Messages
As the leading publicly funded art gallery in Canada focused exclusively on Canadian and Indigenous art, both historical and contemporary, we take pride in sharing the art of Canada locally, nationally and internationally through our many touring exhibitions. We believe in the McMichael as an incredibly dynamic place where people can come together, to discover Canada—and themselves as Canadians—through the lens of art.
On June 22, 2024, just a few weeks after the Moonlight Gala, the McMichael will debut an immersive time-travel experience like no other with the exhibition River of Dreams: Impressionism on the St. Lawrence. This exhibition will offer a magisterial statement on the outstanding quality of Quebec painting in the late 19th century and early 20th century, and a glimpse into the heart and soul of a culture seen through the eyes of her most beloved and foundational artists. The survey will include works by William Brymner, Ozias Leduc, James Wilson Morrice, Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté, Maurice Cullen, Clarence Gagnon and others, gathered from public and private institutions.
The impact that our exhibitions, creative learning and public programs make in our community is clear through the comments and encounters we have with educators, artists, families and visitors to our museum.
We remain dedicated to finding new ways to serve our community through the transformative power of art. I look forward to continuing to update you on our shared progress.
Thank you for your support,
Sarah Milroy, Executive Director and Chief Curator
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
It is once again our great honour to co-chair the McMichael Moonlight Gala. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection holds a special place in both of our hearts. Here we seek respite from our busy lives, are refreshed by the natural surroundings, and are inspired by the art—both in the permanent collection and every special exhibition we see. This evening is a celebration of all that the McMichael is, and we are delighted to have you join us. Our sincere thanks to our sponsors including Permanent Collection Sponsor Hatch for their outstanding ongoing support, and our Program Sponsors Bazil Developments, City of Vaughan – Spirit of Generosity, RPIA and TD, as well as our Honorary Chair, Mayor Steven Del Duca. We would also like to acknowledge our generous Education, Gallery and Community Sponsors as well as our donors. We are also grateful to our Creative Partner Trajectory and lead Media Partner the Globe and Mail. You can see the full list of supporters on the screens around the event tonight and on this evening’s microsite, please take a look.
Finally, profound gratitude goes to the 2024 Moonlight Gala Committee, the McMichael Board of Trustees and the McMichael Canadian Art Foundation Board of Directors, McMichael staff and volunteers, and our members, artists and friends. Thank you for your ongoing support as we pave the way for a bright year ahead and a strong future at the McMichael.
Debra Fenwick and Laura Mirabella
Co-Chairs, 2024 Moonlight Gala
Debra Fenwick, Co-Chair
Laura Mirabella, Co-Chair
Elvira Caria
Nella Contardi
Robert Dunigan
Joyce Frustaglio
Phillip Gevik
Corban Hu
Matthew Liberatore
Jacoline Loewen
Sonia Moniz
Fiona O’Brien
Susan Reid
Glenn Sakaki
Mandy Siu
Mike Soragnese
Shirley Zerfas
Andy Pringle, Chair
Drew Fagan
Debra Fenwick
Tim Johnson
Norma Kraay
Rand Lomas
Karen McCleave
Michelle Meneley
Stacie Stanton
Leslie Whicher
Gillian Whitebread
Sabrina Zuniga
EX OFFICIO MEMBER
Sarah Milroy, Executive Director and Chief Curator
GUESTS, DIRECTORS-IN-TRAINING
Ameet Bhojwani
Suzanne Palko
GUEST, VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE
Alicia Morano, Volunteer Committee President
Andrew W. Dunn, Chair
Mark Bursey, Vice Chair
Chris Bredt, Treasurer
Laura Barclay
Andrea Boyd
Robert Dunigan
Paul Manias
Nathalie Mercure
Laura Mirabella
Fiona O’Brien
Patrick Pelliccione
Bonnie Rosenberg
Melanie Russell
Carl Spiess
GUEST, DIRECTOR-IN-TRAINING
Mark Swierszez