This index has been compiled as a quick reference guide to biographies of 9,052 professional and amateur artists active in Canada from the seventeenth century to the present, representing 42 professional categories, from animation to topography.

Evelyn de R. McMann retired in 1978, having been responsible for indexing Canadian art for the Fine Arts and Music Division of the Vancouver Public Library for fourteen years. Her previous books include Royal Canadian Academy of Art: Exhibitions and members, 1880-1979 and Candian Who's Who Index 1898-1984.

'McMann has clearly gone to extraordinary lengths in the preparation of this book. Hers is the kind of meticulous work that typically goes unacknowledged and unappreciated. But anyone who finds the clue they're looking for in this document will be glad for her efforts.'

D.B.G. Fair:

'McMann has clearly gone to extraordinary lengths in the preparation of this book. Hers is the kind of meticulous work that typically goes unacknowledged and unappreciated. But anyone who finds the clue they're looking for in this document will be glad for her efforts.'

- Karen McKenzie:

'McMann has clearly gone to extraordinary lengths in the preparation of this book. Hers is the kind of meticulous work that typically goes unacknowledged and unappreciated. But anyone who finds the clue they're looking for in this document will be glad for her efforts.'