Photo by Phil Crozier.
LOOK26 Gala: Off The Path Raises $1.2 Million in Support of Contemporary Calgary.
Contemporary Calgary is proud to share the success of the LOOK26 Gala: Off The Path, presented by MAWER. Welcoming 1,200 guests, the evening raised $1.2 Million to support the gallery’s ambitious exhibitions and public programs.
The atmosphere was brought to life by local artist duo DaveandJenn, who served as the LOOK26 Gala Curators, shaping the night with their whimsical worlds of delight, enchantment, and untamed life. Every detail, from performances to palette, was curated to inspire curiosity, connection, and celebration, setting the tone for what was a magical evening.
Guests were welcomed with an intimate VIP Dinner, generously supported by returning sponsor HOLT RENFREW. The dining experience was beautifully delivered by Culinary Art Partner CONCORDE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, one of Calgary’s most esteemed hospitality leaders. The dinner featured an otherworldly live performance by local artist and musician Hermitess.
The LOOK26 Art Auction, supported by HEATHER EDWARDS, achieved exceptional results this year, raising a total of $583,356, reflecting the deep commitment of our community. This year’s auction featured a significant collection of 88 artworks—including 27 in the live auction and 61 in the silent auction—all of which were successfully sold. Notably, three works in the silent auction by artists Kablusiak, John Will and David Thauberger, sold for twice their fair market value. This achievement was made possible by the incredible generosity of the artists, gallerists, and collectors who donated their work, and the passionate supporters who purchased them.
The live auction was led by acclaimed auctioneer Stephen Ranger, who drove the dynamic and highly engaged white-glove sale. On average, the live auction works sold for over 100% of their fair market value across 27 lots, underscoring the quality of the works presented in the auction this year. A standout moment included the sale of Pascale Ouellet’s MISSING NOAH 33 (2026), which realized over 200% of its appraised value. Another notable work Birch Woods (c.1912–1915) by Group of Seven member L.L. FitzGerald, generously donated by board member Dr. John Lacey, CM, sold for 125% of its fair market value—marking the third major historical work he has contributed to the LOOK Art Auction.
The revelry carried into the Cabaret and RYAN GREEN After Party, with entertainment sponsored by COWBOYS MUSIC FESTIVAL, featuring a showstopping performance by Juno Award-nominated electronic musician TR/ST, alongside Hermitess, Dan Solo, DJ Hannah, and a set by iconic French electronic musician and producer The Hacker.
We are also grateful to our Honorary Chairs Bruce Kuwabara, OC, Linda and Mike Shaikh, CM, and Peter Tertzakian, who lent their distinguished support. We extend our deepest thanks to the sponsors, artists, gallerists, donors, and volunteers whose vision and generosity made the event possible, and to the collectors who continue to shape the future of contemporary art in our city.
Since its inception in 2014, when the gallery first hosted LOOK in the then-vacant Centennial Planetarium, the gala has evolved into a defining moment in Calgary’s cultural calendar. Today, LOOK remains a vital force in sustaining Contemporary Calgary’s mission, energizing our efforts to provide the community with meaningful access to contemporary art and ideas.
LOOK26 Gala
Off The Path
LOOK26 Gala: Off The Path, presented by MAWER, returns on May 2 for an unforgettable night of revelry. Brought to life by the talented minds of local artist duo DaveandJenn, Off The Path draws on their richly layered practice spanning painting, sculpture and moving image. Their work creates whimsical worlds filled with delight, enchantment and untamed life.
Embrace all things fantastical when you step into the gallery and find yourself transported to an otherworldly forest. Theatrical environments, dynamic lightscapes and layered projections reveal secret clearings and shadowy lairs.
The evening follows LOOK’s signature cadence: the HOLT RENFREW VIP Dinner, a vibrant Cabaret, and the RYAN GREEN After Party. The night features an exquisite dinner by CONCORDE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, art activations, DJs, live performances, and the LOOK26 Art Auction supported by HEATHER EDWARDS. Tickets are available across all three tiers (18+ only), and each includes a one-year membership to Contemporary Calgary.
