FASHION AS ART
EXPOSED!
A fundraising event in
support of the McMichael
Canadian Art Collection
June 16, 2012
Welcome to FASHION AS ART: EXPOSED!, a fabulous evening of
thought-provoking art and haute couture, innovative design, gourmet
cuisine and lively music, hosted by noted fashion personality, Jeanne Beker.
Experience, explore and enjoy a night of sensory delights. Enjoy a phantasmagorical fashion
installation by some of Canada’s top fashion designers, wander through our intimate
gallery spaces, and peruse our current cutting-edge exhibition, Fashionality: Dress and Identity
in Contemporary Canadian Art, taste the myriad of flavours of food and drink, indulge all your
senses, laugh, ponder, gaze and marvel as fashion and art become entwined on this very
special occasion.
Thanks to our generous supporters, 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.
At Central Montessori Schools, we believe
that developing an appreciation for arts
and culture forms the foundation of a
wholesome education. Therefore, we are
proud to support the McMichael Canadian
Art Collection and the important role that it
plays in the Canadian cultural landscape.
Age group: 1.5 - 12 Years
www.cmschool.net
Presentation Partner
for the Group of Seven
Fashion Designers
FASHION AS ART
EXPOSED!
Published by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection June, 2012
A message from the editor
Dear Readers,
As I write this, only a few weeks prior to the event, I imagine the wonderful ambiance of the evening, the pleasure we will share for one special night
filled with art and fashion. In preparing this memento for you, I tried to capture the essence of the evening, as well as providing you with a fresh look
into the newly revitalized McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
McMichael Board of Trustees
Upkar Arora, Chair
Jamie Cameron, Vice-Chair
Charles Brown
Peter Carayiannis
Tony Carella
Dr. Victoria Dickenson, Ex Officio
Diana Hamilton
Neil Harris
Diana MacKay
Linda Rodeck
Richard Self
John Silverthorn
Tina Tehranchian
Diane Wilson
Rosemary Zigrossi
As you can see from the list of contributors, I had a great deal of very able help from both volunteers and staff. Thanks to this hardworking and talented
team, there’s terrific content here (and good-looking too), so I hope you take EXPOSED! home with you and give it a good read. Relive a magical evening
at the McMichael, reacquaint yourself with a magnificent Canadian institution. Enjoy!
Marsha Stall
Editor | Producer
Marsha Stall is an award-winning writer, editor and
producer whose career has taken her from editorial
work in print and radio to broadcast journalism to
heading up Marsha Stall Communications, a strategic
communications consulting company serving clients
in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. In spite
of the very tight deadline, she bravely volunteered to
produce this publication from concept to completion and
now extends apologies to everyone she had to cajole
and thanks to all who contributed.
Photographer
Yuri Dojc is an internationally acclaimed photographer
whose work has been published in nine books on subjects
ranging from nudes, World War II veterans and travel.
His latest project Last Folio has been shown in NYC,
Brussels, Prague and Bratislava. Yuri has done great
work right here in Kleinburg, impressing everyone with
his incredible images, so generously donated.
Connie Febbraro is the Associate Director of Marketing
& Communications at the McMichael. Everything you ever
wanted to know about the McMichael is in her fine article
MCAC EXPOSED! And, and with her famous eagle
eye, Connie served most capably as our proof reeder.
Julia Pine is a Canadian writer and fashion theorist
and guest curator of Fashionality: Dress and Identity
in Contemporary Canadian Art, which came about as
a result of her stint as a Research Fellow in Canadian
Art at the National Gallery of Canada. Her piece in this
publication has great style and insights.
Wendy Bannerman is the owner of Bannermans, a couture fashion
business, and a well-known fashion commentator; she is the chair of
the fashion show committee for FASAE. Wendy coordinated the G7
spread and brought us the talented folks behind our fabulous cover shot.
Design | Art Direction
Melinda Tymm and Jennifer Vitug are two-thirds of
the Verti team. Along with Joann Vitug, these three
old friends and creative minds came together to build
their own boutique design agency. Melinda is the
artistic partner, Jennifer the organizational genius and
together they helped make EXPOSED! a visual treat
to behold.
McMichael Canadian Art
Foundation Directors
Rosie Double is a freelance copywriter and strategic
communications specialist based in Toronto. She was
enlisted for the enviable task of interviewing the Group
of Seven designers to divulge their inspirations and
insights for EXPOSED!
Kim Good is the Development Manager for the
McMichael Canadian Art Collection and a key contributor
to this publication. Day or night, Kim was available to
inform, guide, and stickhandle issues.
Diane Wilson is a former award-winning journalist and
business editor. Currently, Diane is a trustee of the
McMichael Canadian Art Collection and an active
member of the steering committee for FASAE. While it
took her only a few days to write the welcome to
Jeanne Beker, she spent weeks getting Jeanne to
divulge her secret.
Tina Tehranchian is a senior financial planner with Assante Capital
Management Ltd. She sits on numerous boards, including the
McMichael Canadian Art Collection. She is the event chair of
Fashion as Art: EXPOSED! and along with Kim Good, Tina was a key
resource and a member of the review team, but we’re still wondering
where she finds the time to do it all!
McMICHAEL CANADIAN ART COLLECTION
The McMichael ranks among Canada’s top public galleries in size and significance.
Almost 6,000 distinctively Canadian works of art comprise the remarkable collection
featuring the Group of Seven and Aboriginal artists. In addition to its permanent
collection, its renowned grounds and spectacular outdoor Sculpture Garden, the
gallery presents major touring exhibitions that broaden the public’s perspectives
on Canadian art and identity.
Michael W. Johnston, Chair
David Grace, Vice-Chair
Dr. Victoria Dickenson, President
Andrew Fleming, Secretary
Christopher Henley, Treasurer
Upkar Arora
Michael Blair
H. Michael Burns
Doris Chan
Robert C. Dowsett
Iain MacInnes
Don McCutchan
Betty Steinhauer
Cathy Williams
10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, Ontario L0J 1C0 | 905.893.1121 | www.mcmichael.com
On the cover: The Group of Seven fashion designers exhibit presents models wearing one-of-a-kind creations made especially for this event.
Photo: Yuri Dojc | Hair stylists: Steven Hoeg & David Nadicci Makeup: Glen E. Daniel, MAC | Model: Laura Vermeulen
Hair & Makeup credits pages 5,7,11: Sarah Garrick, Samantha Pontiero, Summer O’Grady, Samantha Silva. Accessories: Erica Savio, The Peacock Parade.
facebook.com/fashionasart
twitter.com/mcacgallery
youtube.com/mcmichaelgallery
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
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Fashion as Art: EXPOSED! is the beginning of a new era in fundraising,
engaging new audiences, and using cutting edge social media tools to spread
the word about one of the most amazing cultural gems in Canada, the McMichael
Canadian Art Collection.
Honorary Patrons
Jeanne Beker
Charles Coffey
Mike Harris
Robin Kay
Charles Pachter
John Tory
Event Chair
Tina Tehranchian
Event MC
For those of us involved in organizing this event, it has been much more than
a fundraiser that takes place on a summer evening. It’s been a journey filled
with rewarding friendships, collaboration, shared passion for Canadian art and
fashion, and an unwavering belief in the importance of the McMichael. It has
been an honour to work with a truly dedicated group of volunteers whose
extraordinary passion and devotion have ensured the success of this event.
