25 Photos Inside Fête Champêtre: A Countryside Gala Benefitting the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
A couple of Sundays ago, as summer came to a close and the slightest hint of fall could be felt in the air, scores of Toronto-based philanthropists and art enthusiasts headed toward the Ontario countryside for an art- and music-filled afternoon. Hosted by arts patron Bruce Bailey in his country home, the first-of-its-kind luncheon gala brought together these art lovers in support of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, marking the first time Ontarians have participated in a gala benefitting a Quebec-based arts institution. Dubbed Fête Champêtre after the famed 18th-century garden parties of Versailles, the afternoon event involved musical performances by the Canadian Opera Company and Juno-winning musician Liona Boyd, a family-style country feast by Chef Cory Vitiello, and silent and live art auctions on a collection curated by Mr Bailey. The event raised $400,000 in support of the MMFA, and also gave guests an opportunity to don their finest “fancy dress” regalia for a lively day of activities. What’s not to love about that?
Click through our gallery for a look at the best dressed people at the event.
Photo by George Pimentel
Fête Champêtre
Bruce Bailey and Elizabeth Dowdeswell