Manitoba Society of Artists

 MSA120Years 1902 - 2022 present day  

The Manitoba Society of Artists was established in 1902 to recognize the merits of Manitoba’s outstanding artists, to promote and encourage visual artists in Manitoba. Through out its history the Society…Throughout its history the Society has depended largely upon the volunteer efforts of its membership.   Its membership was originally comprised of “painters, sculptors, architects, artistic engravers, draughtsmen and designers”, residing in Manitoba or temporarily residing elsewhere, and membership was determined by a selection committee which judged submitted work of prospective members.

Although the specifics of membership have changed over the years, members have always been chosen by a jury and needed to be practising Manitoban artists. Some notable past members of the Society have included L.L. Fitzgerald, Eric Bergman, Leo Mol, Alex J. Musgrove, Clarence Tellenius, Walter J. Phillips, Lynn Sissons, Kelly Clark, Caroline Dukes, Tony Tascona and Robert Bruce.  Barbara Cook-Endres, who joined the club in 1948, was its longtime secretary until her retirement in 2008.

Today, the purpose of the Society is to promote and encourage Manitoba’s emerging and professional visual artists. Members of the Society exhibit together, enjoy social events and participate in educational ventures, such as lectures, conferences, art talks and workshops. However, the important event of each MSA year is the Provincial Annual Open Juried Competition and Exhibition, which allows both emerging and professional Manitoba artists an equal opportunity to participate in a major exhibition.

Currently MSA  retains an active membership of 100 artists from diverse backgrounds and training.  New art forms consistently present themselves to the pool of artistic discussion.

The art world has greatly evolved during the past century, and MSA has had to reinvent itself several times.  Since the 1950’s there are enduring challenges of  competition for both monetary support and exhibition space with other arts groups.  The evolution of media such as photography and digital art have contributed to the discourse of membership in the society.

The development of northern/prairie art and artists, the fostering of an artistic milieu, the promotion of the value of art to the community, all these are vital concerns that help MSA to cultivate an atmosphere in which art continues to be created and shared.  In this manner we hope to perpetuate a visual voice that reaches long into the future.

The Early Years

After going through several periods of organisational change a new Manitoba Society of Artists emerged in 1925 with an executive consisting of Alex J. Musgrove as secretary and Walter J. Phillips as president. In 1926 the first annual exhibition was held in the Richardson Brothers Gallery on Main Street in Winnipeg. Since then, except for a few years, the society has sponsored an annual open juried exhibition in various locations including at the Eaton’s and Hudson’s Bay Company stores, the Pool of the Black Star Gallery at the Manitoba Legislative Building, the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery, Warehouse Artworks Gallery, the Winnipeg Civic Auditorium, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.  Other programs have included annual juried exhibitions, lectures, art history conferences and other member events.

60 Years 1992

In 1992 the Manitoba Society of Artists hosted their 60th Anniversary Juried exhibition. This celebration was held at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. In 2002 the MSA celebrated its 100th anniversary with an exhibition of work by current members, a commemorative banquet and an art history conference with a focus on Manitoba art. Also, in conjunction, the Winnipeg Art Gallery hosted an exhibition of historical work by MSA members, acknowledging the major contribution of the MSA in the arts community and in the formation of the WAG.

110 Years 2012

2012 was the year of MSA’s 110th anniversary and the Centenary of the WAG.  In recognition of its intertwined roots and history with the WAG, MSA’s 80th open juried exhibit was hosted at the WAG in April of that year.  MSA’ s anniversary celebrations continued with this MSA110 members show in July that is was panorama of the works of 50 member artists.  MSA110 Years fittingly highlighted a retrospect as well as a futuristic approach to our art.

The MSA 110th anniversary celebrations concluded with a public Art History Conference at the WAG.  The theme, “minds Eye: making art work” explored the illusions spanning cultures and time that lead to artistic truth”.

120 Years 2022 

During the recent 2 years of pandemic, MSA has pivoted to online events, both for art talks, meetings, competitions and exhibits.  The 88th in 2020 and 89th in 2021 Juried Shows were exclusively digital, including its traditional Juror Lecture Evening and Award Recognition Presentations.   

Returning now to a physical show format, MSA presents Chrysalis:MSA120, comprised of 16 MSA members showing at Gallery in the Park at Altona during September 2021.