The “Group of Seven Fashion Designers” with Jeanne Beker. Photo: George Pimentel
(From left to right: Lucian Matis, Comrags’ Joyce Gunhouse and Judy Cornish, D’Arcy Moses, Thien Le, Jeanne Beker, Joeffer Caoc, Greta Constantine’s Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong, David Dixon)
June 20, 2012 Kleinburg, ON – The McMichael Canadian Art Collection hosted a unique and exciting fundraiser, Fashion as Art: EXPOSED!, on Saturday, June 16, 2012, for over 400 guests. This inaugural fundraising event was hosted by noted fashion personality Jeanne Beker and was considered by many who attended to be one of the most unique, inventive, lively, and memorable events they have attended. Fashionistas and art lovers alike were treated to a glamorous evening filled with innovative design, gourmet cuisine, and fabulous music.
In collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of Canada, this event celebrated Canada’s Group of Seven Fashion Designers and provided a spectacular backdrop to showcase their designs which were specifically created for the evening. Canada is home to some of the most exciting and cutting-edge designers. The seven designers are Joeffer Caoc, Comrags, Greta Constantine, David Dixon, Thien Le, Lucian Matis, and D’Arcy Moses.
“Fashion as Art: EXPOSED! was a spectacular success and exceeded our expectations for a first-year event,” said Tina Tehranchian, McMichael Trustee and Event Chair of the fundraiser. “We are thrilled with the overwhelming support from our guests and sponsors. The beautiful facilities and grounds at the McMichael served as the perfect setting for a celebration of creativity and innovation in Canadian art and fashion.”
MC Jeanne Beker announced the unveiling of the Group of Seven fashion designs, which was accompanied by a rousing musical performance by electric violinist, Dr. Draw. The party moved from inside to outside as the beautiful summer evening encouraged party-goers to keep going until the early hours of morning.
Fashion as Art: EXPOSED! is the culmination of a bold idea for the McMichael. Along with the concurrent exhibition, Fashionality: Dress and Identity in Contemporary Canadian Art, the McMichael is reaching beyond its familiar audiences to showcase the treasure that exists right here in our community; a treasure that opens up an array of possibilities to excite, entertain, energize, and inform.
The funds raised from this event will be used to advance the future of Canadian art through interactive educational programming and provocative exhibitions at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Ms. Tehranchian added, “We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors and guests and their contribution to the McMichael’s important role in Canadian art and culture.”
Fashion as Art: EXPOSED! Event Schedule
6:30 – 7:30 pm: VIP Cocktail Reception with Jeanne Beker
7:30 pm: Drinks, Dine & Dazzle
8:30 pm: Fashion Unveiling by the Group of Seven
9:00 pm – Midnight: Live Music & Dancing
About the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of almost 6,000 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations and Inuit artists. The gallery is located at 10365 Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg. For more information about the gallery, visit www.mcmichael.com.
For McMichael media inquiries and event photos:
Connie Febbraro, Associate Director, Marketing & Communications
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
connie@mcmichael.com
Office: 905.893.1121 ext. 2528
Michelle Kortinen, Communications Coordinator
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
mkortinen@mcmichael.com
Office: 905.893.1121 ext. 2210