The love and enthusiasm that both Jeanne Beker and Robin Kay have
shown for the McMichael and Canadian art has been so heartwarming and
encouraging. We truly thank both of these Canadian fashion icons for their
generous donations of time and resources. We salute the Group of Seven
Fashion Designers, whose stunning creations this evening showed us that
fashion is indeed an art.
The McMichael staff has been most supportive and instrumental in the success
of this event as well. Our sincere thanks to Peter Ross and Connie Febbraro,
and in particular, we owe Kim Good much gratitude for her tireless efforts and
her impeccable professionalism.
Jeanne Beker
Thanks to everyone who helped make
this event a success
We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors and donors and for
their contribution to the McMichael’s important role in Canadian art and culture.
And to our guests this evening, we thank you for your attendance and support.
The creative efforts of scores of dedicated volunteers and professionals who
have contributed their time and talent are yours to enjoy this fabulous evening.
We hope you will cherish the memories for years to come.
McMichael Canadian Art Collection Staff
Special thanks to our student volunteers from: Seneca College
Special Events Program, Seneca College Visual Merchandising
Program, and the George Brown College School of Makeup
and Esthetics.
Our heartfelt gratitude to the McMichael Volunteer Committee,
as well as to all our fabulous volunteers for their donation of
time, expertise, and their sincere desire to support the
McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Tina Tehranchian
Event Chair, Fashion as Art: EXPOSED!
Board Trustee, McMichael Canadian Art Collection
TINA TEHRANCHIAN
EXPOSED:
4
Photo: Yuri Dojc
When I was a teenager, I used to wear the same pair of jeans every day and refused to buy a new one until
the old one was completely worn out. One day my father dragged me to the store to buy me two new pairs of
jeans and I cried because the one I had was not completely worn out yet. If he did that today, I would cry for joy.
Event Committee
Steering Committee
Chair: Tina Tehranchian
Wendy Bannerman, Leesa Butler, Sabrina Fiorellino,
Jan Gandhi, Meegan Guest, Karen Goldenberg,
Nancy Sahota, Diane Wilson
Event Planning Committee
Co-Chairs: Leesa Butler & Sabrina Fiorellino
Wendy Bannerman, Diana Hamilton, Leyla Kashani,
Jane Knop, Felice Sabatino, Sandy Stagg
Sponsorship & Ticket Sales Committee
Co-Chairs: Tina Tehranchian & Diane Wilson
Victoria Amaral, Olga Bressan, Leesa Butler, Tony Carella,
Andrew Dunn, Sabrina Fiorellino, Audrey Hyams Romoff,
Leyla Kashani, Jane Knop, Janice Locke, Felice Sabatino,
Ingrid van Weert
Silent Auction & Raffle Committee
Co-Chairs: Jan Gandhi & Nancy Sahota
Medina Esmail, Marianne Gelbert-Serrani
Public Relations & Marketing Committee
Chair: Meegan Guest
Leesa Butler, Medina Esmail, Marianne Gelbert-Serrani,
Stacey Robinson, Marsha Stall, Kirsti Stephenson,
Stephen Weir, Diane Wilson
Fashion Show Committee
Chair: Wendy Bannerman
Sabrina Fiorellino, Jan Gandhi, Marianne Gelbert-Serrani,
Nancy Sahota, Tina Tehranchian
In this photo:
From left to right, front row:
Leyla Kashani, Tina Tehranchian, Marsha Stall
Middle row: Leesa Butler Jane Knop, Olga Bressan,
Victoria Amaral, Marianne Gelbert-Serrani, Diane Wilson
Back row: Andrew Dunn, Wendy Bannerman,
Karen Goldenberg, Nancy Sahota, Jan Gandhi,
Kirsti Stephenson
Photo: Yuri Dojc
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The McMichael Canadian Art Collection gratefully acknowledges
the generosity of our sponsors, patrons and donors.
EVENT SPONSORS
IN-KIND DONORS
Ruby Level
Emerald Level
SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE
American Express
Ruby Level
Arowhon Pines Resort
Molise Kleinburg Estates Inc.
Aveda Canada
Wendy Bannerman, Bannerman’s
Dr. Trevor Born
Black Opal Level
Canada Goose
Kelly Claman Company Inc.
Tina Tehranchian, Senior Financial Planner
Assante Capital Management Ltd.
ClubLink Corporation
Dr. Dana Colson, Wellness Based Dentistry
Damiani Jewellers
The Fairmont Royal York
Herzig Eye Institute
PATRONS
ADDITIONAL DONORS
Bazil Developments
Central Montessori Schools
Sotheby’s Canada Inc
PowerStream Inc.
Promontory Financial Group
Rugcutterz Danz Artz
Royal Bank of Canada
Wenda Yenson Professional Services
Greenpark Group of Companies Ltd.
John Francis
Northbridge Insurance
Pfaff Porsche
MEDIA SPONSORS
PROMOTIONAL PARTNER
Dr. Bill Hughes and Jennifer Fraser
John Paul & Co.
Farsad Kiani
MAC Cosmetics
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
Mindful Movement Centre
Charles Pachter
The Peacock Parade
Polo Management Services
Salvatore Procopio
DONORS
Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club
Wine
Martini Bar
UNIGLOBE Plus Travel Group
Vaughan Mills Mall
WestJet Canada
Please enjoy our products responsibly
Dessert Bar
Espresso Bar
Décor Elements
Model Hair & Make-up
Statum Designs
EXPOSED! Program Book
Event Photography
Marsha Stall Communications | Yuri Dojc
George Pimental | Salima Esmail
Gift Bag Items
Please note: These lists were accurate as of May 22, 2012.
For a complete list of everyone who donated to the success
of this event, please see the insert or visit the McMichael
website at www.mcmichael.com and follow the links to
Fashion as Art: EXPOSED!
Charles Pachter, Guise, 2006, Acrylic and inkjet on canvas, 20 x 30 inches, Donated by the artist.
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Fashion as Art: EXPOSED! is the culmination of a bold idea for the McMichael
Canadian Art Collection. Along with the concurrent exhibition Fashionality:
Dress and Identity in Contemporary Canadian Art, we are reaching beyond our
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.
I encourage you to expose yourself to the McMichael in all its forms. Experience
the beauty of its majestic setting, be educated about the heritage of Canada’s
world-class artists, and be entertained by the vibrant presentation of the
connection between arts and culture. Most importantly, be engaged – intellectually,
emotionally, socially and spiritually.
We need your engagement, whether as a volunteer, sponsor or ambassador.
We depend on your financial support, your contribution of time, and your
commitment, so that the McMichael continues to further our understanding of
our identity, our history and our connection to this great country.
As many of you may know, approximately half of our annual operating budget
must come from non-governmental sources, such as sponsors, donors, and
friends like you. The financial proceeds from this special fundraising event
will help support our educational programs, special exhibitions and community
outreach initiatives. With your help, we can do even more to engage youth in
the arts. Our goals include increased funding for our youth advisory council,
creating new activities for youth with physical and cognitive challenges to
engage in art making, and continuing to encourage youth volunteerism in
programs that connect art and nature.
