DLA Piper gathering supports student artists
Art and the law may, at first blush, seem to be rather disparate.
But thanks to the foresight of Robert Calvert, Q.C., a founding partner at the DLA Piper law firm, and Peter Deacon, professor of art at the University of Calgary, more than 600 original works of art by graduating U of C students have been exhibited — and many sold — through DLA Piper’s annual Art & Martini reception.
With the support of Ann Calvert, professor and senior adviser to the Provost, and art professors Bill Laing and Gerald Hushlak, the event has seen more than $60,000 worth or art sold to private collectors.
These proceeds often have helped budding artists pay their tuition fees and purchase of supplies.
Also, many of the artists have received commissions following the reception.
Several hundred members of Calgary’s art and business communities came together for a memorable evening under the stars at the ninth annual Art & Martini reception, held April 6 in the Winter Garden at Jamieson Place.
More than 40 pieces of original art by graduating art students were available for purchase.
Among those in attendance were: DLA Piper’s Heather Treacy, Roy Hudson, Sharilyn Nagina, Robert Seidel, James Bancroft, Brian Yaworski, Patrick Roche, Laura Safran, Jennifer Arndt and Catherine Kay; CPO president and CEO Paul Dornian; MNP’s Charmaine Toms, Greg Draper and Bailey Rivard; The Counsel Network’s Sameera Sereda and Akash Bir; Calliou Group’s Tracy Campbell and Kevin De Carteret; Park Energy Law partner Mark Gerlitz; Mayor Nenshi’s Chief of Staff Chima Nkemdirim; Calgary Board of Education’s Greg Francis and Kelly-Ann Fenney; and, artists Marina Di Maio, Mahwish Ahmed and Andrea Rizzuti.