Cathie Hamilton Artist

Joyce Putnam

Joyce is a vibrant and interesting person with an exciting history.  She is 91 years ‘young’ now, and still goes out to paint ‘on site’ occasionally. Joyce’s paintings are similar in style, to Group of Seven artists’ work.  Joyce has sold many of her paintings and has an extremely inspirational collection of her art available for sale. 

As indicated in Joyce’s book, she painted with many members of the Group of Seven.  Often, group members would stay at the Putnam farm and branch out from there to paint.  Joyce went on many of these excursions and painted with Group artists.  She has given me permission to give you the information about her from the cover flaps of her book “Seven Years with the Group of Seven”.  ISBN 1-55082-013-3.  The book is no longer in print but copies are available through Abe Books on the web or on loan from most libraries.  You will find the book is a reflection of Joyce herself.  Knowing Joyce so well, I can hear her saying the words aloud when I read her book.  I find it an exhilarating read for anyone interested in “The Group of Seven”.  For me, personally, Joyce Putnam is one of the artists who extend the number of members of the Group.

Joyce was born in Regina and raised inMelita,Manitoba.  Her parents, who had immigrated fromEngland, provided a cultured environment for the family – music, languages, and art education.

She attended theUniversityofManitoba, majoring in mathematics and French.  In 1942, when he was an RCAF Flight-Lieutenant stationed inWinnipeg, Joyce Musson met and married Munroe Putnam, who pursued a career as a professional forester and amateur art collector.

In 1957 Joyce and Munroe Putnam moved toGrenville,Quebec, where they bought a farm.  The hay barn was renovated for guests.

Seven years later, the Putnams met A. Y. Jackson and became friends.  For seven summers, Jackson and other Group artists came to visit at the Putnam cottage and to paint in the beautiful surroundings, close to theRougeRiver. 

After her husband’s death in 1976, Joyce Putnam was determined to publish their experiences to show the ‘human’ side of the Group of Seven.  “Seven Years with the Group of Seven:  a Memoir in Words and Pictures” is the result.  It offers a glimpse into the lives ofCanada’s most famous artists.  It is also the story of the Putnams’ introduction to the world of artists, art dealers, and collectors – sometimes unconventional, frequently amusing, never boring.

On January 15th a show of the collection of works by Joyce Putnam will be available for viewing and sale at NGB Studio 1 from 10 am to 5 pm.  Come on out!  You will be amazed.