Energy giant EnCana Corp. will auction 125 pieces of its Canadian art collection in Calgary March 23 to benefit the Integrative Health Institute.

“EnCana is, first and foremost, an oil and gas company. We feel we can create a win-win situation by making these valued pieces more public, while at the same time supporting a community organization that is helping Canadians better manage their health and wellness,” said Drude Rimell, executive vice-president, corporate services.

The artworks include a rare mountain drawing by Group of Seven member Frank Carmichael, and a large 1950s gouache painting by Jean-Paul Riopelle as well as a number of works by landscape and contemporary artists.

Canada News Wire photos
William Kurelek’s And Arctic Nature Sings, a mixed media work (above), and A.C. Leighton’s Wolverine Plateau (below right) are both up for sale as EnCana raises money for the Integrative Health Institute.

The acquisition of some of the art dates back to the early days of the Canadian Pacific Railway collection. Artists were encouraged to travel west with the railway and capture their experiences on canvas.

EnCana was formed early last year from the merger of PanCanadian Energy with Alberta Energy Company. PanCanadian was spun off from the CPR conglomerate as a separate entity in 2001.

The 125 pieces of art are collectively valued at more than $400,000. Individual values range from $500 to $150,000, which will provide an opportunity for first-time buyers to own original works as well as appeal to seasoned collectors, Rimell said.



The Integrative Health Institute was established in 2001 to provide information on a variety of health options, including complementary and alternative therapies, and workshops on health, wellness and healing. “The proceeds from the sale of the art will be specifically used to support the Integrative Health Institute’s education and research programs,” said Rimell.

The auction will be held March 23 at 2 pm. at Hodgins Art Auctions. The pieces can be seen at previews March 22, noon to 5:00 pm., and March 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Web watch:
www.hodginsauction.com
www.integrativehealth.ca