Fête Champêtre

On a gorgeous September afternoon, philanthropists, change-makers, art lovers, and artists united for the first-of-its-kind Canadian Fête Champêtre. Hosted at a private home just outside of Toronto in support of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the afternoon luncheon gala raised funds in support of this great Canadian institution’s art acquisition funds. The diverse cultural gathering was filled with musical performances and entertainment by the Canadian Opera Company, The Chapel Choir, Liona Boyd, Ambur Braid, and more, as well as an array of art exhibitions and unique fashion installations, courtesy of Lucian Matis - the Canadian Atelier Sponsor. Guests enjoyed a country feast by Chef Cory Vitiello, live and silent art auctions on a collection carefully curated by Bruce Bailey, and an opportunity to show off their fête champêtre fancy dress in the dance pavilion. Notable attendees included the master of ceremonies, Jeanne Beker, co-chairs Cleophee Eaton, Kyra Griffin, and Sarah Paul, national and international figures within the business, cultural, philanthropic, and political sectors, and 30 visual artists including Jeremy Shaw, Kim Dorland, Tyler Bright Hilton, and John Massey. Addresses were made by The Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell, as well as the MMFA’s Director General and Chief Curator Nathalie Bondil.