Fundraiser to highlight art inspired by the environment
Waiters whirl by with tasty delights, music and the hum of conversation fill the air and the lighting in the room is set to delightfully expose the thoughtful decorations, all too ready to set ambience.
And inspiring art covers the walls — art that will be auctioned off at Green Calgary’s annual Red Wine, Blue Cheese, Green Art gala on Nov. 3.
Michael Ireton of Green Calgary said, “We wanted to investigate the relationship between the arts and environment, especially when an artist can establish a social commentary around issues.”
He added that Green Calgary hopes the gala will facilitate a conversation and concern about the environment.
White uses paints pigmented naturally with ground earth and minerals very much based in earth tones
Photo by Kammryn Dancy
Works by more than 35 artists will be on display during the gala, with some of the artists will in attendance.
Ireton said the art was selected through an extensive jury process, with people from the cultural and environmentally concerned side of the city.
These members of the Calgary community included multiple members of Green Calgary, and Rachael Supersad of the arts and culture division of the City of Calgary.
Taking from the land
Local artist Carl White was more than enthused about the opportunity to participate in the gala.
“It was awesome. I had this idea around the myths of nature and this gala just happened to be there.
“I do work with paints pigmented with earth and minerals,” White said, adding that people will always take from the earth and try to get something from nature — what is done with what we take is what matters.
Reducing our Need
Green Calgary offers many recycled products in an effort to increase and promote sustainability.
“We want to offer something for everyone to get behind and support — whether it is the gala or becoming involved with Green Calgary directly,” Ireton said.
Recycling was a major influence for the involvement of artist Luke Lukasewich, as much of his art revolves around recycling material and his studio is located in an industrial area.
“The proximity has opened a whole new avenue of expression for me through the material that I now have available to me.
Lukasewich’s work was made before being submitted for the gala. In fact, he submitted six pieces for consideration by the jury.
“I’ve kept things from the dumpster and given them a much longer, useful life as objects of consideration and pleasure,” Lukasewich said.
Ireton added that, “We wanted to tap into that outside view point that artists seem to have. We wanted something fresh and new, and I think that we found that in the gala.”
The fundraiser event is being held at Hotel Arts in Calgary’s downtown 8 pm Nov. 3.
More information on Red Wine, Blue Cheese, Green Art gala and Green Calgary can be found at
kdancy@cjournal.ca