History of the Canadian Society of Marine Artists
At noon on the 7th of December, 1982 an important event took place in Stanley Park, Vancouver B.C. Present were five accomplished marine painters, John M. Horton; Ronald Jackson; Harry Heine; Marke K. Simmons; and George Bates. The five artists were interested in forming a marine artist association in Canada. John M. Horton hosted the meeting and discussed aims, objects,(see objects in 1983 meetings) rules, and procedures about the proposed Society. Mr. Horton requested that Ronald Jackson assume the presidency, but Mr. Jackson declined. Jackson felt a younger individual should fill the position and Mr. Horton became the Society's founding President. It was decided that Harry Heine would serve as Vice-President, George Bates as Secretary, and Marke K. Simmons as Treasurer. The marine painters each agreed to loan $100 to help fund the Society's formation.