Canadian Art Gallery Hop

Jessica Morgan, Curator of Contemporary Art at London's Tate Modern, and Jens Hoffman, Director of the CCA Wattis Institute of Contemporary Arts in San Francisco, express their high regard for Canada's contemporary art scene.

"I have had the privilege of working with many artists from Canada," says Ms. Morgan. "Among them are some of the leading figures in the art world’Äîtheir work has contributed significantly to current concerns in contemporary art." Of the younger generation of Canadian artists, Ms. Morgan says, "They are working at an international level that is recognized by museums and institutions globally."

"There is fantastic work being created north of the border", says Jens Hoffmann, who has worked with Canadian artists such as Brian Jungen, Tim Lee and Gareth Moore. "It's easy to become centered on work being made in New York, Berlin or London, without looking elsewhere," he says. "But Canada has vibrant art scenes that are worth exploring."

The 13th annual Canadian Art Gallery Hop Gala and Auction, to be held on Thursday, September 18, 2008, is a perfect opportunity for guests to bid on works by Canada's hottest contemporary artists.

The auction, to be conducted by Maarten ten Holder of Sotheby's North America, will feature work by Vancouver's Tim Lee; Kenojuak Ashevak, winner of the 2008 Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts; Arabella Campbell, winner of the 2007 RBC Painting Competition; Michel de Broin, winner of the 2007 Sobey Art Award; Sarah Anne Johnson, winner of the 2008 Grange Prize for Photography, and Toronto artists Ed Pien and Scott McFarland.

Ms. Morgan continues, "The Canadian Art Foundation's programming provides a great service to the public by promoting the country's visual arts. I'm certain that their fundraiser is worthy of support."

Vancouver artist Gareth Moore will be part of a group of panellists speaking on the topic "Delicate: Art and Post-Millennial Culture" at the Ontario College of Art and Design on September 20, 2008. He will be joined by Montreal curator John Zeppetelli (DHC/ART Foundation for Contemporary Art) and Toronto curator Helena Reckitt (The Power Plant).

This free event is moderated by Richard Rhodes, editor of Canadian Art. The day continues with a series of free talks at galleries around the city.

Please check canadianart.ca/galleryhop for a speaker schedule and list of participating galleries.

Media interview opportunities are available with Ann Webb, Executive Director, Canadian Art Foundation, and Richard Rhodes, Editor, Canadian Art magazine. Photo/video opportunities are available at the gala, panel discussion and gallery talks.

About the Canadian Art Foundation

The Canadian Art Foundation is a charitable organization that fosters and supports the visual arts in Canada. The foundation celebrates artists and their creativity with a nationwide educational program of events, lectures, competitions, publications and other initiatives. The Gallery Hop is just one program through which the Canadian Art Foundation provides access and points of entry for the public into the visual arts. www.canadianart.ca/foundation

Canadian Art GALLERY HOP

Thursday, September 18, and Saturday, September 20

www.canadianart.ca/galleryhop