Thank you so much for joining us this spectacular evening in our celebration
of fashion and art as we launch the renewal of the McMichael Canadian
Art Collection. Last year, thanks to the efforts of the Board, the McMichael
received a new mandate; tonight we are proud to ‘expose’ our new vision – an
extraordinary place to visit and explore Canadian culture and identity, and the
connections between art and nature.
Since its inception in 1966, the McMichael has been dedicated to collecting
and showing the very best in Canadian and Aboriginal art to local, national and
international audiences. Now we are reaching out to new and old audiences
with cutting-edge exhibitions that speak to ideas that matter today. This evening,
in addition to the festivities you will read about elsewhere in these pages, you
will have a chance to tour our latest exhibition, an intriguing and often humorous
exploration of how what we wear underlines who we are. We are so proud to
contribute to an understanding of Canadian identity in this innovative fashion.
Tonight, and every time you come back, I hope you remember that you are in a
very special place, where art and nature come together in extraordinary ways to
help us explore who we are as Canadians. Where else but the McMichael
can you expect to see a dress that inflates into a tent for two, high-heeled
moccasins, and a lone pine tree?
Like many of you, I grew up with the McMichael, and now, this magnificent
institution is forever lodged in my heart, just as it is for so many people across
the country and around the world. The McMichael, once seen, is never
forgotten. And now, a new McMichael for a new century.
Photos: Yuri Dojc
On behalf of the Board and staff of the McMichael, thank you.
VICTORIA DICKENSON EXPOSED:
UPKAR ARORA EXPOSED:
For my sister’s wedding, I wore a baby blue tuxedo, the height of
fashion at the time. Decades later, when my daughter saw those
photos in our family photo album, she was horrified and forced me
to destroy all traces of that “fashion disaster”. And all those years,
I thought I was the coolest guy.
Upkar Arora
Chair of the Board of Trustees
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Victoria Dickenson, PhD, FCMA
Executive Director and CEO
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
I have an addiction to vintage couture, rarely worn, but carefully
preserved in my ‘museum-closet’ at home.
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AN EVENING OF
SENSORY DELIGHTS
CUE THE ENTERTAINMENT
The evening is abuzz with the sights and sounds
of art and music.
Emily Carr (1871–1945), Shoreline, 1936, oil on canvas, 68.0 x 111.5 cm, Gift of Mrs. H.P. dePencier,
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
ART ABOUNDS
Care to linger over Lismer? Commune with Carr? Check out
Tom Thomson’s rustic shack? The doors of the McMichael’s treasure
trove of Canadian art are open to guests all evening. It’s all yours
to savour, including the newly installed and trend-setting exhibition,
Fashionality: Dress and Identity in Contemporary Canadian Art.
FASHION PHANTASMAGORIA
Bedecked and bedazzling guests and then ahhh, the fashion
installations by our very own and newest Group of Seven,
Joeffer Caoc, Judy Cornish and Judy Gunhouse of Comrags,
David Dixon, Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong of Greta Constantine,
Thien Le, Lucian Matis, and D’Arcy Moses. Our G7 designers’
creations are wild and wonderful and utterly one-of-a-kind.
DECIDEDLY DECADENT DÉCOR
The night is alive with colour and movement, the swish of fabrics in an
array of reds, oranges and fuchsia, slick illuminated bars with red votives
shimmering in the dark. Tucked away on the magnificent McMichael
grounds are the “Tents”, bold in colour and contemporary in style. Here
guests will find a quiet spot to relax with fine scotch and cigars.
When before Dr. Draw was still busking for a living, people often called
the joyful musician “doctor”, because of his ability to cure the common
blues. A consistent element of Dr. Draw’s career is his trademark genre
bending. In fact, his renditions of classical masterpieces as well
as his original compositions defy singular classification.
If you love what you hear throughout the evening, thank our amazingly
talented DJ BELLOSOUND. Music hath charms to soothe and
energize gala-goers, so let the party weave its charms throughout the night.
SPLURGE FOR A GOOD CAUSE
The glimmer of the vintage Chanel necklace catches your eye.
Imagine the luxurious Kenzo loveseat valued at over $15,000 in your
home. December is months away, but you think about snuggling
into that super warm Canada Goose parka. Perhaps you hanker for
an original painting by Canadian artist Charles Pachter or those truly
irresistible high heels by Salvatore Procopio, valued at over $6,000?
Temptations beckon at the Fashion as Art: EXPOSED! Silent Auction,
an array of luxury goodies sure to leave you speechless…tonight, this
is the art of shopping personified.
One lucky raffle entrant wins a luxury holiday for two, including two
tickets to any Canadian WestJet destination, a seven-night stay at
the exclusive Whistler Platinum Grande Juniper Chalet, and
a $500 travel voucher from UNIGLOBE Plus Travel Group.
EPICUREAN EATS AND DRINKS
Indulge your senses with an array of tantalizing foods paired with
fine Canadian wines.
A soupçon of French flair is added to our chic soirée courtesy of
one of Toronto’s best-known and loved caterers, Daniel et Daniel.
Inspired by the Group of Seven fashion designers, Joseph, owner and
head pastry chef of Dolcini’s, has created seven decadent desserts.
Raise a glass of cheer provided by one of our seven wine and spirit
purveyors: Clos du Soleil, Equifera Icewine, Halpern Enterprises,
Huff Estates, Sortilege, Stoli Vodka and Vineland Estates.
VIP guests enjoy the offerings of award-winning Toronto landmark
restaurant, Via Allegro Ristorante and a unique Scotch bar, paired
with cheese and chocolate.
17
Jeanne Beker, the most
iconic and influential
woman in fashion hosts
Fashion
as Art:
EXPOSED!
“I was so thrilled to be asked,” exclaims Jeanne Beker
about her role as MC of the McMichael’s Fashion as Art:
EXPOSED! event. “I have such reverence for that place!
For years, going up to Kleinburg and delighting in the
strength of the permanent collection, and even more
recently, having gone to see that delicious, delightful
Marilyn Monroe exhibition. It was fabulous. I love your
gallery! It is a real treasure in our midst.”
Typical Jeanne. She is incredibly knowledgeable, generous and energetic. Jeanne Beker
is the most iconic and influential woman in the fashion industry in Canada, a prolific author,
journalist, owner of an eponymous clothing label, and of course, known to millions around
the world as the face of Fashion Television.
Jeanne has been a life-long friend of the McMichael, and a strong proponent of recognizing
fashion as art. “I have always enjoyed and appreciated the synergy between the art world
and the fashion world. It seems to be one that is escalating,” she notes. “People are really
starting to look at fashion as art. Art so inspires and influences fashion designers.”
Currently host of Bell Media’s FashionTelevisionChannel, the Toronto-born fashion icon
began life as an aspiring actress. She quickly wound up in television, gaining cutting-edge
exposure to music, entertainment and fashion.
Jeanne hosted and produced Fashion Television from 1985 until this past spring. The show
allowed her to travel to the runways of the world, meeting all of the greats in fashion.
She was at home in New York and Milan, but she was always eager to support homegrown talent, and she did it generously. An appearance of her show made the careers of
many designers.
