Mendel Announces Honourary Co-Chairs of Capital Campaign: Joni Mitchell and Eva Mendel Miller

Jocelyne Kost, President of the Mendel Art Gallery, and Terry Graff, its Director and CEO, have announced today that Joni Mitchell and Eva Mendel Miller are spearheading the Capital Campaign of the Mendel Art Gallery's Facility Renovation and Expansion Project as Honourary Co-Chairs.

According to Ms Kost, "The excitement and momentum is growing by leaps and bounds around the Mendel's renovation and expansion plans as we prepare for the launch of our Capital Campaign this October. We are currently assembling an exceptional and inspired team of Mendel supporters, and are absolutely thrilled that both Joni Mitchell and Eva Mendel Miller have lent their names as Honourary Co-Chairs of our campaign.”

Director and CEO Terry Graff states: "We have a bold and ambitious dream in the making . . . and we also have two extraordinary individuals to help lead us to its realization: the remarkable Eva Mendel Miller, the artist, philanthropist, and arts advocate who was instrumental in establishing the Mendel with her father in 1964, and who is the gallery’s longest standing benefactor; and the legendary Joni Mitchell, songwriter, singer, musician, poet, artist, and Saskatoon’s First Lady. Ms Mitchell is deeply attached to this community, and has a connection to the Mendel family and its incredible art collection that extends back to her early years in Saskatoon. Ms Mitchell’s first-ever Canadian exhibition of her paintings, many based on the landscape of the Prairies, was organized by and presented at the Mendel Art Gallery in 2000.”

The Mendel's $13.15 million Facility Renovation and Development Project heralds a new and exciting chapter in the 40-year history of the institution. Honouring the original vision of Fred S. Mendel, and responding to the spirit and needs of a progressive and evolving community, this major initiative represents a significant reinvestment in the value of art and culture to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Canada.