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Bringing together artists, sculptors, historians and enthusiasts interested in the history of Canadian aviation art and the Canadian aerospace industry.

Promoting exchanges of information between members by organizing meetings on any subjects related to Canadian aviation art and aerospace industry.

Displaying the works created by our members in order to stimulate public interest in Canadian aviation art and promote Canadian aviation history.

Establishing a network of varied contributors working in the field of aviation art and to develop an electronic reference center to create links with related sites.

A Little Bit of History:

May 1984, during the Montreal International Air Show ExpoAir' 84, held at Mirabel International Airport, was the first gathering of Canadian aviation artists. Robert St-Pierre, President of Canadian Roundel Wings Association organized this exploit. The incentive of this first Canadian aviation art exhibition was the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the 75th anniversary of the first powered flight in Canada. Fifteen Canadian aviation artists from across the country displayed some 84 paintings commemorating these anniversaries.This was to lead indirectly and eventually to the formation of the CAAA some 12 years later.

In May 1992, the National Aviation Museum in Ottawa initiated an annual competition called "ArtFlight". The topic that year was, "Built in Canada". Forty-five paintings were selected for this first of a series of exhibitions. Subsequently these were held in the new Robert Bradford gallery, named after a well-known and respected figure in the Canadian aviation art community.

In May 1996, Canadian aviation artist Don Connolly invited close to 40 aviation artists and enthusiasts to Ottawa. A proposal was made to establish a Canadian association dedicated to promote Canadian aviation history through this medium.

The meeting was a success and resulted in the founding of a group called the Canadian Aviation Art Association (CAAA). This provisional committee was to be directed by Don Connolly. Eight regional coordinators would represent Eastern, Central and Western Canada. Their mandate was to recruit new members, publish a newsletter and organize the association's first annual convention to be held in May 1997. In November 1996, the first issue of "Aerial Views" was published under the editorship of fellow member, Jim Bruce. The issue featured eight pages containing news and information regarding the association and its membership.

On June 1, 1997, the first annual convention of the Canadian Aviation Art Association (CAAA)- Association des Arts de l'Aviation Canadienne (AAAC)* was held at the RCAF Memorial Museum in Trenton, Ontario. The election of the executive committee and regional coordinators was held and the official logo, name and constitution were adopted. Effective June 3 the name was changed to the Canadian Aviation Artists Association.

There are now members from across North America as well as countries abroad.

Why Become a CAAA Member?

To meet and exchange ideas with aviation artists, enthusiasts and professionals

To receive the CAAA quarterly newsletter AERIAL VIEWS

To have your art displayed on the CAAA website galleries

To submit and display your works at different exhibitions

To promote the development of your professional and artistic expertise

To attend the Annual Convention - a special event held at locations of aeronautical interest

To attend lectures given by experts in the fields of art, photography and history

To take part in guided visits of museums and aircraft flight lines

To meet and interact with aviation art enthusiasts

To attend aviation art exhibits

To display your works at private members' exhibitions

To participate in slide presentations and critiques of your works

To attend receptions and banquets with fellow members.

To promote your organization's support of aviation art.

How to Become a Member of the CAAA?

You don't have to be an aviation artist to be a member! If you agree with the association's aims, you are eligible for membership. The categories are as follows:

Member Artist: Anyone who has a serious and abiding interest in creating aviation art. The definition includes visual artists and sculptors. The annual membership fee for this category is $50(Cdn).

Associate Member; Anyone who has an interest in aviation art. This can include private art collectors, curators, historians, archivists, librarians, modelers, etc.The annual membership fee for this category is: $35(Cdn)

Institutional Member; Organizations or institutions having an interest in aviation art. These include publishers, museums, art galleries, schools, etc.The annual membership fee for this category is: $35(Cdn)

If you are interested in becoming a member contact the MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY, or if you would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact one of CAAA's regional coordinators. To find the one near you, go to: CONTACTS

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