The hard-working Jeanne is also a contributing editor for The Toronto Star, a columnist for
Metro, and the author of five books, most recently Finding Myself in Fashion and Strutting
It: The Grit Behind the Glamour. She is a regular style correspondent for Canada AM and
eTALK, and she has hosted specials that range from fashion segments at the Vancouver
Olympics to the Royal Wedding of William and Kate.
An enthusiastic supporter of many causes, Jeanne lends her name out of her own strong
sense of purpose. The McMichael thanks Jeanne Beker for her support and her superb role
as MC of Fashion as Art: EXPOSED!
JEANNE BEKER EXPOSED:
I could tell you that my mother made an “I Dream of Jeannie” harem outfit for me to
wear to my high school prom the year I was nominated for Prom Queen (circa 1968)!
It was a bright yellow, billowing silk jumpsuit, teamed with a black velvet, gold-sequin
trimmed little vest. I wore it with jewelled sandals! To die for. Wish I still had it....
Photos courtesy of Bell Media
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What is the significance of your partnership with
the McMichael?
TALKING FASHION AND ART
WITH THE FDCC
The opportunity for the Fashion Design Council of Canada
to align with the McMichael, the home of the original
Group of Seven artists, was fantastic. We created a
theme called the “Group of Seven” with the Condé Nast
publications using seven top Canadian designers to help
drive home the point that fashion designers are artists.
Our partnership with the McMichael Canadian Art
Collection reinforces the connection between fashion
and art. And of course, we love to take any opportunity
to promote our fabulously talented designers.
In conversation with Robin Kay, President
of the Fashion Design Council of Canada and
an honorary patron of Fashion as Art: EXPOSED!
Lastly, tell us about the importance of fashion
design staying in Canada.
Robin, you’ve headed up the FDCC since 1999.
For those few who aren’t familiar or need a
refresher, tell us about your organization and why
it matters.
We began the Fashion Design Council of Canada back
in 1999 as a non-governmental, not-for-profit national
organization to promote Canadian fashion designers
and the Canadian fashion industry. What we did is put
Canadian fashion on the world stage. We initiated
Canada’s own global fashion week in Toronto in our
first year of operation. Our bi-annual event, now known
as World MasterCard Fashion Week, is now in its
14th year and 27th season. The event has gained
international respect; we are the second largest
Fashion Week in North America.
The FDCC was instrumental in establishing Toronto
as the fashion capital of Canada. How do you do it?
“
Our partnership with the McMichael
Canadian Art Collection reinforces the
connection between fashion and art.
Photo: Sarjoun Faour | George Pimentel
20
”
Promotion and Fashion Week! One example of the
former I can give you: in 2007, we had a huge success
working with Condé Nast on editorial and advertorial
coverage to promote Canadian fashion to North America.
Fashion Week brings together fashion and the business
of fashion. It provides a creditable calendar, a very
detailed and planned complex series of daily events
for the exposure of designer work for a period of six
months pre-season. The designers submit their work
and time and date options and a calendar is created.
This calendar is sent across the country and around the
world in order for all industry – from buyers to media – to
organize their own work and timing of attendance.
Media stories are set in motion; show rooms set up and
appointments set up, and runway choreographers do
castings. Of course all of this is pre-dated three months
by the actual building of the venue, tents and so on.
It is very important that we encourage our fashion
designers to do their work, as Canadians in Canada.
It is important that we create institutions that support
them and for Canadian designers to live and work in the
country that supports them. If designers leave Canada,
there will not be “Canadian Style”. The result of designers’
work in our country increases the fashion landscape and
all levels of fashion commerce from retail to wholesale
to export.
For more information about the FDCC, please visit
www.worldmastercardfashionweek.com
ROBIN KAY EXPOSED:
My real passion is vintage over ready-to-wear for
any day of shopping.
Presenting Joeffer Caoc, Comrags,
Greta Constantine, David Dixon,
Thien Le, Lucian Matis, and
D’Arcy Moses… EXPOSED!
Celebrating the fusion of fashion and art, this unique exhibit
features a contemporary Group of Seven, some of Canada’s
top designers as selected by the Fashion Design Council of
Canada for their extraordinary contributions to the current
CANADIAN FASHION
LANDSCAPE
AS YOU’VE NEVER
SEEN IT BEFORE
fashion landscape.
It’s haute couture with a curator’s twist!
Live models in statuesque poses stand beneath dramatic red
frames suspended from the ceiling, each capturing a designer’s
creation as a stationary installation piece. Behold wild, manelike hair and exquisite creations. Drink in the deep, rich colours
and the fantastic textures. Is it fashion? Or art? Or both?
You be the judge.
Drawing inspiration from their surroundings, just like the original
Group of Seven, these designers pay homage to Canada’s vast
and rugged landscape and its cultural and creative diversity.
Photo: Yuri Dojc
Fashion Exhibit
Coordinator: Wendy Bannerman.
Volunteers: Casey Bannerman, Alex Brown.
Models: Sutherland Models. Hairstylist: PapparazziReady by Steven Hoeg.
Makeup: MAC Cosmetics. Shoes: Salvatore Procopio.
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Photo: James Reid
the installation
“The piece reflects the actual paintings of the Group of Seven; the
print I chose emulates the broad and fluid brush strokes while the
bold colours reflect Canada’s natural landscape. The shape and
fluid draping of the dress also reflects what I see in these paintings.”
the inspiration
“I have always been inspired by surrealism, the movement encouraged
people to use their imagination and explore an alternate reality
beyond the confines of accepted conventions within society. There
was always something ‘not so perfect’ in the images but yet beautiful.”
the insight
“In the most traditional sense, I do think of fashion as art, but
as an applied art. Clearly, the design and aesthetic is what
defines the work, but you must never lose sight of the fact
that someone has to actually wear it. If you look at designers
who have enjoyed success over many years or even decades,
you’ll find they are innately aware of this relationship. This isn’t
to say that some specific designs can’t be art in the truest
Fall 2012 Collection, Photos: George Pimentel
Joeffer Caoc is a leading Canadian fashion designer known for intelligent, modern and sexy design. Unexpected, artistic and architectural
detailing is Joeffer Caoc’s signature. Intricate, yet subtle tucking, fluid lines, drapery, pleating, asymmetry and gathering, combined with
meticulous fit and classic tailoring, create truly unique pieces with enduring style.
Born in the Philippines and raised in Canada, Joeffer graduated from Toronto’s Ryerson University Fashion Design program, where he received
an Outstanding Recent Graduate Award. Since then, he has received numerous awards and accolades for his classic but forward styling.
sense, but I think those are opportunities that are rarer.”
the fashion landscape
“Canada is an increasingly diverse nation. As people come
here from across the world, they each carry a unique style
and point of view. What makes Canadians distinct is that
our style is created out of the beauty of diversity.”
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The creative team behind the
successful label is Joyce Gunhouse
of Victoria, B.C. and Judy Cornish
of Burlington, Ontario. The partners
met while studying Fashion Design
at Ryerson Polytechnic in Toronto,
deciding to go into business when
they discovered a compatible
design sensibility and work ethic
in each other. Twenty-eight years
later, Comrags has evolved from
a small, local design team into one
of Canada’s best-known labels.
Described as “feminine despite
themselves” and “prettiness with
an edge”, Comrags has inspired
legions of die-hard fans. In the
words of their creators, Comrags
clothes are for women of any
age; women with a modern
attitude toward style; women
with self-confidence.
