The National Gallery of Canada Foundation hosts its third annual Distinguished Patrons Soirée in conjunction with "Artists, Architects and Artisans: Canadian Art 1890-1918" Exhibition

OTTAWA, Nov. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Leading supporters and friends of the National Gallery of Canada will gather at the Gallery in Ottawa on Wednesday, November 6, for the third annual Distinguished Patrons Soirée.  The evening will mark the opening of a major exhibition titled "Artists, Architects, and Artisans: Canadian Art 1890-1918" and curated by Charlie Hill, the museum's Curator of Canadian Art.

"Once again It is my privilege, on behalf of the Foundation's Board of Directors, to welcome to the Gallery Distinguished Patrons, donors, friends and special guests to celebrate our country's leading visual arts museum," said Thomas d'Aquino, Chair of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation and Chair of the Foundation's Distinguished Patrons. "The passion and commitment of our supporters from across Canada and from beyond our borders are a key strength of the Gallery - a national treasure and centre of global excellence," added Mr. d'Aquino. (Distinguished Patrons are listed in the annex to this news release.)

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada, is the Patron of the Soirée and the Government of Canada will be represented by The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. "The Foundation very much looks forward to welcoming the Chief Justice and the Minister," Mr. d'Aquino said.  "The Chief Justice will preside as Patron of the Soirée three years in a row, and for her leadership and inspiration we are deeply grateful.  The Minister's presence is very important to the Foundation and the Gallery as she is the Government's voice for Canadian culture both at home and abroad.  And we at the Foundation believe that a vibrant culture is a cornerstone of national greatness," said Mr. d'Aquino.

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome our Distinguished Patrons, donors, friends and special guests to this third annual gathering here at the Gallery.  The Gallery owes much to the generosity and commitment of our supporters who give generously of their resources and time to assist our museum in fulfilling its important mandate to all Canadians," said Gallery Foundation Chief Executive, Karen Colby-Stothart.  "One of the Foundation's top priorities," said Ms. Colby-Stothart, "is to work closely with existing and potential donors to ensure that the Gallery can provide an attractive destination for their philanthropy and works of art."

The Distinguished Patrons provide financial support for the Gallery's touring and exhibition program, the largest of its kind in the world.  As well, from time to time, Patrons help the Gallery acquire major works of art.  One such example is Canadian artist Joe Fafard's sculpture Running Horses.  Having toured Canada, the horses now make a dramatic and much-loved statement in front of the Gallery.

The National Gallery of Canada Foundation Board of Directors, composed entirely of volunteers, works closely with the Gallery's Board of Trustees chaired by Michael Tims.  "Assisting the Foundation in achieving its ambitious targets is a high priority for the Board of Trustees.  The financial strength of the Gallery and its collections are enhanced by the contributions of volunteers such as our Distinguished Patrons and the many people across Canada who cherish this institution," said Mr. Tims.

"The mark of a great museum, respected throughout the world, relies heavily on the expertise and professionalism of its management and curatorial staff.  We at the Foundation, and indeed all Canadians, are exceptionally well served by the talent and dedication of museum Director, Marc Mayer, and Chief Curator, Paul Lang, and their teams," said Mr. d'Aquino

This year's Soirée will include a preview of "Artists, Architects and Artisans: Canadian Art 1890-1918" led by Curator, Charlie Hill.  Culinary offerings will be presented by Thyme & Again.  The Soirée's musical program will feature one of the world's most celebrated trumpet soloists, Calgary resident Jens Lindemann.  Wines for the Soirée are the gift of Andrew Peller Limited.

In June 2011, Distinguished Patrons convened in Ottawa in the presence of His Excellency the Governor General on the eve of the launch of the major exhibition Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome, an event that was followed by a Visual Arts Symposium.  In May 2012, Distinguished Patrons assembled again on the eve of the launch of Van Gogh: Up Close.

Following this year's Soirée, Distinguished Patrons and special guests will reconvene on the morning of November 7 for a briefing by Curator Charlie Hill and a roundtable on Canada's auction scene presented by Robert Heffel of Heffel Gallery.

About the National Gallery of Canadian Foundation
The National Gallery of Canada Foundation is a philanthropic organization composed of a volunteer Board of Directors and supporters from across Canada and dedicated to ensuring the long-term viability and success of the National Gallery of Canada.  Its primary mission is to cultivate support, to raise capital and to maintain and manage an endowment for the benefit of the National Gallery.  Its offices are located at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. For more information, visit http://www.ngcfoundation.ca/.

About the National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada is home to the most important collections of historical and contemporary Canadian art, including the extensive collection of the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography. The Gallery also maintains Canada's premier collection of European Art from the 14^th to the 21^st century, as well as important works of American, Asian and Indigenous Art and renowned international collections of prints, drawings and photographs. Created in 1880, the National Gallery of Canada has played a key role in Canadian culture for well over a century. Among its principal missions is to increase access to excellent works of art for all Canadians. To do so, it maintains the largest touring art exhibition programme in the world. For more information: www.gallery.ca

Distinguished Patrons

David Aisenstat (Vancouver) Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa (Vancouver) Laurent and Claire Beaudoin (Montreal) Sam and Frances Belzberg (Vancouver) David Broadhurst (Toronto) Peter and Joanne Brown (Vancouver) Thomas and Susan d'Aquino (Ottawa) André and France Desmarais (Montreal) Paul and Hélène Desmarais (Montreal) Murray and Heather Edwards (Calgary) Bruce Flatt and Lonti Ebers (Toronto) James and Margaret Fleck (Toronto) Fred and Elizabeth Fountain (Halifax) Blake and Belinda Goldring (Toronto) Reesa Greenberg (Ottawa) Paul and Carol Hill (Regina) Stephen and Gail Jarislowsky (Montreal) John and Judy Kerr (Vancouver) Hassan and Nezhat Khosrowshahi (Vancouver) George and Karen Killy (Vancouver) Ronald Mannix (Calgary)

Ronald and Tara Mathison (Calgary) The Honourable Margaret McCain and the late Wallace McCain (Toronto) Michael and Inna O'Brian (Vancouver) J. Robert and Myriam Ouimet (Montreal) Peter and Susan Restler (New York) Hartley and Heather Richardson (Winnipeg) Nancy Richardson (Ottawa) John and Judi Risley (Halifax) Joseph and Sandra Rotman (Toronto) Eric Savics (Vancouver) Richard and Nancy Self (Vancouver) Donald and Elizabeth Sobey (Stellarton) Jozef and Vera Straus (Ottawa) Bill and Jean Teron (Ottawa) Michael and Renae Tims (Calgary) William and Nancy Turner (Montreal) Sara Vered and the late Zeev Vered (Ottawa) Peeter and Mary Wesik (Vancouver) Anonymous (London, England)

SOURCE: National Gallery of Canada

For more information, please contact:

Thomas d'Aquino
Chair National Gallery of Canada Foundation
613-695-0833
[email protected]

Karen Colby-Stothart
Chief Executive Officer
National Gallery of Canada Foundation
613-991-9306
[email protected]