“Global interest is at an all-time high for works by Group of Seven founder Lawren Harris, following a major international exhibition and Heffel’s record-breaking sale of Mountain Forms last fall,” says Robert Heffel, auction house principal, ” That outstanding canvas became the most valuable Canadian painting ever sold at auction and shattered the world auction record for the artist.”

Harris’ for Mountain Forms sold for a record $11.21 million. Where are these treasures coming from?

Heffel explains that these treasures included in the live auctions are consigned from collections all over the world. “We work with passionate collectors, both private and corporate, and are honoured to be entrusted with finding new homes for their masterpieces.” Heffel Fine Auction House has sold more Canadian art than any other auctioneer worldwide, with sales totalling more than half a billion dollars since 1978.

Why are Canadian artists gaining so much attention internationally over the last few years? Heffel explains the exposure for many of Canada’s most beloved artists is at an all-time high, and in turn, interest from Canadian collectors has grown considerably for works by international artists. In addition to record breaking results over the years, the international acclaim of Canadian artists can largely be credited to exhibitions travelling to world-renowned art institutions. Works by Lawren Harris and Emily Carr received glowing reviews for recent exhibitions outside of Canada, and David Milne has a major UK exhibition around the corner.

When it comes to the market, collectors are looking for true museum-quality art, which is creating one powerful international market, as opposed to regional markets around the world.

We highly recommend taking the opportunity to view the pieces before the auction. Heffel tells us that viewing opportunities are open to the public and is free admission.

“We absolutely encourage everyone to come see these works before they make their way into new hands. There is a ton to see this season – eight major Lawren Harris works including the large-scale Rockies canvas, rare works by Emily Carr and contemporary masterworks by Jean Paul Riopelle, Jack Bush and Josef Albers. We look forward to seeing you there!”

Heffel Fine Art Auction, Fall 2017 will take place on November 22 at the historic Design Exchange (234 Bay Street) in Toronto. Public viewing times are Saturday, November 18 to Tuesday, November 21 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Wednesday, November 22, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

And if you’ve got a healthy budget…. Live auction will take place on Wednesday, November 22 at 4:00 pm EST (Post War & Contemporary Art), 7:00 pm EST (Fine Canadian Art).

For details on the previews and live auction, and to access the online catalogues, please visit www.heffel.com.

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Here are the Toronto artists that were showcasing work at this year’s auction and gala.

• Jaime Angelopoulos
• Sarah Cale
• Steve Driscoll
• Clive Holden (lives between Toronto & Vancouver);
• Kris Knight
• Suzy Lake
• Vanessa Maltese
• Jennifer Murphy
• Susy Oliveira
• Brad Phillips
• Derek Sullivan
• Marvin Luvualu Antonio
• Abby McGuane
• Brendon McNaughton

I had a chance to chat with the co-chairs of the Canadian Art Foundation advisory committee, curator Stefan Hancherow and the director of Division Gallery, Gareth Brown-Jowett.

How are the Canadian artists selected each year?

An Art Advisory committee is put together each year, it is composed of gallerists, curators, critics, advisors and artists. Some members continue for a few years, and we usually have at least a few new members each year.

Thematically the collection is quite broad and meant to be an overview of exciting established and emerging artists from across Canada.

Are there ever repeats or are there 50 new artists each year?

Sometimes there are repeats in consecutive years but the committee is conscience of asking artists year after year for a donation, as well as galleries who sometimes donate works by 3-4 of their roster artists in a year. We are very thankful for the donations from both the artists and gallerists perspectives and the committee has helped implement and increase benefits and outreach programs for the donors. This is the largest fundraiser for the Canadian Art Foundation and we intend on building a positive community around it as a means to continue its successes for decades to come.

Melanie Joly recently asked the public to crowdsource ideas on ways Canadian culture can compete with the weight of international content online.

“The way forward is not attempting to regulate content on the Internet, but focusing on how to best support Canada’s creators and cultural entrepreneurs in creating great content and in competing globally for both Canadian and international audiences,”

In a pre-consultation, online questionnaire completed by close to 10,000 people, participants were asked their views on what are the most pressing challenges facing Canada’s cultural sector.

How do you feel about this? How can we show our culture to the world?

Canada needs to acknowledge its cultural history more. Canada is consistently looking elsewhere for approval and acceptance of being “good” but with that attitude we continuously undervaluing our cultural output.

Currently Canada is responsible for some of the most popular cultural figures in the world, from musicians like Drake and Arcade Fire, to artists Janice Kerbel (Turner Prize 2015) and Jon Rafman, Curator Candice Hopkins (Documenta 2017) and actors like Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) and directors like Jeremy Podeswa (Game of Thrones). Canadians are leading the pack in many cultural sectors. We can stand among the cultural powerhouses like New York and Berlin, but we are distinctly Canadian. The Canadian Art Gala Auction maintains this outlook and is driven by its desire to show the best art from coast to coast to coast.

What are some of the barriers facing Canadian artists?

The biggest barrier is that Canada is in need of a major societal shift. Cultural activities are consistently put on the chopping block. It is very difficult for artists and cultural workers to make a living wage, and the majority don’t.

Additionally, it is rare to see line ups out the door for the AGO or National Gallery, or praise for new public art or major purchases of artwork, and that needs to change. Culture is an essential part of everyday life and not only promotes dialogue and understanding but is truly the only thing that lasts through generations.

The Canadian Art Foundation has consistently produced incredible publishing and programming which promotes culture in Canada. That is the main reason why we have decided to be a part of the Art Advisory committee, we want there to be more funding for essential programs and to help this amazing foundation flourish.

How do we get the message to the general public about our homegrown talent?

That is a long process. Making all museums free to visit in Canada would be terrific. Also, we need to reinvigorate art education in the schooling system. There is some great research being done out of the Albright Knox Gallery in Buffalo about the importance of creative and artistic learning ant the effects later in life.

To learn more about the Canadian Art Foundation and the annual gala, visit their website.

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