Photo: Kint Quon
the installation
“Our piece will be constructed of black wool, with protruding, random
hills and peaks. These protrusions will be soaked in a bath of road
salt and water. When dry, the black wool will be encrusted with bits
of road salt and stained, resembling snow-covered mountain peaks.”
the inspiration
David Livingstone of The Globe and Mail once used words like rock
and ice to describe the label, saying their designs had a “cold climate
kind of honesty about them.” For their installation, Joyce and Judy
have played with this, thinking about “how living in a city alters our
interaction with the environment, specifically ice and snow.”
Inspiration for Comrags’ designs come from everywhere – the street,
television, art and literature – and everyone, from Toulouse Lautrec to
General Idea to Anish Kapoor, Modigliani, Jack Bush, and Donald Judd.
“Sometimes it’s a colour, other times a volume, a proportion, a
hairstyle. For a fall winter collection of several years ago, we did a
collection that was a mash up of Toulouse Lautrec and the spaghetti
westerns of Clint Eastwood.”
the industry
What’s changed in the Canadian fashion landscape according to the
veteran designers? “When we began, there were very few independent designers and design houses. Being in fashion meant that you
worked for a large company. The ‘landscape’ so to speak, has changed.
There are far more opportunities for young, independent designers
and much more information and support to begin on your own.”
the insight
The team defines what they do as “design” not as art…“We don’t
set out to design ‘Canadian’, but there is ‘Canadian’ in what we do.
We are inspired by all we see around us, and fortunately, Canada
is a country that has so much to offer...the multicultural‘ness’ of
Toronto is a great source of inspiration and pleasure for us.”
27
the installation
“The piece is a culmination of my own personal take on beauty,
finding art within nature, and hoping to create a dialogue of
conversation that both enlightens and inspires.”
the inspiration
“Visionaries in general have always inspired me, from street art to
fine art, sculpture to skyscraper, and poets to songwriters. It is not
only the visual artists that inspire me, rather the thought behind the
medium of the piece the originator created. I am intrigued by the
world’s view of beauty.
Photo: Chris Chapman
Toronto-born and trained, David Dixon enjoys tremendous
media acclaim as one of the leaders in contemporary Canadian
women’s fashion design.
After studying at Ryerson University, Dixon went on to
apprentice with well-known Canadian designer Alfred Sung.
In 1995, he established the David Dixon label at the Toronto
Fashion Incubator, a highly respected organization dedicated to
assisting emerging new designers. Here he began wholesaling
and manufacturing his line, and in 1999, David relocated to his
own design and production studio based in Toronto. He is still
affiliated with the Incubator today, sitting on their board as
an advisor.
David Dixon is sold across Canada, the United States, Kuwait,
United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Germany, Hong Kong
and, Tokyo.
The overriding theme in Dixon’s collection is quiet elegance.
His belief is that women respond first to colour and texture,
so he creates simplified, modern silhouettes with an emphasis
on textile design and signature fabrics. The result is beautifully
unique clothing, combining luxury with function, and fantasy
with sensibility.
28
As a Torontonian, I have been influenced by our vast array of
cultural references. We are the most multicultural country in
the world, and that gives me a sense of honour as a Canadian.
Works of Canada’s First Nations, to that of people flocking to
Canada to share their voices in all ways, shape, and forms, is
truly inspiring and that is what distinguishes us as a cultural force
to be watched and embraced. This free spirit is what Canada is
about. Around each nook and cranny of this country, an explosion
of ideas are awakened and expressed each and every day.
…I am constantly cultivating
whom and what I am, as well as
who I would like to be. It is an
evolutionary process. I technically
and artistically can design whatever
crosses my mind. But is that
what I want to be about…not at
this time. I am about challenging
myself, showing a body of work
that is consistent yet intrigues at
the same time.
the insight
“As a Fashion Designer, my definition is to design clothing for a
particular marketplace. This is an art form to itself. Fashion to me
is an expression of the inner soul – or individual aspirations on how
they see themselves, or desire to be perceived. Fashion design
has become truly an art form – and is studied as such. The balance
of proportion, choice of colour, texture, the handwork, and the
thought process is the same in which any artist if any media tries
to achieve.
the industry
Dixon is against the notion of radically changing from one fashion
trend to another, a philosophy that ultimately influences his overall
approach to design.
Studio Spring 2011, Photo: Anastasia Adani
Fall/Winter 2012, Photos: Peter Tamlin
Greta Constantine is an accessible luxury line of ready-towear womenswear based in Toronto, Canada. Designers
Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong, considered the “Jersey Boys
of Toronto,” have rapidly accumulated a clientele comprised
of international socialites and celebrities alike. The label itself
is derived from the combination of the name of Stephen’s
mother, Greta, with that of Kirk’s grandfather, Constantine.
The pair works together in their Toronto area studio –
conceptualizing, exploring, and challenging the fashions of
today for the women of tomorrow.
The Greta Constantine collection is available across Canada
at select Holt Renfrew locations and specialty boutiques.
the installation
“Our contribution for the McMichael is a piece that is identifiably
Greta Constantine, an aqua one-shoulder column gown with
self-belt. In designing, we take an approach that is a departure
from what you often see in contemporary fashion where the
dress wears the woman. Yet for us, the priority is the opposite,
to have the woman wear the dress.” – Kirk
the inspiration
“It’s hard to pinpoint influence. It’s difficult to explain because
the creative process is, to a certain extent, a mystery. We
don’t know where the ideas come from, but we’re happy that
they do.” – Stephen
the insight
“The most pronounced difference is certainly function –
fashion must in some way or another be wearable. Art has no
such mandate.” – Stephen
“We see fashion design as a dialogue. Accordingly, we listen
to our clients, buyers, friends, assistants and even interns as
we prepare for a new collection. A strong collection is rooted
in perspective.” – Kirk
31
Thien Le’s designs are polished, skilfully draped, and with
no expense spared. Baby-soft, double-lined cashmere
coats. One-seam, bias-cut, hand-embroidered evening
gowns. Wedding dresses crafted from metres upon metres
of silk chiffon.
the installation
The Canadian designer first studied at the International
Academy of Design in Toronto, and cut his teeth at the
Canadian Opera Company, creating costumes with a fine
attention to detail that has now become his trademark.
the inspiration
In 1999, he launched his own label, the first of more
than half a dozen lines that now bear his name. His
work often references the 1930s, 40s and 50s — a
window Le calls “the elegant period.”
Le’s flawless workmanship carries through all his lines,
from luxurious cashmere weekend wear to versatile
pieces for golfing to red-carpet couture. Socialites,
celebrities and athletes across the world count on
Thien Le to dress them around the clock. Today, at 35,
Le is recognized as one of Canada’s premier designers.
“It’s an extension of who Thien Le’s woman is. She is
the inspiration for the pieces. Sophisticated and sexy
but with a twist.”
Thien is inspired by his surroundings, drawing on the
Canadian landscape as inspiration for colour. “…I tend
to take inspirations from such forces of nature as wind,
sun and the moon…It’s how I feel at the moment.”
the insight
As a youth, Thien expressed himself artistically through
sculpture and painting, but thrived on the rigorous
demands of the fashion design process.
