The idea of art clubs collaborating / joining forces resulted in the formation of the Northern Ontario Art Association. Under this umbrella organization, artists could submit work to juried exhibitions which, as there were no art galleries for artists or the public to view, traveled throughout the north bringing the art to the people. For many years there were 2 annual juried exhibitions (a painting exhibition and a graphics exhibition). These were hugely successful and greatly appreciated by our struggling artists. 

Over the years, due to the hard work of literally hundreds of dedicated artist volunteers and supporters, the NOAA which started out with only 4 member clubs has evolved into a vital organization with 15 clubs under its umbrella, currently representing around 400 artists. By multiplying the current number of these artists by 75 years will give you an idea of just how many artists were involved and who have benefited by being part of the NOAA - building our cultural heritage.

A few years after the formation of the juried shows, under the NOAA affiliation and support, the Cobalt Artist Colony was established so that more highly qualified art instructors could be brought in and annual week long workshops began.

The NOAA also publishes an annual bulletin / magazine featuring entries in the exhibition and activities each of the clubs were involved in and other art related information. This is available to all members and at host gallery locations, as well as being downloadable on the NOAA website. To keep up with technology, an online presence was created with their website: www.noaa.ca where artists can view past exhibitions, club documents and a multitude of work by their member artists, and they now also have a presence on social media via Facebook.