Movers, Shakers and Bidders Looking for a Masterpiece

Over the past several years, the Art Gallery of Calgary (AGC) has been one of our favourite spots to party. Often, though, the art gracing its walls is reduced to playing a minor character amongst the cocktail bars, chafing dishes and chatter. However, on Oct. 16 the art was the star of the show at Masterpiece 2008.

The live art auction of 30 contemporary works from carefully chosen local, national and international artists is the AGC’s newest annual fundraiser. As far as people-watching goes, an art auction is about as good as it gets, as long as you’re careful not to raise your hand to beckon the wine server. A lively mix of art aficionados, artists and friends perused the pieces while enjoying pomegranate martinis and hors d’oeuvres.

When the bidding got underway, the night reached its peak levels of excitement. Proceeds from Masterpiece benefit the AGC’s curriculum-based art education programs for school groups from kindergarten to Grade 12.