Joann Saarniit was born on May 11, 1909 in Estonia. He received his diploma as Master of Decorative Painting from the State School of Art in Tallinn, Estonia in 1939. Started painting the horrors of World War II and life in Siberia. The first exhibition in history on this theme was held at the Gröna Paletten Galleries in Stockholm Sweden in 1948. Joann was one of 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. Joann also organized the first permanent art collection at the Estonian House in Toronto. His latest motifs were based on early Sumeria using the 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 AVIVA 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 the 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 in 1984. His son and granddaughter have inherited his artistic abilities.
Please visit his two day exhibition and sale of his works at the Estonian House , 958 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, on May 14-15, 2016. The Estonian House is also the sponsor of this event. Official opening at 6:00 pm on Saturday May 14. Exhibition hours on both days are from 10:00 am to 8:00pm each day. This will be the last opportunity to view his “Life in Siberia” collection, since it will be donated to the Occupation Museum in Tallinn, Estonia. As for the other paintings being shown, maybe some Saarniit fans can purchase some treasures for their own. For more information please call Jaak Järve at 416-222-9445 or email .