“The technical aspect such as pattern-making is what
challenges me. There are more to clothes than just
beautiful garments on the rack or on the body. Whether
fashion, sculpture or painting, it’s just another medium,
but there is a difference between understanding and
appreciating fashion for what it is and actually
purchasing it.”
Photo: Doug McMillan
33
Romanian-born fashion designer Lucian Matis grew
up in his mother’s tailor shop and began designing
at a very early age.
Prior to moving to Canada in 1999, Matis studied
art and completed a specialization in painting and
graphics at the Sibiu Art Institute in Transylvania. In
2000, Matis continued his education in the Fashion
Design program at Ryerson University. His first
professional collection was presented at L’Oreal
Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2007 shows, receiving
great accolades from the Canadian industry.
Matis has since gone on to secure a huge presence
in television, online and print media, from the season
finale of Canada’s Next Top Model – where his
collection was featured in its entirety – to the hit
reality TV show, Project Runway Canada.
Photo: Arline Malakian
the inspiration
Lucian lists Rene Gruau as one of his all-time favourite illustrators…“I simply love his style and his
ease. I love his execution of abstract realism and what his work implies rather than overt details.
His suggestive movement speaks volumes to me.”
the insight
Lucian first studied both painting and graphics, but began to focus on fashion when he felt constrained
by the media available to express himself.
“Designing and creating fashions is the realization and tangible results of the creative process.
I love to see my art move on the body and become three-dimensional.”
Lucian believes there is a close relationship between fashion and art…“Even a commercial design
executed to perfection can become a piece of art! For me, the creation in art is the expression
through many mediums that can express an ideology or philosophy.”
the industry
“… I was a little shocked to see how reserved Canadians felt about fashion. The idea of not
attracting too much attention to oneself – the reserved Canadian – made me look long and hard
at what I wanted to achieve in my new country. This was not always met with open arms. Change
in this country is a long process, unlike other countries like Great Britain where anything goes and
the cream naturally rises to the top.
Photos courtesy of FDCC
34
It was my mandate to create original fashion styles and encourage my clients to view themselves
and their mindsets to new concepts. It was a challenge but I feel this has been growing in a
positive way.”
D’ARCY MOSES
“It is hard to define art as there are
so many personal approaches to art
creation… I mean really, I am just a
guy who makes interesting fashions
celebrating First Nations, hoping that
people may, at times, appreciate
my work.”
Photo: Salima Esmail
Photo: Salima Esmail
Photo: Paul Toogood
the insight
The innovative designs of D’Arcy Moses represent a unique
synergy between his indigenous and adopted cultures. A South
Slave Dene of the Northwest Territories, D’Arcy first made his
mark on the fashion scene as a resident of the Toronto Fashion
Incubator, and has been renowned for his exquisite fur and hide
collections ever since.
such as garment embellishment techniques very seriously. There
is still a bead and trinket trading mentality when it comes to a
general appreciation of this dying art.”
Despite widespread international acclaim, D’Arcy remains
passionate about inspiring local indigenous designers, establishing
Nats’enelu, a creative hub in the heart of the Northwest Territories,
to nurture and develop young talent.
Balenciaga, along with the late Yves Saint Laurent and the late
Alexander McQueen are three artists that continue to inspire
D’Arcy… “All three are great talents who lived to the beat of their
own drum – if one will excuse the (obvious) First Nation pun.”
the installation
D’Arcy also draws inspiration from the likes of Canadian visual
artists Lawren S. Harris and Emily Carr, the sculptor Brian Jungen
and Andy Goldsworthy.
“…It has not been easy for Canadian producers and fur designers
during this last decade...Canadians forget that this great country
was founded on the fur industry – with the help of many First Nations
I might add.
Tradition also plays an important role in shaping D’Arcy’s artistic process. “It is very important to me that I celebrate First Nation design
traditions…it helps to keep these design traditions alive, and it
helps to keep First Nations youth interested in design traditions
and culture. I seek to keep these design traditions relevant in
modern society.
I believe the anti-fur lobby leaves a lot of women afraid to wear
fur coats during Canadian winters, which should not be the case.
It should simply be a matter of personal choice. In addition, the
industry has changed tremendously in the past few decades with
the approach to design, sustainable furs, humane harvesting
methods and recycling.”
D’Arcy seeks to enlighten audiences, and leave a positive, lasting
impression in their psyche about First Nations culture.
“The piece is a fusion of contemporary high fashion and (Canadian)
First Nation ancient design inspiration(s) from the late and early
turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. I would like people to honestly
appreciate the design traditions of Canada’s First Nations. There
are a lot of traditional design elements and techniques in the
garments. I think that very few Canadians take First Nations art,
36
“I have always looked at and appreciated the high end of fashion
(French Couture) – I believe it is an art form. It is created as a
form of wearable perfection physically produced by countless
artisans and technicians; many of whom devote their professional
lives to that industry. However, it is still fashion and still a form of
commerce that must sell or help to sell further products of the
design house in order to be considered economically viable.
the inspiration
the industry
With his designs often centred on fur and hide, D’Arcy has long
campaigned to change the fashion landscape and shift negative
public perceptions.
If Americans are
“sporty” and the English
are “tweedy” because of
their preferences in dress,
then what are
Canadians?
What is our “fashionality,” a newly coined term that
refers to how an individual’s personality or a nation’s
identity is expressed through what people wear?
If it’s true that Canadian identity has always been
elusive, the clothing choices that might single us out
specifically as Canadians are even harder to pin down.
Ironically, while Canada’s settlement by Europeans in
the 17th century was largely based on the demand
for fur for the fashion industry, we have hardly been
recognized for our sartorial prowess – or any style
in particular, for that matter. Reflecting on this in her
2004 book Fashion: a Canadian Perspective, fashion
historian Alexandra Palmer notes our distinct lack
of national costume, other than crude caricatures of
First Nations’ dress or Mountie uniforms.
Are we what we wear?
How fashionality expresses Canadian identity
Nicole Dextras (b. 1956), Icicle Slip, 2011, colour photograph, framed: 65.4 x 92.7 cm (25 3/4 x 36 1/2 in.) Collection of the artist.
This, however, is beginning to change in interesting
and unexpected ways. Since Palmer’s observation, a
surprising number of designers have embraced these
old chestnuts of Canadian costume, turning them
around, reconfiguring them, glamming them up, and in
the process, cobbling together a surprisingly attractive
international profile for our once dowdy motherland.
Of course, we’ve had fashionable versions of moccasins
and mukluks for decades, such as Roots’ embrace of
the beaver and Linda Lundstrum’s La Parka version
of traditional Inuit outerwear. This is different, however.
Never before have lumberjack shirts, hiking boots,
Kowichan-style sweaters, skates, Mountie uniforms,
and even caribou antlers strutted down the catwalks
like they have in the last three or four years.
Take, for instance, the Canadian design team
DSQUARED2 and their hoser-inspired line, proudly
stitching maple leaves onto pumps and purses, and
creating the instantly iconic 2011 “SKATESMOSS” –
a towering stiletto with skate blades attached. And
let’s not forget the Bay’s 2009 competition inviting
Canadian fashion designers like Pink Tartan and
Smythe to work with the centuries-old rainbow-inthe-snow Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket.
