All in on Art: The McMichael Moonlight Gala and OCAD U Gala

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, June 13, 2026

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection held its final Moonlight Gala before a major multiyear redevelopment to raise funds for exhibitions, educational programs, and garden maintenance, while OCAD University’s annual gala raised $420,000 to support student bursaries in the arts. These events highlight significant investments in the preservation, enhancement, and future growth of Canadian art institutions and education.

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection and OCAD University each hosted prominent gala events in late May to support their respective missions in the Canadian art community.

On May 27, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection held its annual Moonlight Gala amid the scenic Humber River Valley. The event attracted approximately 600 guests and aimed to raise funds for upcoming exhibitions, educational initiatives, outreach programming, and the upkeep of the museum’s gardens. This year’s gala marked the final edition before the gallery undertakes a significant multiyear redevelopment of its site—the first major upgrade in more than 40 years. Established in the 1950s as the former home of Robert and Signe McMichael, the timber-and-stone gallery maintains a distinctive, intimate atmosphere. Hariri Pontarini Architects have been commissioned to lead the redevelopment, with conceptual designs highlighting a balance between modern functionality and respect for the institution’s historic character.

The gala was co-chaired by Debra Fenwick, a member of the gallery’s board of trustees, and Laura Mirabella, who serves on the McMichael Canadian Art Foundation board. Steven Del Duca, mayor of Vaughan, Ontario, and Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Energy Minister and MPP for King-Vaughan, acted as honorary co-chairs. The crowd was addressed by Sarah Milroy, executive director and chief curator of the gallery, under the light of a full moon.

Earlier on May 27, OCAD University held the second edition of its annual gala fundraiser on the Toronto campus, raising $420,000 to support bursaries for students pursuing studies in the arts. The event featured a cocktail reception in the school’s main building, where attendees experienced installations by several artists including Cell Driver, Golnoush Mir Salari, Simone Northey, Jordan Shaw, and Sohyun Yoon. Dinner followed at the Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design, honoring the centre’s namesake, Mrs. Rosalie Sharp, an alumna from the class of 1969. Mrs. Sharp contributed her 2026 artwork as part of the auction, alongside pieces by fellow alumni such as Jordin Mimran and Alexa Kumiko Hatanaka.

OCAD’s gala was co-chaired by Amy Burstyn-Fritz and Jeff Hull, with a committee that included gallery owner and interior designer Alison Milne, Jaclyn Cobourn, Alison Currie, and Nandini Gupta. Attendees included notable supporters Nancy McCain and Bill Morneau, curator Gaëtane Verna, OCAD president and vice-chancellor Ana Serrano, and Chancellor Jaime Watt.

Both galas underscored ongoing commitments to supporting Canadian art, education, and cultural preservation through fundraising and community engagement.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.