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Toronto Estonian Virtual Art GalleryToronto Estonian Virtual Art Gallery
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Joann Saarniit

(1909-1984)
Born in Estonia

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 EKKT’s 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.

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Calvary Hill Add to cart View Details

Calvary Hill

Joann Saarniit
$300.00
Canadian Winter Landscape Add to cart View Details

Canadian Winter Landscape

Joann Saarniit
$1,250.00
Estonian Folkdancers Add to cart View Details

Estonian Folkdancers

Joann Saarniit
$300.00
Estonian Folkdancers Add to cart View Details

Estonian Folkdancers

Joann Saarniit
$300.00
Estonian Folkdancers II Add to cart View Details

Estonian Folkdancers II

Joann Saarniit
$300.00
Forgotten Ten Commandments Add to cart View Details

Forgotten Ten Commandments

Joann Saarniit
$2,000.00
Near Wonderland Add to cart View Details

Near Wonderland

Joann Saarniit
$600.00
Pikk Hermann Add to cart View Details

Pikk Hermann

Joann Saarniit
$100.00
Pikk Hermann Add to cart View Details

Pikk Hermann

Joann Saarniit
$100.00
Rahvatantsijad Add to cart View Details

Rahvatantsijad

Joann Saarniit
$100.00
Red Threat Add to cart View Details

Red Threat

Joann Saarniit
$2,500.00
Saarniit Abstract Add to cart View Details

Saarniit Abstract

Joann Saarniit, St. Andrew's Church Congregation Art Collection
$500.00

Joann Saarniit

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ABOUT US

This website is dedicated to all of the 80,000 (about 10% of the population) emigrés who had to leave their homeland with their families between 1940-1944.

With over 5000 works of art. It has become difficult to find a suitable home for these rich historic artworks. The majority of the works on display and for sale on this website are from Mai Vomm Järve’s collection (predominantly works from the Society of Estonian Artists in Toronto-EKKT members).

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  • Toronto Estonian Virtual Art Gallery
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