39
Photo: The Canadian Press | Paul Chiasson
Equally memorable is Bustle’s 2011
lumberjack-inspired fall-winter collection,
whose runway show featured models
wielding axes and pushing dogsleds.
Even the Duchess of Cambridge got into
the act on her recent Canada Day visit
to Ottawa, sporting a delightfully kitsch
red maple leaf fascinator custom-made
by London’s Lock and Co. Hatters.
While this recent cold-is-hot runway rhetoric seems remarkably fresh from a fashion perspective, such glorious and free
flaunting of Canada’s most well-worn
sartorial formulas did not begin in the
domain of fashion at all: it began in the
world of art. Long before designers began
cashing in on Canada’s cachet, artists
have been working with the stereotypes
embodied in “Indian,” “Eskimo,” lumberjack,
and Mountie attire. This has largely been
from an activist standpoint, intended
to exhume archetypes, reframe and
reclaim visual clichés, and to instate a
new national identity where everyone
has a rightful place.
Take Kent Monkman, for example, an
artist of Cree ancestry. Famous for his
alter-ego Miss Chief Eagle Testickle, he
frequently employs fashion in his work.
Channelling Cher’s Halston-inspired 70s
Indian disco style with a First Nations
drag queen sensibility, his dream-catcher
brassiere, Luis Vuitton quiver and other First
Nations fripperies question the boundaries
and bigotries of gender and culture.
Camille Turner, Miss Canadiana: The Homecoming Tour (Hometown Queen detail). Mixed media
installation from the Red, White and Beautiful Tour, 2002 – present. Collection of the artist.
Janet Morton (b. 1963), Canadian Monument #2, 1994, hand-screened red flannel and mixed media,
4.47 x 6.1 m (176 x 240 in.) Courtesy of Paul Petro Contemporary Art.
Another performance artist, Camille Turner, appears uninvited at special events all over the world, donning a red
dress, tiara and sash inscribed “Miss Canadiana.” This is her fictional beauty contest winner, whose African-Canadian
beauty requires our country to live up to its claims of multiculturalism. One of the world’s most famous knitters, our
own Janet Morton, created a colossal lumberjack shirt and a giant, dirty Canadian work sock, which she famously
photographed draped across the lap of a bronze statue of Queen Victoria.
Canada is a far too large and culturally, ethnically and aesthetically diverse country to ever have a sharply defined
fashion “personality.” Nevertheless, it is clear that stylists, designers and artists alike are embracing,
upending and recontextualizing Canadian costume clichés in all their forms in order to claim and reframe our past,
re-direct our future, and query as well as celebrate who we are. Perhaps it is here, in this youthful, ironic and eclectic
mix of tradition and innovation that our fashionality lies.
Julia Pine, PhD
Guest Curator, Fashionality: Dress and Identity in Contemporary Canadian Art
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
The Fashionality exhibition explores the art of adornment in the work of twenty-three Canadian artists and
runs from May 5 to September 3, 2012.
Bustle Clothing | Fall Winter 2011, Photos: George Pimentel
41
MCAC EXPOSED!
Expose yourself to the extraordinary
As you turn your car into the McMichael Canadian Art
Collection’s driveway on Islington Avenue, you may find yourself
catching your breath as you take in the view ahead of you.
A lush green promenade of trees lines the long winding
driveway and starts to give you a sense of the extraordinary
experience that awaits you. On your right, monumental bronze
sculptures peek through the foliage to greet you as you arrive.
On your left, a sacred circle of stones marks where some of
Canada’s most beloved and revered artists have been laid to
rest together with the gallery’s founders. You are completely
captivated and enchanted, and you haven’t even entered the
gallery yet. You already know this is an extraordinary place to visit
and explore Canadian culture and identity, and the connections
between art and nature. We’re glad you could come.
Barbara Pratt (b. 1963), Peony Girl: Dress by Versace (detail), 2008, oil on canvas, 58.4 x 78.7 cm (23 x 31 in.), Collection of Jonathan Butler.
43
EXPOSE YOURSELF TO ART & NATURE
Today, the McMichael
ranks among Canada’s
top public galleries in
size and significance.
Almost 6,000 distinctively
Canadian works of art
comprise the permanent
collection. On Canada Day
2011, the McMichael
inaugurated its outdoor
Sculpture Garden
featuring nine monumental
bronze sculptures
created and donated
by artist Ivan Eyre.
EXPOSE YOURSELF
TO A NEW VISION
Ivan Eyre (b. 1935), Plains Call, 2010, bronze, 238.8 x 365.8 x 121.9 cm, McMichael Canadian Art Collection
The McMichael offers visitors the unique
opportunity to enjoy Canadian landscape
paintings in the woodland setting that
inspired them. The gallery is situated
amid 100 acres of serene conservation
land and housed in a sprawling complex
of intimate galleries and exhibition halls
built of fieldstone and hand-hewn logs.
Floor-to-ceiling windows enable gallerygoers to enjoy marvellous views of the
densely wooded Humber River Valley as
they enter and exit the gallery spaces.
The inspiration for this unique art museum
came from its founders, Robert and Signe
McMichael, who decided to build a country
retreat surrounded by the beauty of nature.
In 1951, the McMichaels purchased 10
acres of land in the village of Kleinburg,
Ontario and built a cozy pioneer-style home,
which they named Tapawingo (a First
Nations word meaning “place of joy”).
As their art collection and interest from
44
the public grew, the McMichaels added
several additional log and fieldstone
galleries to their home and eventually
increased the floor area to 10,000 square
feet. But as larger and larger crowds
appeared on their doorstep each weekend
to view the significant works of art, they
began to investigate ways to make the
gallery permanently accessible to the
public. In 1965, the McMichaels transferred
ownership of their home, ten acres of
property and a collection of 194 paintings
to the Province of Ontario.
The Sculpture Garden, part of an important
federally and provincially-funded refurbishment of the gallery grounds, enabled us
to more prominently feature a huge polar
bear sculpture by Inuit sculptor Pauta
Saila, a stone inukshuk sculpture by Inuit
artist David Ruben Piqtoukun, and a
carved ‘petroglyphic’ boulder by Bill Vazan
titled Shibagau Shard. The McMichael has
re-installed on the grounds an additional
large-scale work from the collection,
Lichen by Mary Anne Barkhouse and
Michael Belmore, and soon will re-install
John McEwen’s Babylon (and the Tower
of Babel). Also, Sorel Etrog’s Source,
a new sculpture recently donated by the
artist to the collection, will be installed on
the grounds.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection
gives visitors a diverse, creative, highquality, thought-provoking experience,
in order to continually keep its audience
engaged and interested, and to explore
through art what makes it intriguing,
inviting and inspiring. It enables its visitors
to understand who we are as Canadians
and where we fit in the global context over
time, through the medium of art. It brings
together and integrates the visual arts
with the natural world to create a cultural
landscape that combines works of nature
and people. It is inherently what makes
the McMichael so unique.
Several years ago, the McMichael’s
Board, Foundation, management, staff,
and volunteers embarked on a journey to
revitalize the McMichael – a journey that
has been marked with many significant
accomplishments along the way. In May 2011,
Bill 188 was passed, clarifying and
broadening our collecting mandate,
allowing the gallery to acquire art more
freely and enabling the expansion of the
collection. This new mandate has also
given the gallery the flexibility to develop
and present more diverse and innovative
exhibitions, such as the popular exhibitions
Life as a Legend: Marilyn Monroe
and Marilyn in Canada in 2011, and
Fashionality: Dress and Identity in
Contemporary Canadian Art in 2012.
