Energy giant EnCana Corporation’s auction of Canadian landscape and contemporary art raised more than half a million dollars for a Calgary wellness organization.
The proceeds of $599,825 from the auction are going to the Integrative Health Institute. The institute promotes health and wellness information, education and research for the general public and for corporate and health-care communities.
Pre-auction, the 125 pieces of art were collectively valued at more than $400,000. EnCana said it was not surprised at the auction results.
“We chose the works to auction with a lot of thought to ensure there was an excellent selection of seldom-seen original works by Canadian artists,” said Drude Rimell, EnCana executive vice- president of corporate services. “The art was acquired over many years and the consistent overall quality is exceptional.”
Auctioneer Frank Hall of Hodgins Art Auction said the standing-room only, three-hour auction attracted attention from across Canada and the U.S. While he could not divulge who bought the art, he said buyers included art galleries, museums, collectors and a number of first-time buyers.
He said a number of Canadian records were set, including Alan Collier’s Evening Light from Bob Russell’s Farm ($10,000), A.C. Leighton’s Wolverine Plateau ($16,500), and Nicholas de Grandmaison’s Indian Portrait ($26,000).
More details of the auction results are available at www.hodginsauction.com.
