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Fostering and promoting the Visual Arts throughout Ontario since 1872. |
Notices and Obituaries
Jaya Datta (Gupta) ObituaryJaya Datta, age 74, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was a wonderful mother, wife, sister, grandmother and friend. Over the course of her life, Jaya lived in 3 different countries, raised two successful children, pursued her passion, and became an accomplished artist. Despite her battle with cancer, Jaya kept a positive spirit and smiled her way through the tough times. Jaya is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Pradeep; sons Siddharth & Kunal; daughters-in-law, Rakhee & Zahra; and grandson, Kavir. We thank everyone that has touched Jaya and our families lives over the years. |
| Lillian Michiko Yano Blakey (July 5 th, 1945 – March 2 nd, 2026) Remembering a Remarkable Artist and Leader The OSA mourns the loss of a truly great artist and an outstanding member and former President. Who Was Lillian Michiko Blakey? She was not only an artist but also a dedicated teacher and a passionate advocate for equity. Through her images and words, she gave a voice to those who could not speak for themselves, honouring the memory of those who came before us, those who are with us now, and those who will come after. Lillian was also an environmental activist, a key committee member of the ongoing project, Letters to the Earth: Between Despair and Hope. |
Lillian’s Importance to the Ontario Society of Artists (OSA) Lillian played a vital role within the OSA. She was elected in 2005, and from the moment she joined, she worked tirelessly with the council. When she became president in 2006, she took over an organization facing significant challenges. Lillian got involved in all aspects necessary to make a volunteer society successful. Lillian served as President of the OSA from 2006 to 2008. Exhibitions and Accomplishments Lillian exhibited widely across Canada, including at the John B. Aird Gallery(Toronto), the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (Burnaby, B.C.),and the University of British Columbia’s "Absence in Remembrance: The Japanese Canadian Internment" exhibition. She participated in the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s "On Being Michiko" (2012), the Royal Ontario Museum’s "On Being Japanese Canadian: Reflections on a Broken World" (2019), the Canadian Museum of History’s "Lost Liberties: The War Measures Act" (2022), and the Canadian War Museum’s "Outside the Lines: Women Artists and War" (2024). Lillian also co-published the graphic novel " On Being Yukiko " (2020), with Jeff Chiba Stearns, which tells the story of her family’s forced relocation during the Second World War. Her art projections were featured in the world premiere of the ballet "Kimiko’s Pearl" (2024), produced by Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts atthe first Ontario Performing Arts Centre. Her works are also included in the Government of Ontario Art Collection and the Nikkei National Museum & Culture Centre. Lillian continued to create until her last breath, with books in progress and a constant flow of new artwork. She was recently one of the 7 recipients honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal awarded & presented by our Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Edith Dumont, in 2025. Rest in Peace, dear Lillian.
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The Ontario Society of Artists wishes to acknowledge the passing of John D McKellar CM, QC on November 5, 2024. A retired lawyer and passionate supporter of the arts in Canada, Mr McKellar served as Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Toronto Arts Foundation among many other philanthropic causes. He graciously served on the Honorary Advisory Board of the OSA for our 150th Anniversary year celebrations. We are grateful to him for his support of the OSA. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife and to his family. Link to Obituary |
Eileen Menzel 1945 - 2024
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The Ontario Society of Artists regrets to inform its member of the passing of Eileen Menzel on February 15, 2024 at the age of 79. the beloved wife of George, she also leaves behind her loving children Paul (Darlene) and Ursula, grandchildren Colin, Claire, and May, and her cousins and family in England and Canada. Eileen taught visual arts at Humberside Collegiate Institute for 30 years. Through her talent and passion for the discipline, she has influenced and inspired countless students and admirers of her work. Eileen was an award-winning mixed media artist who exhibited at many public and private galleries in Ontario. She has been a member of the Ontario Society of Artists since 2009 and is a life member of The Etobicoke Art Group. She was a kind and generous person who will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., on Saturday, February 24, from 2-3 p.m. A Service of Remembrance to follow in the Chapel. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Neilson Park Creative Centre. Online condolences may be made through |
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George "Jesse" Arthur Gledhill August 9, 1933 - December 12, 2023
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It is with heavy hearts that the OSA announces the passing of George Arthur Gledhill, known by his nickname, Jesse, on December 12, 2023. Jesse has most recently been residing in Windsor, Ontario. He leaves behind his loving wife of 43 years, Jean Darbyshire, as well as his closest and dearest. Jesse also leaves behind his son, Michael, daughter-in-law, Tina, his grandchildren: Alana and her husband, and Mitchel and his wife and children. Born in Timmons, Ontario, Jesse moved to Sharbot Lake with his father after his mother's passing. After working many jobs, he found a position in the federal government and quickly became an air traffic controller at Pearson International Airport in Toronto. In his 40s, Jesse left his government job to become a visual artist. He travelled around the world with his beloved wife, Jean, to acquire inspiration for his work and develop his craft. Friends are invited to celebrate Jesse's life at Gennaro's Café at 1271 Erie Street East on Sunday, December 17th from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to all the medical staff at Windsor Regional Hospital, Ouellette Campus, especially nurses Sam and Kassie from the Intensive Care Unit for their kindness and compassion. In honour of Jesse and his love of art, everyone is encouraged to support local artists whenever possible. |
It is with a heavy heart the OSA announces the passing of OSA member Pat Fairhead.
One of Canada's premier painters, Pat died peacefully at her home on July 4, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.
The full obituary can be viewed by clicking here.
Dennis Reid, C.M.
January 3, 1943 - April 27, 2023
The OSA has sadly learned of the passing of Dennis Reid, C.M., historian of Canadian art, who passed away suddenly at St. Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto, of heart failure.
Dennis was the first one to "lend his name" to the OSA as a member of the Honourary Advisory Board for our 150th Anniversary Year. He was fabulously supportive of our society and he will be greatly missed by those who worked with him.
The full obituary can be viewed by clicking here.
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