Fine art auction featuring rare Canadian pieces amid heightened patriotism

You see the 'Buy Canadian' stickers on items at the grocery store, and now fine art auction houses are getting patriotic...

A fine art auction house is getting patriotic with its special all-Canadian preview showcase ahead of its spring auction.

Some art collectors told CTV News they are thrilled for the chance to have an up-close look at the 40 fine art pieces on display at the Heffel Calgary location.

“You rarely get to see something like this in western Canada,” said David Perry.

Up for auction will be some pieces from the Group of Seven, Canada’s world-renowned artist group from a century ago, but it’s two pieces by Tom Thomson that are getting the white glove treatment.

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One piece called “Autumn, Algonquin Park,” an oil on panel from 1914, is estimated to be valued between $1 million and $1.2 million. “Dawn on Round Lake” is valued between $700,000 and $900,000.

“It’s a privilege to be able to see these pieces that close and personal,” said John Reid, an art collector.

The president of Heffel Gallery says he hopes the all-Canadian element is a draw for the upcoming spring auction.

“Canadians today are being asked what makes Canada so special and great and you’ll discover some of those reasons here,” said David Heffel.

Some art aficionados are also sensing that the surge in Canadian pride since U.S. President Donald Trump took office is a factor.

“I think the recent political things that have happened are giving people a real appreciation of Canadian art,” said Perry.

However, some economists say fine art auctions are not subject to the market conditions most Canadians are contending with.

“(Fine art collectors) are looking to hang it in their private houses or in their private locations for a limited few. I don’t think they’re particularly going to care what the passport of the painting is,” said Moshe Lander, an economics professor at Concordia University.

He added that fine art is seen as a safe investment during economic downturns for the small segment that can afford it, and artistic taste is what matters the most.

Still, for Perry, just seeing Canadian masterpieces in person is a point of pride.

“Oh, to win the lottery ... Yeah, there’s some beautiful stuff here.”

The preview is free for public viewing in Calgary until Sunday. The live auction takes place in Toronto on May 22, but anyone can access it by phone or online.