FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 5, 2013, KLEINBURG ON – During the weekend of October 18 to 20, 2013, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection’s Grand Hall was bustling with visitors admiring the artwork on display as part of the Volunteer Committee’s 23rd Annual Autumn Art Sale. Over 170 works were sold, totalling approximately $98,000 and raising more than $25,000 for the gallery’s programs and special projects.

The fifty artists were selected from a pool of over 240 talented painters and sculptors. Visitors who attended the Gala Opening on the evening of Friday, October 18 enjoyed refreshments and hors d’oeuvres while mingling among the artwork.

The “Best in Show” title was awarded to Paul Brunelle, whose intricate life-sized sculpture of a Red Tailed Hawk—priced at $8,500—was the weekend’s highest-selling individual work. Perennial favourites Mark Berens, Doris Pontieri, Floyd Elzinga, and Jeremy Browne rounded out the Top Five.

At the core of the Art Sale’s success was the hard work and dedication of the Volunteer Committee, whose members were involved in all aspects of the event—from posting the call for artists and organizing the jury process, to assisting McMichael staff with the set-up of the three-day event.

“The Committee takes great pride in its annual fundraiser,” said Art Sale Co-Chair, Geoff Simpson. “Not only does it raise money for volunteer projects, it also helps support Canadian artists—both emerging and established—by giving them the opportunity to present their work to a new and appreciative audience.”

Funds raised by the Volunteer Committee support a wide variety of McMichael activities, including special gallery events, appearances by guest artists, exhibitions, concerts, and education programs.

“Our most important project is the Visual Outreach Initiative Creating Empowered Students (VOICES) program,” said Art Sale Co-Chair, Loris Ortolan. “Through VOICES, the McMichael Education department and the York Region District School Board reach out to students and build their self-confidence through creative art projects. It is one of our proudest achievements and truly touches the lives of the students and teachers involved.”

The Annual Autumn Art Sale is one of the many ways in which McMichael Volunteers contribute to the gallery. Members serve on event committees, assist with education and programs, provide public tours and support special projects.

The Volunteer Committee always welcomes new members. To learn more about volunteering at the McMichael, visit mcmichael.com, call 905.893.1121 ext. 2269 or email membership2013@mcmichaelvolunteers.com.

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 by Canadian artists, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, as well as First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on 100 acres of northern landscape and hiking trails at 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in the City of Vaughan.

For more information: www.mcmichael.com.

 

Media Contacts:

Wendy Campbell

Manager, Media Relations and Online Presence

905.893.1121 ext. 2201

wcampbell@mcmichael.com

Rachel Weiner

Communications Coordinator

905.893.1121 ext. 2210

rweiner@mcmichael.com