Whether you join us for the full night or slip in after dark, LOOK is your opportunity to support Contemporary Calgary and celebrate the magic of art and community.
We can’t wait to see you off the path.
What to Wear: Off The Path
Not sure what to wear for a night of revelry? Check out our Mood Board for a world of style inspiration as you prepare for your journey Off The Path.
Inspired by the whimsical, untamed vision of artist duo DaveandJenn for LOOK26 Gala: Off The Path, presented by MAWER, this guide was developed in collaboration with our VIP Dinner Sponsor and luxury style experts, HOLT RENFREW, to help guests find their LOOK.
Think THEATRICAL. Fantastical. Otherworldly. Dramatic silhouettes, rich textures, and bold patterns—mixing a bit of everything to mirror the magic and embrace the enchantment of the night.
LOOK26 50/50 RAFFLE
Win the Jackpot. Invest in Our City. The LOOK26 50/50 Raffle is officially open! From now until May 7, your participation is an investment in our city's cultural vitality. Every ticket ensures Contemporary Calgary remains a welcoming, collaborative hub for everyone.
Enjoy the thrill of a potential cash prize while providing the vital funds needed to sustain our accessible public programs.
LOOK26 Gala Ticket Tiers
HOLT RENFREW VIP Dinner – Table: $10,000
Step Off The Path and join us for the HOLT RENFREW VIP Dinner, an intimate, four-course culinary experience for ten by CONCORDE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, featuring a bespoke menu with beverage pairings inspired by the whimsical, layered artistry of DaveandJenn, designed to transport you deeper into the woods.
Ticketholders receive:
Up to $7500 charitable tax receipt*
Access to HOLT RENFREW VIP Dinner, enjoy an exquisite culinary experience by CONCORDE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Performance by Hermitess during the VIP Dinner
Access to "The Hermits' Cavern" art activation
Access to the Cabaret, including world-class performances by TR/ST, Hermitess and Dan Solo, sponsored by COWBOYS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Access to the LOOK26 Live Art Auction, supported by HEATHER EDWARDS (paddle registration required for Live Auction)
Access to the LOOK26 Silent Art Auction, supported by HEATHER EDWARDS
Access to the RYAN GREEN After Party, featuring art activations, performances by The Hacker, DJ Hannah, and Dan Solo
One-year Contemporary Calgary Membership
*final amount determined post-event based on the value of the experience.
HOLT RENFREW VIP Dinner – Individual: $1,000
Step Off The Path and join us for the HOLT RENFREW VIP Dinner, an intimate, four-course culinary experience for one by CONCORDE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, featuring a bespoke menu with beverage pairings inspired by the whimsical, layered artistry of DaveandJenn, designed to transport you deeper into the woods.
Ticketholders receive:
Up to $750 charitable tax receipt*
Access to HOLT RENFREW VIP Dinner, enjoy an exquisite culinary experience by CONCORDE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Performance by Hermitess during the VIP Dinner
Access to "The Hermits' Cavern" art activation
Access to the Cabaret, including world-class performances by TR/ST, Hermitess and Dan Solo, sponsored by COWBOYS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Access to the LOOK26 Live Art Auction, supported by HEATHER EDWARDS (paddle registration required for Live Auction)
Access to the LOOK26 Silent Art Auction, supported by HEATHER EDWARDS
Access to the RYAN GREEN After Party, featuring art activations, performances by The Hacker, DJ Hannah, and Dan Solo
One-year Contemporary Calgary Membership
*final amount determined post-event based on the value of the experience.
Cabaret: $300
Escape into the Cabaret, an otherworldly experience where theatrical environments meet world-class performances and unexpected spectacle. It’s the heart of the night, vibrant, whimsical, and untamed.
