Contemporary Arts Society

The Contemporary Arts Society was founded by John Lyman in 1939 to promote modern art in Montreal, at a time when Canada was dominated by academic art.^[1] Lyman was the Society's first president. The additional officers were vice-president Paul-Émile Borduas, secretary Fritz Brandtner, and treasurer Philip Surrey.^[2] The Society lasted until 1948.^[3]

Early membership

Early members included Alexander Bercovitch, Paul-Émile Borduas, Simone Mary Bouchard, Stanley Cosgrove, Louise Landry Gadbois, Eric Goldberg, Jack Humphrey, John Goodwin Lyman, Louis Muhlstock, Alfred Pellan Goodridge Roberts, Jori Smith, and Philip Surrey.^[4][2] Moe Reinblatt was included later. The Society had up to 62 members: artists, but also collectors and art professionals, such as historian and critic Maurice Gagnon.^[3]

External links

• The Canadian encyclopedia - Entry "Contemporary Arts Society"