ARTHUR LISMER (1885-1969)

Groundbreaking educator was OCA’s first vice-principal

Arthur Lismer (1885–1969), Rain in the North Country, c. 1920, oil on wood panel, 22.3 x 30.8 cm, Gift of the Founders, Robert and Signe McMichael, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 1966.16.112

A founding member of the Group of Seven, Arthur Lismer’s paintings and educational leadership shaped Canadian art during the 20th century. Known for his landscapes inspired by Georgian Bay, Algoma and Canada's Atlantic provinces, Lismer believed the country's natural environment could serve as the foundation for a distinctly Canadian artistic identity.

Born in England, Lismer studied art before immigrating to Canada in 1911. After joining the Toronto design firm Grip Ltd., he formed friendships with artists including J.E.H. MacDonald, Tom Thomson and Franklin Carmichael. These relationships helped lay the foundation for the Group of Seven and the development of modern Canadian art. 1

During the First World War, Lismer documented the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion and later served as an official war artist. In 1920, he became a founding member of the Group of Seven, helping establish a national artistic movement that celebrated Canada's landscapes and helped define a distinct Canadian cultural identity. 2 

While he was known as an accomplished painter, arts and culture education was central to Lismer's career. From 1919 to 1927, he served as the first vice-principal of the Ontario College of Art (OCA, now OCAD University), where he balanced administrative leadership with an extensive teaching schedule. He oversaw courses and championed a student-centred approach that encouraged creativity alongside technical skill. Lismer fostered a sense of community through student clubs, public lectures and extracurricular activities. 

After leaving OCA, he became a leading figure in youth arts education, supervising the education department at the Art Gallery of Toronto (now the Art Gallery of Ontario). He later taught at the Art Association of Montreal (now the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts) from 1940 until 1967. His innovative approaches to children's and museum education earned international recognition.

Learn more about Arthur Lismer

1 REVIEW: Arthur Lismer: Visionary Art Educator (author: Angela Nairne Grigor)

2 Parks Canada, Directory of Federal Heritage Designations, Lismer, Arthur, National Historic Person.

Image credit: Arthur Lismer (1885–1969), Rain in the North Country, c. 1920, oil on wood panel, 22.3 x 30.8 cm, Gift of the Founders, Robert and Signe McMichael, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 1966.16.112