Collect & Connect: An Introduction to Art Collecting + Wine Tasting
April 8
Doors: 6:30 PM
Auction Exhibition Tour: 7 PM
Join us for Collect & Connect: An Introduction to Art Collecting + Wine Tasting, an engaging evening where you’ll discover insider tips on how to start collecting art from an established professional, while learning about a curated selection of wine from a Certified Sommelier.
The night begins with a guided tour of our LOOK26 Art Auction exhibition, offering insight into the artists and stories behind the works on view. From there, guests will gather for an interactive conversation with Megan Paterson, founder of Aurelia, who will demystify the art market and share practical advice on how to start building a collection with confidence, from defining your taste and setting a budget to understanding where to look and long-term value.
Throughout the evening, enjoy a curated wine tasting led by Margaux Burgess, Certified Sommelier and founder of Swirl Wine Imports, with thoughtful selections to inspire conversation.
Whether you’re beginning your collecting journey or hoping to expand your knowledge of the art world and wine, this relaxed, social evening brings together art, community, and wine in perfect balance.
Sip. Learn. Collect.
What to Expect:
A guided tour of the LOOK26 art auction with our Associate Curator
Art Collecting 101 from Megan Paterson of Aurelia Fine Art
Wine Tasting hosted by Margaux Burgess, Certified Sommelier
Delicious selection of cheese to enjoy along the way
No experience in the arts or art collecting required! Come as you are and leave with an enriched appreciation for art and wine.
Free for Culture Club Members. $50 for non-Club Members.
Learn more about Culture Club, a community for art enthusiasts in their 20s–40s, by contacting Alison at alison.andersen@contemporarycalgary.com.
About the Founder of Aurelia
Megan Paterson
In addition to art advising certification from the Sotheby's Institute of Art in London, Megan Paterson, founder of Aurelia, spent 14 years immersed in the commercial gallery world, building deep knowledge and an extensive network in the industry. Along the way, she noticed many people eager to buy art but held back by intimidation or not knowing where to start. Determined to change that, Megan became passionate about breaking down barriers and making the art world accessible to all. Today, her mission is to empower clients with the confidence and support they need to engage in the art market.
About the Sommelier
Margaux Burgess
Margaux Burgess is a Certified Sommelier and Diploma holder from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (DipWSET), and the founder of Swirl Wine Imports and Flaurell Wines. Based in Edmonton, she brings more than twenty years of experience in hospitality, wine education, and trade marketing to her work in the Canadian wine industry.
After leading a wine-focused marketing firm, Margaux launched Flaurell Wines—her own independent label—followed by the creation of Swirl Wine Imports in 2023, an Alberta-based agency dedicated to representing thoughtfully made, terroir-driven European producers.
Margaux is passionate about connecting people to wine through education, curated tastings, travel, and events. Her work centres on making wine both accessible and meaningful, helping consumers and trade professionals alike discover, understand, and genuinely enjoy what’s in their glass.
