History of the Canadian Society of Marine Artists

1983

On the fifth of January, 1983 George Bates and John M. Horton met at Mr. Bates' home in Vancouver, B.C. Mr. Horton's aims, objects, rules, and procedures were discussed. The following was proposed by John M. Horton:

that the CSMA apply for a Canada Council Grant under the "Explorations Program".
that all members were to be contacted regarding the design of a logo for the CSMA.
that the Society contact the Media Center, in Robson square
that an application form be drawn up re: lay members.
the Society should look into acquiring names, addresses etc. of various magazines, newspapers and any other publications for the purpose of advertising future shows etc.

On the thirty-first of January, 1983, Mr. Horton and Mr. Bates met with Vancouver Maritime Museum Director Robin Ingles. At the meeting the Museum offered to host the proposed Society's first Annual Exhibition. The two sides also discussed how they could support each other through the exhibition. It was also discussed when the first exhibition would take place. A provisional decision was made that the exhibition would be held from late November to early December.

On the second of February, 1983 a Society meeting was held at 7:30pm at the White Spot on Granville St. in Vancouver B.C. In attendance were John M. Horton, George Bates, Ronald Jackson, and Robert McVittie. Bates read the minutes of previous meetings. It was moved by George Bates and seconded by Ronald Jackson that the Maritime Museum's offer to hold the coming exhibition be accepted.

Mr. Horton proposed the paintings be selected by jury and the Society's Annual General Meeting be held at exhibition time. Also, the members would rank the artists from the exhibition in order of preference. A selected number of artists with the highest votes would be welcomed as new members. A fee of $10 was moved by Robert McVittie and seconded by George Bates for lay membership fees. Different ideas for a logo design were presented but no final decision was made.

On the twenty-fifth of February, 1983 an application was made to incorporate the Society as a corporation without share capital under part 2 of the Canada Corporations Act. The letter of application was sent to the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs of Canada, and included the following:

"Canadian Society of Marine Artists" was proposed, and justified

"The undersigned have satisfied themselves and are assured that the proposed name under which incorporation is sought is not the same or similar to the name under the laws of Canada or any province thereof or so nearly resembles the same as to be calculated to deceive and that it is not a name which is otherwise on public grounds objectionable."

Under the terms of the CCA and the application, the following became the first Directors of the CSMA.

John M. Horton
Harry Heine
George Bates
Brian Travers-Smith
Robert McVittie
Ronald Jackson
Marke K. Simmons

The Objects of the Corporation

To promote the recording of Canada's Marine heritage, both past and present, by all forms of fine art, i.e., painting, drawing and sculpture.
To promote an interest in Canadian Marine Art through regular exhibitions of member's in major centres across Canada.
To hold exhibitions abroad whenever possible.
To collaborate with Canada's maritime museums.
To encourage upcoming marine artists.
To establish a working relationship with the Royal Society of Marine Artists and the American Society of Marine Artists.
To aim for a high standard of quality among its members.
To establish a permanent collection of members works for the Canadian people

To comply with the CCA, the head office was set at 10619 King George VI Highway, Municipality of Surrey, Province of British Columbia. The Society allowed itself to borrow in accordance with section 65 of the Canada Corporations Act, the directors of the Corporation may from time to time:

borrow money upon the credit of the Corporation;
limit or increase the amount to be borrowed;
issue debentures or other securities of the Corporation
pledge or sell such debenture or other securities for such sums and at such prices as may be deemed expedient; and, secure any such debentures, or other securities, or any other present or future borrowing or liability of the Corporation, by mortgage, hypothec, charge or pledge of all or any currently owned or subsequently acquired real and personal, movable and immovable, property of the Corporation, and the undertaking and rights of the Corporation. McQuarrie-Hunter Solicitors were appointed as the Society's first legal counsel.

The Canadian Society of Marine Artists began March 8th, 1983 as a federal, not-for-profit organization in British Columbia. The letter of confirmation was signed by Hervé Dewolf on behalf of the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs and the Deputy Registrar General of Canada.

Meetings

Harry Heine's original "image" [see text] that has been used since 7 July 1983 as our logo

On the seventh of July, 1983 at 7:30pm a CSMA meeting was held at George Bates' house. Attending the meeting were John M. Horton, Robert McVittie, Marke K. Simmons, Ronald Jackson and George Bates. George Bates and Robert McVittie thanked Harry Heine for his image [see image] and Ray Warren for his catalogue production. At the meeting it was suggested that new full members be charged a $50.00 initiation fee and $50.00 for annual dues. A final decision on the fees was made by directors Robert McVittie and Marke K. Simmons. A popular vote was made electing Ronald Okey and Ray Warren as the Society's newest members.

Marke K. Simmons presented this Treasurers report:

Bank Balance              $484.42
Outstanding payments      $755.83
Net Balance outstanding  [$271.41]

President John M. Horton suggested an advertisement for the exhibition be sent to newspapers, publications and radio stations quickly. A detailed discussion ensued, concerning the coming exhibition based on each member would not exhibit more than one painting which was not for sale. It was recommended by the Society only one member's painting be labeled "Not for Sale".

The Annual General Meeting was held on the twenty-second of November, 1983 at noon, at the Chateau Granville in Vancouver B.C. Brian Travers-Smith was absent from the meeting. In attendance were John Horton; George Bates; Marke K. Simmons; Robert McVittie; Harry Heine; Ronald Jackson; and Ray Warren. A discussion ensued around details for the proposed Annual Exhibition and how individual artists work should be submitted.

It was suggested that:

The artist must own the painting and be aware the painting was being submitted for the exhibition.
The Agent signs on behalf of the artist that means "yes" he or she is aware and does own the painting. George Bates moved the forms should make it explicit the artist owns the work, the dealer is simply an agent
The artist should be aware all cheques be made payable to the artist for the sale of their work. (Seconded by Ronald Jackson)

Robert McVittie moved that within two years of being elected a full member of the Society, the member should be required to donate a work of their highest standard to the Society's permanent collection. The proposal was seconded by Harry Heine. The Maritime Museum would be asked to cover the paintings by their insurance. It was also decided the Membership fees would be payable at year end. George Bates agreed with Robert McVittie the 1984 dues would remain at $75.00 and the initiation fee would remain at $50.00. John Horton asked that potential members be nominated to an "applicants list" for membership consideration. The artists names would then be moved to a candidates list for election.

An election of officers was made and John Horton was re-elected as President by Acclamation. The only change was that George Bates and Marke K.Simmons shared the Treasurer position. It was announced by John M. Horton and George Bates that Ambrose Hackett would be made Honorary Member. A suggestion was made that the open CSMA exhibition be held in the summer and the fall exhibition be for members only. The meeting was adjourned by Harry Heine and Robert McVittie.

The Canadian Society of Marine Artists was intended to be Canada's equal to the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA) and the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA) in the U.K. The RSMA and ASMA were successful in bringing together marine art culture. As a country with a rich marine heritage, it made sense for Canada to follow this route. The ASMA requires American citizenship to join. The RSMA is difficult for many Canadians because of geographical distance. The new CSMA was more practical for marine artists in Canada. Canadians have been passionate about marine art for generations. The Canadian Society of Marine Artists was brought to help grow the passion in Canada. The original honorary members were the Maritime Museum of B.C. and the Vancouver Maritime Museum.

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