November 10, 2018 to January 20, 2019
Dr. Luigi Rossi, a radiologist who practiced in Grande Prairie, Alberta, for 30 years, found his true passion in collecting Canadian art. An early patron of contemporary Indigenous art, Dr. Rossi acquired works by artists such as Alex Janvier, Norval Morrisseau, and Daphne Odjig, among other Canadians including Jack Bush, Ted Harrison, Gershon Iskowitz, and Jack Shadbolt.
Dr. Rossi supported arts and culture in Kelowna while amassing a colourful sampling of Canadian art history and compiling the largest collection of Alex Janvier paintings in private hands. The friendship Dr. Rossi found with Janvier and those with whom he could share his collection was facilitated by his love of art.
For the first time at this scale, selected works from Dr. Rossi’s collection are being exhibited together, shining a light on the collector, the artists, and the art he loved. The paintings and sculptures, entwined with the story of Dr. Rossi’s passion, illustrate the importance of collecting to the arts in Canada.
Dr. Rossi’s dream was to have his collection made available to as many viewers as possible to inspire and illuminate. After forty years as a collector and a philanthropist, Dr. Rossi passed away at his home in October 2017, leaving behind his collection of artworks—an inspiration to the next generation of collectors.
Organized by the Kelowna Art Gallery. Guest Curated by Stew Turcotte.
Exhibition sponsor
Opening Reception
Friday, November 9, 6 to 8 pm
Open to members and guests by invitation.This event is held in conjunction with the opening for Aleksandra Dulic and Miles Thorogood: Journey of a Pod.
Talk & Tour: Stew Turcotte and Dr. Ihor Holubizky
Saturday, November 10, 2 to 3 pm
Join guest curator Stew Turcotte and Dr. Ihor Holubizky, author of one of the essays in the exhibition catalogue, for a talk and tour of The Rossi Collection: A Circle of Friends. This event is complimentary with gallery admission, and free for members. It is open to the public to attend.
Lunchbox Talk
December 5, 12 to 1 pm
Guest Curator Stew Turcotte will share his knowledge of Dr. Luigi Rossi’s collection and the works that were selected for the exhibition The Rossi Collection: A Circle of Friends.
