Sumi-e Artists of Canada is a community of artists connected by our deep respect for the ancient traditions of sumi-e painting and Asian calligraphy. Rooted in the origins of this expressive art form from China and Japan, we celebrate the timeless beauty of brush and ink.

Our mission is to preserve, explore, and evolve the art of East Asian brush stroke painting and calligraphy through creative exchange, inclusive practice, and public engagement. United by a passion for storytelling through brushwork, we honour the past while embracing diverse, contemporary interpretations of the art form in Canada and beyond.

We invite others to experience the grace, rhythm, and meditative power of every stroke.

A brief history

In 1963, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre opened its doors in Toronto to promote Japanese culture and Japanese-Canadian Heritage. The JCCC’s first sumi-e instructor was Ruth Yamada (1923 – 2001), who founded Sumi-e Artists of Canada in 1984. In commemoration of her contributions, the Ruth Yamada Award for Excellence in Sumi-e was presented to the ‘best in show’ artist at the SAC annual fall exhibition until 2025 .