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Lawren Harris is one of the most well known painters in Canada but virtually unknown in the U.S. That is until actor/comedian/musician Steve Martin – an avid art collector – curated Harris’ first ever solo-exhibit in the states and has now taken the show to Toronto.

When Steve Martin first set his sights on a Lawren Harris painting he thought he was on to something.

“Y’know what, I’ve discovered this guy. I was disappointed to learn that he was already really famous in Canada.”

Iconic may be more accurate. Lawren Harris was born in Brantford in the late 1800’s and is known for being one of the founding members of the Group of Seven. Last fall one of Harris’ paintings sold for $4.6 million, a record high price for the artist.

Steve Martin said he was compelled to introduce the Canadian artist to his fellow art lovers in an exhibit named ‘The Idea of North.’

“In Boston we had throngs of people, people came in throngs to see the show.”

The exhibit boasts over 30 paintings by Harris from public and private collections – including those most people wouldn’t know are his.

While Lawren Harris’ most iconic paintings are that of the Great White North, his earlier work were actually influenced by the young and rapidly growing city of Toronto. In fact one of the areas he focused on is right where the AGO and new City Hall stand today, and it was very different back then.

“In the core of the city that was pretty rough. A painful space to be for new comers and indigenous people and he really reflected on that in his art and try to find joy or hope within that community through his paintings.” said Andrew Hunter, who is a curator.

Hunter says Harris moved on from urban inspiration and focused on spirituality through nature. Now, both phases of his career are being celebrated on a bigger stage with the help of one of his most famous fans.