Moonlight Gala
AN EVENING IN CELEBRATION OF CANADIAN ART
Celebrate in style at the greatest party under the stars. Enjoy an elegant spring soirée amid the soaring pines featuring culinary delights, live music, dancing and online auction.
To sponsor the Moonlight Gala, please contact our Development Coordinator by Email.
Connect with us for all other Gala related inquires.
Gala Highlights
The 2022 Moonlight Gala was a spectacular evening!Â
The McMichael Moonlight Gala 2022 raised more than $800,000 in support of the art of Canada, including a generous $100,000 donation from our Honorary Patron and Mayor of the City of Vaughan, the Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C. Funds raised go directly towards supporting the McMichael’s community-based education programs and world-class exhibitions. THANK YOU to the donors, corporate sponsors, volunteers, and guests who made this event possible.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
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For pictures of the event, please visit our Facebook page
HONORARY CHAIRS
John and Katia Bianchini
HONORARY PATRON
Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C.
Mayor, City of Vaughan
CO-CHAIRS
Debra Fenwick and Laura Mirabella
ONLINE ART AUCTION *CLOSED FOR 2022*
A selection of artworks generously donated by Canadian artists:
| Stephen ANDREWS Robert BURLEY Edward BURTYNSKY Kim DORLAND Steve DRISCOLL |
John HARTMAN Alexa HATANAKA Wanda KOOP Landon MACKENZIE Kristine MORAN |
Charles PACHTER Jon SASAKI Monica TAP Margaux WILLIAMSON |
Click on an image for a larger view and artwork details.
Now, more than ever, we are reimagining our commitment as a good neighbor, both out in the community and on our grounds. We believe that the McMichael is an incredibly dynamic place where people can come together, to see the world—and themselves—anew through art.
For every inspiring encounter I have with an educator, artist, parent or visitor to our museum, there are countless people making a difference in Vaughan whom we have yet to reach. It is our task and great honour to find new ways to serve our city—and all those who love it—through the transformative power of art. I look forward to continuing to update you on our shared progress.
Thank you for supporting the McMichael and helping continue to do this work as part of this community.
Ian A.C. Dejardin, Executive Director
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Welcome to the McMichael Moonlight Gala 2022. It is wonderful to be celebrating the very best of Canadian art and artists with the McMichael, a national treasure situated in the heart of Vaughan. Our communities have shown great resilience over the past two years, and we look to the healing power of art and nature to restore the spirit. I encourage everyone to spend time with friends and family at the McMichael – its lively exhibition and education programs, and spectacular grounds celebrate the richness of the arts, support the needs of our local communities, and are welcoming to all. Â
My profound gratitude goes to our generous community supporters on whom the continued success of this important organization relies.Â
Thank you. Â
Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C.
Mayor, City of Vaughan
This year Katia and I are privileged and delighted to be hosting the Moonlight Gala. All of you know about and share our passion for Canadian art and understand the important role the McMichael plays in the development of Canadian artists and in celebrating the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations, MĂ©tis, Inuit, and contemporary artists. We believe that the visual arts offer transformative experiences and will play a central role in our collective recovery. We are proud to be part of this dynamic cultural community and are always surprised and delighted at all the McMichael has to offer, here in Vaughan, and from coast to coast to coast. Thank you to all who support this important and inspiring institution, home to the art of Canada.
John and Katia Bianchini
Hatch is passionately committed to the pursuit of a better world through positive change. We believe that to be relevant in today’s world and to develop great ideas that have real impact, our engineers need to broaden their thinking. This includes redefining our relationship with the arts. We rely on creativity for the creation of everything we design and build. The traditional role of engineers as scientists, mathematicians, and builders is not enough to tackle the challenges of today’s society. We need to be renaissance engineers, and gather new ideas from a variety of influences, including the arts. It is the arts that stimulate us, encourage us, develop us, and support us in tackling today’s most vexing challenges.
Hatch is proud to be presenting the Moonlight Gala 2022 in support of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and their contribution to building a thriving creative community that benefits us all.
It is our great honour to co-chair the McMichael Moonlight Gala 2022 and after two years of disruption, we are thrilled to welcome you back. This event is taking place as families in Vaughan and communities across the GTA are emerging from the effects of the pandemic, and we look to art as a source of inspiration, resilience and joy. Our sincere thanks to Honorary Co-Chairs John and Katia Bianchini, to Hatch for their outstanding support as Presenting Sponsor, and to our Honorary Patron, the Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C. Profound gratitude goes to the Moonlight Gala 2022 Committee, the McMichael Board of Trustees and the McMichael Canadian Art Foundation Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, and most of all to the McMichael’s community of sponsors, donors, and members. Thank you for your ongoing support as we look forward to a bright year ahead and a strong future at the McMichael.
