The Ottawa Art Gallery Celebrates 20+35

Months of anniversary celebrations are getting underway at the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) as the city's public art gallery turns 20 this year and its Firestone Collection of Canadian Art turns 35.

The fun begins on May 15th at the Gallery with the Spring Art Auction, XX: Celebrating 20 Years! This is an opportunity to bid on works by over 60 top contemporary, regional artists and enjoy food and cocktails from 20 of Ottawa's best restaurants and caterers. The emcee is CBC Radio's Rita Celli, Host of Ontario Today. Tickets are on sale now!

Then, on June 24, get swinging at the Marshes Golf Club for the 4th Partners in Art Golf Event and dinner, featuring the return engagement of Ottawa's comedic bi-partisan emcee duo, Federal Environment Minister John Baird and Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Jim Watson.

Opening in mid-summer, Le Salon: Celebrating 35 Years of the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art (2 August to 9 November 2008) will feature, by popular demand, some of the most eye-catching works from our significant collection of well-loved Canadian artists. In the Contemporary Galleries, is Evidence: The Ottawa City Project, a look at local artists who have made work about the City of Ottawa (4 September to 16 November 2008).

Other exhibitions include a Ken Lochhead solo show at Art Rental and Sales Service (4 September to 27 September 2008); Marsterpiece Theatre (27 November 2008 to 25 January 2009), a solo exhibition of works by Mark Marsters (1962-2002); and Persistent Vision, a series of screenings of recent local film and video.

A House Party on Thursday 4 September 2008, is a big celebration of the double anniversary and the vernissage of the Gallery's fall exhibitions.

The anniversary celebrations climax with Get Smart for Art on Tuesday, November 18th in the Grand Hall of the Museum of Civilization. The "party summit" invites leaders, sponsors, creators and thinkers from business, government and the arts to support the Gallery's future, an important centre for creative exchange, an asset and economic advantage to the community. The evening's patron is the Right Honorable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada.

This fun, smart and creative evening will feature an art exhibition, with works selected from OAG's Contemporary Collection and the prestigious Firestone Collection of Canadian Art, and a reception and dinner, followed by a thought-provoking presentation from Daniel H. Pink of Washington, D.C. A compelling speaker and the author of A Whole New Mind (New York Times and Business Week bestseller), Pink will explain how intelligent companies are using innovation, the arts and design to become more competitive.

There are lot's more smart activities to enjoy throughout the year. Each exhibition will be accompanied by a variety of free public events, such as artist talks, panels and curator walkthroughs. Families, youth and children will get to learn directly from artists through workshops, summer camps, talks, and tours. An innovative online project is also being developed for schools. The Gallery will also be publishing a set of bilingual catalogues on its two permanent collections.

"It's going to be a year of festivities, and we want to include everyone, as we draw attention to our vision for the future, as well as our achievements." says Mela Constantinidi, Director of OAG. "Look forward to a program of exceptional exhibitions, inventive public and educational programs, fun and stimulating special events and celebrations."

For additional information contact Véronique Couillard at 613-233-8699 x 225, or email vcouillard@ottawaartgallery.ca.