Ticketholders receive:
Up to $150 charitable tax receipt*
Access to the Cabaret, including world-class performances by TR/ST, Hermitess and Dan Solo, sponsored by COWBOYS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Two drink tickets and hors d’oeuvres by Culinary Art Partner CONCORDE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Access to "The Hermits' Cavern" art activation
Access to the LOOK26 Live Art Auction, supported by HEATHER EDWARDS (paddle registration required for Live Auction)
Access to the LOOK26 Silent Art Auction, supported by HEATHER EDWARDS
Access to the RYAN GREEN After Party, featuring art activations, performances by The Hacker, DJ Hannah, and Dan Solo
One-year Contemporary Calgary Membership
If you are a professional artist in the community and would like to receive a discount code for 50% off your Cabaret ticket, please email donations@contemporarycalgary.com. Note: discounted tickets are not eligible for a tax receipt.
*final amount determined post-event based on the value of the experience.
RYAN GREEN After Party: $40
As the evening evolves, the energy shifts. The RYAN GREEN After Party is your invitation to slip into the woods after dark for a late-night celebration. Get lost in the gallery’s untamed lightscapes, art activations, and a dance floor driven by live DJs and performances.
Ticketholders receive:
Access to the RYAN GREEN After Party, featuring performances by The Hacker, DJ Hannah, and Dan Solo, sponsored by COWBOYS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Access to "The Hermits' Cavern" art activation
Access to the LOOK26 Silent Art Auction, supported by HEATHER EDWARDS
One-year Contemporary Calgary Membership
Honorary Chairs
Bruce Kuwabara, OC
Linda and Mike Shaikh, CM
Peter Tertzakian
LOOK26 Gala Curators
DaveandJenn
Art Auction Curators
Mona Filip
Muriel N. Kahwagi
Auctioneer
Stephen Ranger
Auction Contributors
Morris and Ann Dancyger
Cheryl Gottselig and Yves Trépanier
Dr. John Lacey, CM
Jenna and Chad Larson
The Kenneth Lochhead Estate
Tiller Wolf Art Consulting
Bruce and Cathy Williams
Private collections
Artists
Susanne Aaltonen, Jen Aitken, René Pierre Alain, Sara Angelucci, Chrissy Angliker, Eric Atkinson, Dick Averns, John Barkley, Alana Bartol, Maxwell Bates, Michael Batty, Nancy Boyd, Kevin Boyle, Billie Rae Busby, Nathan Eugene Carson, Michael Coyne, Chris Cran, Curtis Cutshaw, DaveandJenn, Robbin Deyo, Mark Dicey, Amy Dryer, Megan Dyck, Marcel Dzama, John K. Esler, Erica Eyres, Rhys Douglas Farrell, L.L. (Lionel LeMoine) FitzGerald, Chris Flodberg, Jonathan Forrest, Yechel Gagnon, JoAnn Godenir, Ted Godwin, John Adams Griefen, Angela Grossmann, Julya Hajnoczky, Maggie Hall, Marcia Harris, Faye HeavyShield, Fred Herzog, David Hoffos, Jennifer Hornyak, Geoffrey Hunter, Sharie Hunter, M.N. Hutchinson, Joshua Jensen-Nagle, Kablusiak, Illingworth Kerr, Neshka Krusche, Bryce Krynski, Anda Kubis, Paul Kuhn, Marie Lannoo, Kenneth Lochhead, James Lumsden, Rachel MacFarlane, Andy Mamgark, Robert Marchessault, Caroline Monnet, Mark Mullin, Jennifer Murphy, Erik Olson, Pascale Ouellet, Stu Oxley, Ed Pien, Paola Pivi, Nelly-Eve Rajotte, Sabrina Ratté, Anthony Redpath, Nick Rooney, John F. Ross, Marigold Santos, Michael Smith, Cassie Suche, Han Sungpil, Erdem Taşdelen, Peter Tertzakian, Corri-Lynn Tetz, David Thauberger, Louis Trautman, Winnie Truong, Carol Wainio, John Will, Mary Shannon Will, and Tiffany Wollman