Debra Fenwick and Laura Mirabella
Co-Chairs, Moonlight Gala 2022
Debra Fenwick, Co-Chair
Laura Mirabella, Co-Chair
Elvira Caria
Nella Contardi
Sonia Contardi
Robert Dunigan
Andrew W. Dunn
Joyce Frustaglio
Phillip Gevik
Corban Hu
Debra Kwinter
Jacoline Loewen
Matthew Liberatore
Fiona O’Brien
Susan Reid
Glenn Sakaki
Mandy Siu
Shirley Zerfas
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| Rajib Ahsan Amachris Corporation Sara Angel Andries Auret Salah Bachir Bruce Bailey Rohan Barnett John and Katia Bianchini Eduardo Bello David Bernardo Joe Canavan Norman Chen Carly Crisp Jeff Crosby Canadian Fine Arts Gallery Mohamed Dali Paul Dinelle Karen Downey Tolga Ersahin Michael Fedoroff Jack and Penny Fenwick Rob Francki Antonia Gonzalez |
Hal Gould Walter Harapiak Maral and Simon Hasserjian Daniel Hasratian Henry Ichiyen Randy McMeekin Kelly Murumets David Mutombo Marc-Antoine Parent Josh Picov Milena Price Ali Rasouli Stephane Raymond Markus Rebmann Mike Rencheck Glenn Sakaki Michael Schatz Alim Somani Michael Sutherland Nils Voermann Sylvia Wong |
PLEASE NOTE: This list was current of May 25, 2022. Please refer to moonlightgala.mcmichael.com for a complete listing of donors
Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra
Back by popular demand!
One of Canada’s most successful, dynamic and unique entertainment groups, Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra is known for its big sound and the energetic stage-presence of its 14-piece orchestra. We are excited for them to take the stage and crank up the party!
Humber College Musicians
The McMichael is thrilled to present live music provided by students and recent graduates from the renowned music program at Humber College. Humber’s four-year Bachelor of Music degree program is unlike any other in North America. By combining the latest recording technologies and entrepreneurial business strategies with high-level performance, production, songwriting and composition in jazz, pop, R&B, Latin, and world music, Humber graduates are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in today’s music world. Thank you to Humber College’s School of Creative & Performing Arts for connecting us with the great musicians you hear this evening.
More entertainers to be announced soon!
Thank you to our past supporters and partners.
To sponsor the Moonlight Gala, please contact Kate Church at: kchurch@mcmichael.com
Every year, the Live and Silent Auctions are always a big part of the Moonlight Gala. Our generous art-minded donors have contributed some incredible items. Stay tuned for a look at the 2021 items!
Doug McDonald is a Partner in the Toronto office of Deloitte LLP. and a leader of the firm’s Merger & Acquisition business. McDonald has held senior positions in Canada and the United Kingdom during his career with major investment banking and professional services firms including Credit Suisse, Ernst and Young and CIBC. McDonald graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an MBA in 1982 and received his master’s degree in Medical Physiology from the University of Manitoba in 1979.
Melani Chong has built an extensive career in the fashion and beauty industries as a professional model for Ford Models. She has also appeared as a correspondent for Fashion TV & ET Canada. Chong is a Cosmetic Chemist (SCS, SCC) and the founder of a cosmetics manufacturing company, MC2Industries Inc. Through her blog In Your Face, Chong is now sharing her expertise and knowledge with others. In 2014, she founded a scholarship for graduates of the Massey Centre who wish to continue their post-secondary education in the fields of science and technology.
For the past 20 years, Corban has dedicated himself to the world of media and marketing. His wealth of knowledge comes from hands-on experience working with national networks like the TVO, CBC, OLN, CTV, and the Discovery Channel. In 2013, Corban co-founded Pure Luxury Magazine, a Chinese luxury lifestyle magazine to service the HNWI in Canada.
Dina is a 10 year veteran at Direct Interiors and it is her personal goal, as manager, to oversee that the Direct Interiors team are prepared to meet all your needs! Whatever your style, personality, budget, we’ve got something just for you! Our vast showroom and team of professionals are exactly what you need to help you dress your space. “design, fashion, style and meeting new people all the things I love under one roof”
Nella Contardi is the Director of Purchasing/Product Development at Pizzaville Inc. Contardi manages all charitable activities for the company such as Pizzaville’s “Rainy Day Fund”. She is also a volunteer with Women Against Multiple Sclerosis (WAMS) and has won many awards for her volunteer contributions including: 2006 Volunteer Recognition Award from the City of Vaughan, 2008 WAMS Honouree for providing leadership and participation in raising funds for research to end MS, and the 2008 Volunteer Service Award from the Ontario Government.
