The Ontario Society of Artists (OSA) was founded in 1872. It is Canada's oldest continuously operating professional art society. When it was founded at the home of John Arthur Fraser, seven artists were present. Besides Fraser himself, Marmaduke Matthews, and Thomas Mower Martin were there, among others. Charlotte Schreiber was the first woman member in 1876 and showed work in the Society's Annual show of that year. The list of objectives drawn up by the founding executive included the "fostering of Original Art in the province, the holding of Annual Exhibitions, the formation of an Art Library and Museum and School of Art". Prominent businessman William Holmes Howland was invited to be President of the Society. Fostering art The OSA, in its early years, had a major effect on the development of art in Ontario, if not in Canada. Its annual shows were reviewed regularly by major Toronto newspapers and the development of its artists and their work was followed in detail. For instance, the Evening Telegram in Toronto, in May 1880, reported with pride that the oils in the annual show displayed a "most marked and gratifying progress". However, with the appearance of other organizations, such as the Canadian Art Club in 1907, and particularly the Group of Seven in 1920, as well as the development of public and private galleries, its annual shows began to receive less attention. Still, the OSA's annual shows, from first to last, provided a place where artists could sell their work and socialize. It organized the Toronto Guild of Civic Art, which implied mural painting, and led in turn to the Society of Mural Decorators. It organized free lectures on subjects, and later, organized public events to showcase Ontario artists and provide a forum for emerging artists. Members of the Society have had mentorship programs for artists at various times. The OSA today has biennial Emerging Artist Exhibitions and annual Open Juried Exhibitions, both of which are designed to support and inspire art and artists across Ontario. Art exhibitions The first exhibition was held at Notman & Fraser's Art Galleries, Toronto, in April 1873. The Society continues to hold annual and special events. The OSA has an annual Members' Exhibition of Selected Works which showcases art from members who choose to participate. The list of galleries used extensively by the OSA includes The John B. Aird Gallery, The Papermill Gallery at Todmorden Mills