Lot #2: C.1960's Artist Signed John Saarniit Impressionist Oil Painting On Board 23"

Born on May 11, 1909 in Estonia. Received his diploma as Master of Decorative Painting form the State School of Art in Tallinn, Estonia in 1939. Started painting o the horrors of World Ward II and life in Siberia and the first exhibition in history on this theme was held at the Grona Paletten Galleries in Stockholm, Sweden in 1948. Was one of the 347 Estonians who came across the Atlantic Ocean illegally in 1948. Upon his arrival in Canada with the help of the Canadian Red Cross in Halifax, Nova Scotia he organized the first independent exhibition by an Estonian artist in Canada. Also organized the first permanent art collection at the Estonian House in Toronto. His latest motifs were based on prehistoric Sumeria, high relief method. Works are in permanent collections in Canada House in London, England, Willowdale High School in North York, Ontario, the S. J. Zacks Collection, the National Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C., Canron (Canadian Iron Foundry) in Rexdale, Ontario, Eastern High School of Commerce in Toronto and a mural in the Royal Trust Tower in Toronto. Large mural and many other works at the Estonian House in Toronto. Recipient of many awards including AVIVIA Chapter Hadassah III Award (1957), II Award (1960), Award of Merit in San Francisco (1975) and I Prize in Seattle, Washington (1981). Also the proud recipient of the Order of Merit from the Estonian Central Council in Canada. Published a portfolio Behind the Iron Curtain and a book of his memoirs :from West to East and East to West. Became a member of EKKT in 1961 and was on EKKTs First Art Album Committee, published in 1966. Articles in many newspapers, books, catalogues and files. Died in Toronto, Canada on August 19, 1984. His son and granddaughter have inherited his artistic abilities. Many of his works can be found previously sold at waddingtons.