Marilyn Jones | Emily Carr Chronicler

Max Stern (1904–1987) was one of the most influential art dealers in Canadian history, but his path to Montreal and his relationship with Emily Carr were shaped by forces far beyond the Canadian art world. A German-born art historian, refugee from Nazism, collector, dealer and champion of modern art, Stern arrived in Canada after nearly two years of internment during the Second World War. Within a few years, he had transformed Montreal’s…

Nan Lawson Cheney (1897–1985) was one of Emily Carr’s closest friends, trusted correspondents, and earliest champions. Although she is less well known than Lawren Harris, Ira Dilworth, or Mark Tobey, Cheney played a significant role in promoting Carr’s work, organizing her annual solo exhibitions at the Vancouver Art Gallery from 1937 – 1941, and preserving her legacy through their friendship, extensive correspondence, and later publications. Read more: Max…

In the story of Emily Carr’s artistic development, much attention has been given to her relationship with members of the Group of Seven, particularly Lawren Harris. Yet other friendships—ones that began just across the border in Seattle—were equally important in helping Carr find confidence in her mature artistic voice. That friendship was with Seattle artists, Ambrose and Viola Patterson and in particular Mark Tobey. Read more: Max Stern and…