Toronto’s Columbus Centre and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection Present a Unique Intercultural Celebration that has been Inspired by Canada!
The Toronto Italian community’s beloved Columbus Centre welcomed an outstanding collection of works from the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and works by artists of Italian heritage who have been inspired by the Group of Seven. This pairing of some of Canada’s most important art was unveiled at an exclusive cocktail reception that was held on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at the Lawrence Avenue facility with food prepared by the renowned Ristorante Boccaccio.
“Enthusiasm shown by the Columbus Centre and by the leaders of our Canadian-Italian community has been spectacular. This McMichael/Columbus Centre partnership helps us understand Canada better by appreciating this country’s most renowned interpreters of the land,” said co-chair Lori Abittan, President and CEO of Multimedia Nova Corporation. Ms. Abittan shares leadership for the event with Ralph Chiodo, founder of Active Green + Ross, and McMichael Board of Trustees Vice-Chair, Patrick Gossage.
Honourary Patrons for the Inspired by Canada event include: Senator Con Di Nino, Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, Federal Minister Julian Fantino and retired Justice of the Supreme Court, the Honourable Frank Iacobucci. “This year’s reception, in support of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery/Columbus Centre, will give back to two worthy causes … in a big way. The ‘who’s who’ from our community is helping raise awareness and funds in support of Canadian art,” says Active Green + Ross’s Ralph Chiodo. “This spectacular event will showcase some of this country’s best artists who have channeled the spirit of the great outdoors through their beautifully painted masterpieces.” The Inspired by Canada reception and exhibition will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (opening remarks at 7:30 p.m.) on March 29 at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery/Columbus Centre located at 901 Lawrence Avenue West. This was a one-night-only fundraiser is an exclusive and intimate gathering with only 400 tickets available! The cocktail party’s special multi-level exhibition will explore many works painted by members of the renowned Group of Seven in juxtaposition to works by contemporary Italian-Canadian artists including Tony Bianco, Tracy Thomson Colero (great-grandniece of Tom Thomson), Salvatore Gallo, Sam Paonessa, Giuseppe Pivetta, Joseph Catalano, Germinio Politi, and the late Albert Chiarandini, who painted with members of the Group of Seven. In addition to the fine art, Ristorante Boccaccio was serving epicurean delights throughout the evening. There was a Fine Scotch and Grappa Bar (courtesy of Via Allegro Ristorante) and a gourmet Cheese Station (courtesy of The Cheese Boutique).
Event Information:
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Formal Remarks at 7:30 p.m.
Columbus Centre/JoseCarrier Art Gallery
901 Lawrence Avenue West, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3About the Galleries:
The Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, located in Columbus Centre, is part of the Villa Charities family of community-based, charitable non-profit organizations. The Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery receives no ongoing public funding and relies on private sector donors, sponsorships and income-generating activities.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. 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 more than 5,500 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tickets for $185 per person.
