackson remained somewhat of a loner most of his life, but also taught at the Ontario College of Art.  He continued to bring home honors and accolades about his work.

He was one of only eighteen artists commissioned by the Canadian Pacific Railway to paint murals inside the luxury rail cars that would soon enter service on the famous Canadian transcontinental train.  Jackson’s contribution was a mural of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.  His famous painting titled Red Maple was created in 1914 and, if you remember Carmichael’s work of last week, you will see how the Canadian landscape and the impressionist movement held sway with each of them yet in slightly different ways.  We will continue to investigate this Group of Seven and their interesting lives next week.

Upcoming and Current Events: 

• Exhibit by Teresa Carrano and Kim Baney all this month at LAA Gallery, 302 E. Winona Avenue, Warsaw, open 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. More details on these two talented artists next week!
• Work by Darla McCammon at the Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery. Free admission; open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Honeywell themed competition open in Wabash, June 8 through July 24.  This prestigious event always has wonderful entries.  All work entered revolves around a water theme.
• LAA Art Fair at the Kosciusko Fairgrounds August 26-27.

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