Contemporary Calgary Launches LOOK25 Art Auction
Contemporary Calgary Launches LOOK25 Art Auction
Over 70 Exceptional Works from Artists Across Canada to be
Auctioned in Support of Exhibitions and Public Programs
Featuring a Rare 1960 Painting by Jean-Paul Riopelle, Valued at CAD 225,000
Calgary, AB (May 1, 2025) — Contemporary Calgary is thrilled to announce the opening of the LOOK25 Art Auction, launching May 1, 2025, with a vibrant public preview event from 5:00–9:00 PM at the gallery. Celebrating creativity and the power of community, LOOK25 brings together over 70 outstanding works by some of Canada’s most celebrated and exciting artists, offering something for every collector, from first-time buyers to seasoned enthusiasts.
Silent auction bidding will be open to all through the Givergy platform — no gala ticket required — making it easier than ever to participate. The full auction collection will be available to preview online starting May 1 at noon, with in-person viewing available at Contemporary Calgary from May 1–29 ahead of the LOOK25 Gala: Noir Nouveau, presented by MAWER.
The LOOK25 Art Auction is generously sponsored by Heather Edwards. This year’s event draws inspiration from the intricate beauty of Art Nouveau and the powerful themes envisioned by Gala Curator and acclaimed local artist Simone Elizabeth Saunders, promising an unforgettable evening. We are grateful to have Honorary Chairs June Clark, Dr. John Lacey CM, and D’Arcy Levesque lend their distinguished support to this annual fundraising initiative. Contemporary Calgary extends sincere thanks to the artists, gallerists and donors whose vision and leadership have made this year’s auction possible, as well as to the collectors in our community whose generosity helps shape the future of contemporary art in our city.
"This year's LOOK Auction is our best ever. With the generous support of gallerists and local donors, we've curated an exceptional selection of modern and contemporary works across diverse media. We have something for everyone, whether you're interested in collecting a piece of Canadian art history, like a Jean-Paul Riopelle, Christopher Pratt, or a William Perehudoff, or looking to support contemporary local artists, like Simone Elizabeth Saunders or Michael Corner. I encourage everyone to come visit us to preview the auction, and then to bid early and often, especially in our Silent Auction, where works start from as little as $125, and where you can even bid from the comfort of your own home. Your participation in the Auction is a triple win: you support Contemporary Calgary, the donating artists, and you get to grow your art collection. Please join us!" said David Leinster, CEO of Contemporary Calgary.
"People who know me know how inspired I am by the philosophy at Contemporary Calgary. There is a spirit of collaboration and inclusion, with members of the public and artists of all types uniting through friendship and creativity. That's why I am so proud and excited to be the Sponsor of the LOOK art auction for the fifth year in a row. LOOK is one of Canada’s premier contemporary art auctions and it is one of my favourite nights of the year!
Every time you raise your hand to bid you are showing your belief in the Calgary arts community and Contemporary Calgary in particular. And if you win, not only will you be going home with a piece of art you love, you'll have a permanent reminder of your connection to the artists and institutions that make our city so vibrant.
Enjoy this amazing evening of friends, stunning art, laughs, passion, community, and bidding wars! I hope you have the best evening and go home with a piece of art that will remind you that you are an integral part of something pretty phenomenal." said Heather Edwards, Art Auction Sponsor.
LOOK25 Art Auction Highlights Include:
A rare 1960 painting by Jean-Paul Riopelle, one of Canada’s most internationally acclaimed modernists, valued at CAD 225,000.
An exceptional work by Christopher Pratt, renowned for his precise and poetic depictions of Atlantic Canada.
Beloved Alberta-based artists, including Chris Cran, Faye HeavyShield, Katie Ohe, Harry Kiyooka, and John Will, whose influential practices have helped shape the Canadian art landscape.
Dynamic contemporary voices such as Lauren Crazybull, Simone Elizabeth Saunders, and Nathan Eugene Carson, bring fresh perspectives.
Historic works from trailblazers of Canadian abstraction like William Perehudoff and Kenneth Lochhead of the legendary Regina Five.
A wide range of outstanding works by artists across generations, practices, and perspectives, including: Oscar Cahén, June Clark, Jude Griebel, Maggie Hall, Han Sungpil, Marie Lannoo, Mark Mullin, Erik Olson and Kristine Zingeler.
A full list of participating artists and works can be found online at the Look25 Art Auction website
About the Auction
Curated by Kanika Anand and Muriel N. Kahwagi, with the live auction conducted by esteemed auctioneer Stephen Ranger, LOOK25 offers a rare chance to acquire extraordinary artworks while supporting Contemporary Calgary’s exceptional exhibitions and dynamic public programs.
Silent Auction closes at midnight, June 1, 2025.
Live Auction takes place during the LOOK25 Gala: Noir Nouveau on May 31, 2025, inside Contemporary Calgary’s Dome Theatre. A Holt Renfrew VIP Dinner or Cabaret ticket is required to attend in person.
Not attending the gala? No problem! Absentee and telephone bidding options are available.
To learn more and register, contact us at donations@contemporarycalgary.com.
Media Invitation
Members of the media are invited to the public opening of LOOK25 Art Auction on May 1, 2025, from 5:00–9:00 PM.
Interviews with David Leinster and Kanika Anand are available by appointment between May 1–30. For interview requests and further information, please contact:
Media Contacts
Ellen Parker
ellen@parkerpr.ca | (403) 919-9452
Nikita Nayak
nikita@parkerpr.ca | (778) 751-4510
About Contemporary Calgary
Contemporary Calgary aims to provide Calgary and its visitors with a significant visual arts destination dedicated to modern and contemporary art and to be a place of connection in the community. The former Centennial Planetarium, a significant work of architectural art, has been transformed into a world-class gallery where Contemporary Calgary delivers outstanding local, national and international contemporary art programming. Contemporary Calgary aspires to become a leading voice among arts institutions by embracing its values of being welcoming, engaging and relevant.