REGINA — The University Of Regina is auctioning off more than 300 artworks from its President’s Art Collection.
The artworks on auction are part of a large donation to the University of Regina President's Art Collection made by Dr. Jacqui Shumiatcher, O.C., S.O.M. (1923-2021) on behalf of herself and her late husband Dr. Morris "Shumi" Shumiatcher, O.C., S.O.M., Q.C. (1917-2004). Jacqui and Morris Shumiatcher were ardent art collectors and generous patrons of the arts in Saskatchewan. They helped to support many cultural organizations in the province over their decades of philanthropy from the 1950s onward.
At the time of the donation, it was agreed that a selection of un-retained artworks would be dispersed in order to support the long-term care of the University of Regina President's Art Collection, Shumiatcher donation.
The auction is being held online and features more than 300 Canadian and international artworks, including many by Saskatchewan artists such as Robert Newton Hurley, Clara Samuels, Elizabeth Sajtos, Jeff Nye, John Peet, Jeannie Mah, Gerri Ann Siwek, Maria Gakovic, Lorne Beug, Luther Pokrant, Antoinette Herivel, Sharon Eisbrenner and Michael Bromley.
Over the course of their lives, the Shumiatchers donated close to $3.5 million to the University of Regina, including in support of the Shumiatcher Open Stage, Rose Jeanne Souillart Clay and Pierre P.F. Clay Scholarship in French, the Dr. M.C. Shumiatcher Graduate Scholarship in English, the College Avenue Campus Renewal Project and more.
“The Shumiatchers’ many gifts to the University were in fact just some of the countless ways in which they supported arts and culture throughout the province,” said Dr. Jeff Keshen, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Regina.
“Their generosity was truly inspiring. As a couple they supported cultural organizations both big and small throughout their philanthropic lives, and helped to cultivate generations of artists – and audiences. We’re all beneficiaries of the Shumiatchers’ generous spirit and boundless love of our province.”
The online auction is being hosted by the Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting, and may be viewed online now. The auction runs until Sept. 24.
A live preview of 100 artworks from the auction will be on display and open to the public
Friday, Sept. 8 from noon to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the College Building at the University of Regina’s College Avenue Campus Conexus Multipurpose Room CB 139 at 2155 - College Ave.
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