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.
Lyman was the Society's first president. The additional officers were vice-president Paul-Émile Borduas, secretary Fritz Brandtner, and treasurer Philip Surrey.

Early membership

Early member included Alexandre 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.