Robert Dunigan is the Head of development and deployment of cross-functional shared services and outsourcing solutions worldwide for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Dunigan also leads a strategic planning team which engages with various properties to develop long-term plans for business performance. Outside of work, Dunigan is a member of the Executive Committee of the International Hospitality Management Advisory Board for the University of New Hampshire.
Joyce Frustaglio has been an outstanding member of our community—a public servant and a resident of The City of Vaughan for over 35 years. But most of all, Joyce has been a devoted volunteer and has raised millions of dollars in support of countless Charitable Organizations.
Philip Gevik is the Owner and Director of Gallery Phillip which features Canadian historical and Indigenous art, including works by the Indian Group of Seven. Gevik joined the Chairman’s Circle at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in 1986 and has continuously supported the gallery’s fundraising events. He is a board member of the Art Dealers Association of Canada, Friends of Canadian Art, and a lifetime member of the National Gallery of Canada.
“I am a strategic thinker and a connector. I see the forest and the trees (and the leaves and bugs). I am able to translate concepts into successful programs”.
Matthew is a member of the Corporate/Commercial Group at Aird&Berlis LLP, in Toronto. His range of experience includes advising on private equity financings, share and asset purchase transactions, corporate reorganizations, annual corporate proceedings and corporate governance matters. He holds an Honours Degree from the University of Toronto and Law Degree from the University of Leicester.
Jacoline Loewen is the Director of UBS Bank (Canada) and a published writer—focusing on topics such as strategic planning, sustainability, growth, and attracting investors. She is a regular contributor and columnist to the Globe and Mail, National Post, Thomson Reuter, Profit and was a regular panelist on BNN: The Pitch. Loewen is an active board member for a variety of organizations and committees in Toronto. She holds an arts degree in Industrial Relations from McGill University and an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Laura Mirabella is the Chief Financial Officer and City Treasurer at the City of Vaughan. Laura is an active member of her community and sits on the Board of Trustees of McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Sheri Majdpour is well-known as an active Canadian entrepreneur, Owner and Vice President of Canada Executive Realty Inc. Brokerage. She is heavily involved in the fundraising initiatives of many boards.
Marc started his legal career at a major international law firm – first in Montreal and then in Toronto – as an associate in the firm’s taxation department where he worked extensively on the structuring of domestic and international investment funds, public and private mergers and acquisitions, and more recently focused on tax matters related to crowdsales and cryptocurrency and token transactions.
With over 15 years of experience in PR, Mandy specializes in launching and building international luxury brands across North America. Her expertise covers all aspects of promotional activities such as activations and events, social media and influencer campaigns, and traditional media advertising.
Shirley Zerfas is the President of One Imaging Inc. in Markham, Ontario. Renowned for exceptional skill and a relentless drive to achieve excellence, she creates and executes complex brand strategies for her clients by enrolling people from her vast network of experts in multiple business disciplines.Explore the past,
contemplate the present,
and discover the future!
What to expect
For the 2018–2019 school year, the McMichael continues to showcase diverse, thought-provoking and engaging exhibitions that celebrate The Art of Canada*. Outstanding shows of contemporary and modernist works of art will be on display, along with the gallery’s well-known works presented through a fresh curatorial lens.
Opening this October is the internationally acclaimed exhibition David Milne: Modern Painting, showcasing Milne’s artistic development and journey into modernity as he moved from the bustling sidewalks of New York to the war-torn landscapes of Northern France. This exhibition includes several works produced for the War Memorial Fund. Coinciding with both the Milne exhibition and 100th anniversary of the Armistice, Stephen Andrews: Frames of War opens in November. This contemporary exhibition of Andrews’ war related pencil crayon artworks presents a unique opportunity to explore the impact of the Great War on Canadian history and national identity.
The continuing presentation of The Art of Canada: Director’s Cut and Indigenous galleries provides the perfect framework to celebrate the many facets of Canadian history and culture, and experience an all-encompassing picture of Canadian art.
The McMichael offers a unique learning experience, in which a refreshing synergy between art, nature and history can address a variety of curriculum expectations.
Book online
Other booking options
Email: bookings@mcmichael.com
Phone: 1-888-213-1121 or 905-893-1121 ext. 2209
Customer service hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm