MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, 10 May 2013 - The Art Gallery of Mississauga raised over $51,000 at its annual fundraising event, 10 | Annual Art Auction, last Thursday, May 2 at the AGM. Funds raised at the event support the AGM's Growth Initiative and ensure that exhibitions and artist projects are accessible to everyone.

In a speech before the Live Auction, AGM Director | Curator Stuart Keeler said, "The AGM is building a movement." Indicating the standing room only audience at the Main Gallery, he added, "This response tells me we're off to a good start. Thank you all for joining us as we build the next generation of cultural vitality in Mississauga."

10 | Annual Art Auction featured several initiatives that reflect new directions at the AGM. Artists in the Auction included Pablo Picasso, Norval Morrisseau, Charles Pachter and Abraham Anghik Ruben. 2013 also marked the first time the AGM held an Auction Preview Week, which included, among others, free docent tours, a free talk on art collecting for beginners, an artist appreciation soiree, and a VIP cocktail party. Viewing the works on display, a gallery visitor called it an especially strong, diverse group exhibition. The Preview Week also featured a raffle draw for the winner's choice of any one of the art works in the Silent Auction.

During the Auction, the AGM presented Mississauga artist Lila Lewis Irving with an award for Artist of Distinction. Mr. Keeler commented, "I met Lila a few years ago & knew I was in the presence of greatness." The AGM exhibited Con Spirito, a retrospective of Ms. Irving's work, in 2012, as well included two of the artist's paintings in the Auction. Councillor Bonnie Crombie (Ward 5) said, "I wish I could see the world as Lila does." Ms. Irving was presented with the award by Culture Division Director Susan Burt, Councillor Chris Fonseca (Ward 3), Councillor Ron Starr (Ward 6), Councillor Crombie and past AGM Board President Arshad Mahmood. Ms. Irving thanked the AGM for the award and said, "I'm very lucky. I love to paint & when I get into my studio, it's magic."

The Live Auction was conducted by Rob Cowley, Chief Auctioneer, Joyner Canadian Fine Art, Canada's Premier Auction House. Cellist Ben Bolt-Martin entertained guests with live music. The event also featured drinks by Joseph's Estate Wines and Old Credit Brewery, hors d'ouevres by C Café and dessert by the Afghan Women's Catering Group.

About the Art Gallery of Mississauga

artgalleryofmississauga.com

The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is a public, not-for-profit, art gallery located in the Mississauga Civic Centre, across from Square One Mall. The AGM is proud to admit people free of charge, serve communities, and provide positive visual art experiences for all visitors.

The Mission of the AGM is to promote awareness and the appreciation of the visual arts through the operation, development and growth of a public, not-for-profit art gallery. The mandate of the Gallery is to "bring art to the community and the community to art."

Directions to the AGM, as well as transit routes and other information, can be found on the website.

For more information, please contact the Art Gallery of Mississauga at 905 896 5088 or visit artgalleryofmississauga.com.

Art

Mississauga's new public art piece is here! Possibilities, has been installed in the centre of the roundabout at Duke of York Boulevard and Square One Drive.

"Public art is an important facet of how to make a city a place that is economically and culturally strong as well as memorable," said Susan Burt, director, Culture Division. "Works of art like Possibilities help to define Mississauga's distinct identity and its urban context."

Art

September 13 - November 4, 2012

Curator | R. Stuart Keeler

Contemporary artists re-imagine and respond to iconic visual art depictions of the Canadian landscape.

Opens at the Art Gallery of Mississauga Thursday, July 12th 6 pm

On August 6, 1962, Jamaica became a nation and officially received its Independence from Britain. It is with an immense amount of pride that the Jamaican Diaspora in Canada joins with the island nation in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Independence.

The arts are coming to you. From May 1 to 7, the first National Youth Arts Week will take place around Mississauga.

There are over 20 events happening, ranging from dancing, a talent show and a Tedx Conference.

ARTISTS, ART GROUPS, DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS, BOTH RESIDENTS AND NON-RESIDENTS OF MISSISSAUGA

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2012, NOON

Opens at the Art Gallery of Mississauga Thursday, May 10th 6 pm

A Featured Exhibition of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival (scotiabankcontactphoto.com)

Sur la glace / Walking on Ice is part of Lise Beaudry's ongoing investigation into the culture of the Ontario north. Returning to the Franco-Ontarian lake community where she grew up, Beaudry documents a landscape she knows personally. Her photographic series of monochromatic studies, WhiteScapes (2010), create an abstract portrait of the temporal states of ice and snow. Shot under grey cloud cover, the artist carefully considers the angle of view, aperture, exposure, and printing process to create images that attempt to expose the limits of the photograph. The artist says, "They appear to be of almost nothing." Suggesting the experience of walking to the centre of a frozen lake, these photos point to a spiritual subtext-implying a rite of sacred navigation.

The Board and Staff of the Art Gallery of Mississauga are pleased to announce that the AGM has retained Lord Cultural Resources to conduct a Facility Planning Study for the Gallery. This Study aims to address the AGM's goal to "Grow space to accommodate the long term objectives of the Gallery."