These are all steps along a journey that
will continue for many years to come.
John Vachon (1914–1975), Untitled (Marilyn with Mountie), 1953, photographic reprint,
61x51cm, Courtesy of the Estate of John Vachon and Dover Publications Inc.
EXPOSE YOURSELF TO
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The McMichael offers people from all walks of
life the opportunity to engage with the gallery
and become part of its success through a variety
of volunteer and donation initiatives.
Tom Thomson (1877–1917), Summer Day (detail), 1915, oil on board, 21.6 x 26.8 cm,
Gift of Mr. R.A. Laidlaw, McMichael Canadian Art Collection
There are many ways to be a part of the McMichael
family. We offer numerous special activities all
year round, including March Break and summer
art camps for children, permanent collection and
special exhibition tours, holiday family programs,
educational films and videos on view in the Theatre,
a Discovery Space area for kids, an artist-inresidence program, and a popular music concert
series. Our beloved annual Autumn Art Sale,
organized by a group of dedicated volunteers,
raises funds for the McMichael’s educational
programs. For more on what’s happening at the
McMichael, visit www.mcmichael.com for the
most up-to-date listings.
operating funds from a variety of sources, including
memberships, corporate donations, sponsorship,
endowments, earned income from admissions,
special events, and the Gallery Shop. If you can,
please consider making a donation or becoming
a member of the Patrons Council, a diverse
group of art enthusiasts who are deeply committed
to the mission and sustainability of the McMichael
Canadian Art Collection. Members enjoy a variety
of private events designed to engage, educate
and inspire, as well as the satisfaction of a more
personal relationship with the collection and
with the people involved in its preservation and
enhancement. Representing our highest level of
membership, the Benefactor’s Circle ensures
the sustained growth and vitality of the McMichael.
By joining the Patrons Council, you help ensure a
vibrant and enriching future for one of Canada’s
most treasured art institutions.
While we are grateful to receive approximately
half of our operating budget from provincial
government funding, we must earn the balance of
To learn more about donating to the McMichael,
contact the Development Office at:
905.893.1121 or donate@mcmichael.com
MCAC BY THE NUMBERS
1
40
194
6,000
100,000
80,000
Yvonne McKague Housser (1898–1996), Marguerite Pilot of Deep River (Girl with Mulleins) (detail),
c.1932, oil on canvas, 76.2 x 61.0 cm, Gift of the Founders, Robert and Signe McMichael,
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
100,000
35,000
Kilometres: the distance to great art from Toronto City Hall
(closer than the Toronto Zoo, a few clicks more than Pearson)
Works of art donated by Robert and Signe McMichael to the Province of Ontario in 1965
Number of works of art in the McMichael’s permanent collection today
Number of works in the Cape Dorset Archive on loan from the West Baffin Eskimo
Co-operative Ltd., based in Nunavut
The current square footage of the greatly expanded McMichael’s original fieldstone
and log home
Visitors annually (on average)
The number of students and educators from more than 40 school boards and
private schools who visit us annually
6
Members of the Group of Seven buried in a small cemetery on the McMichael grounds:
A.J. Casson, Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, Frank Johnston, Arthur Lismer, and Frederick Varley
2
The number of times the McMichael represented Camp David, the US Presidential Retreat, in
the movies (“DC 9/11: Time of Crisis” [2003] and “The Sentinel” [2006] starring Michael
Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland and Kim Basinger)
100
2,400+
Image to left: Franklin Carmichael (1890–1945), Bay of Islands (detail), 1931, oil on canvas, 101.6 x 122.0 cm,
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Mastin, McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Number of major galleries in Canada with a mandate to collect Canadian art exclusively
(that would be the McMichael)
Acres of beautiful conservation land, yours to enjoy on your next visit
The number of trees on the McMichael’s grounds
47
FENDI CASA
KENZO
post 10 x 5.5_Layout 1 12-05-08 6:30 PM Page 1
The Kiani Foundation
acknowledges the volunteers,
patrons, artists, donors and employees of
the McMichael Canadian Art Collection who
have contributed selflessly over many decades
to ensure that Canadian art and culture,
The
Kiani Foundation
while
precious, is treasured, preserved
www.kianifoundation.com
acknowledges the volunteers,
and
safeguarded
for the
patrons,
artists,
donors and employees
of pleasure
the McMichael
Art Collection
who
and Canadian
enjoyment
of many
have contributed selflessly over many decades
Canadian
to ensure
that Canadiangenerations
art and culture,
122-124 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2H4
while precious,
is treasured, preserved
to come.
www.kianifoundation.com
Tel: 416.921.7787 • Toll Free: 1.888.921.7787 • Fax: 416.921.7727
and safeguarded for the pleasure
Especially sold at
Missoni Home, Fendi Casa, Kenzo Home
Richard Ginori 1735, Etro, Fornasetti
www.johnpaul-co.com
and enjoyment of many
Canadian generations
to come.
McMichael Ad May 2012:Sothebys McMichael Ad 5/22/2012 1:19 PM Page 1
Proud to Support
Canadian Art and Culture
and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Sotheby’s has been serving Canadian clients since 1967.
We conduct twice-yearly sales in Toronto of Important
Canadian Art each spring and fall.
Tina Tehranchian, CFP
Fellow of FPSCTM
Senior Financial Planner
Specializing in Financial Planning for
Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Assante Capital Management Ltd.
Tel: (905) 707-5220
ttehranchian@assante.com
www.tinatehranchian.com
Assante Capital Management Ltd. is a member of the Canadian
Investor Protection Fund and is registered with the Investment
Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.
Monster® Beats™
by Dr. Dre
OtterBox
iPhone™ case
Gnarlyfish
laptop bag
The electronics you want.
The help you need.
™Trade-mark of The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc.
A combination
of cutting-edge
technology & style
Nikon
D7000
Samsung Galaxy Tab
We are also able to provide advice about buying and selling
your International works of art to take best advantage of our
sales venues worldwide.
Enquiries 416 926 1774 or sothebys.com/canada
9 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5R2E1
Fritz Brandter, Interior
For years Promontory has been helping
financial institutions fashion appropriate
capital and liquidity coverage.
If you are feeling exposed, or if you
would simply like to consult with an
advisor on your firm’s profile, call us.
We work with a host of Canadian and
international firms on
• Capital and Liquidity Planning
• Compliance
• Governance, organization and effective
communications
• Recovery and Resolution Plans
• Risk Management and
• Strategic and Organization Advice.
Because excessive risk
is never in style.
Promontory Financial GrouP canada ulc
Sheryl Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Rosemary Zigrossi, Director
77 King Street West, Suite 3720
Toronto, Ontario M5K 1K7
T +1 416 863 8500
promontory.com
We are honoured to supply printing for
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By
FIND US AT THE INTERSECTION
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At Pfaff, we love driving as much as you do. From the sound of the
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Pfaff Porsche
101 Auto Park Circle
Woodbridge, ON L4L 8R1
(905) 851- 0852