On November 7th, the Italian Cultural Centre came alive with art, music, and wonderful guests at ATB Financial Presents Here’s Nina. This annual event has become a highly anticipated celebration of Edmonton’s diverse arts community, selling out this year with nearly 400 guests.

Prior to enjoying a fabulous dinner, guests mingled and bid on an array of deluxe silent auction items donated by some incredible local businesses and individuals while enjoying wine and signature cocktails courtesy of Beverage Sponsor Lexus of Edmonton and concocted  by our effervescent volunteer bartenders, Bassem and Paulina.

Longtime hosts and great friends of the Nina, Sheri Somerville and CTV’s Josh Classen, guided us through a program that was jam packed with stunning musical performances, poignant stories, and memorable moments.

One such moment was the formal farewell to Paul Freeman, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Nina for sixteen years, who resigned this fall but continues to be an important figure and supporter of our Collective. 

The entertainment portion of the event, sponsored by Dentons, was nothing short of sensational. Mallory Chipman, (celebrated jazz singer and granddaughter of former Event Chair Tommy Banks), kicked things off with a soulful performance. Returning Here’s Nina favorites, Terrell Edwards, Colleen Rae, and Holly, dazzled guests as usual, and Alberta’s fastest guitar player, David Jay “The Spaniard”, left the audience amazed with his speed and style. The night ended on a jubilant note with a joyous 80s dance party led by Rubix Cubed.

Jamie Laventure brings mundane objects to life with his distinctively playful sense of colour and shape. He is a dedicated artist, devoting several days a week to studio time, and constantly exploring new subject matter in a variety of mediums. His work displays a consistent degree of finish and has been featured in many exhibitions both locally and internationally, including a permanent installation at the East Edmonton Health Centre.

Aba Garbrah’s artwork has brought together people who may not have connected otherwise, and has inspired personal friendships and community connections. She has formed a meaningful bond with her patron Dao Haddad that has grown to include both of their families and places of work.

Since joining the Nina Collective, Katryna Dixon’s self-perspective has shifted to that of a serious artist with a multitude of opportunities for personal and professional growth. During her time in the studio, her confidence has developed alongside her skill, and she continues to take on more ambitious projects and share her work with new audiences.

Kim Casarin joined the Nina Collective in 2019 with a well-established illustrative style and technical skill. Her focus in the studio is admirable and her work serves as an inspiration for her fellow artists in the Nina Collective. Employing a seemingly endless variety of styles and techniques, Kim’s commitment to developing her practice at the Nina promises to lead to incredible achievements in her future.

Lora Pallister’s brightly coloured, quilt-like brushwork and abstracted perspective make her eye-catching paintings instantly recognizable.  Her vibrant canvases have hung in solo shows throughout the city, and in 2019, two large-format reproductions of her work were selected for long term exhibition at the Edmonton EXPO Centre for 1.5 million annual visitors to enjoy. 

As the 2020 Stantec Artist of the Year, Lora’s work will travel to multiple venues including Stantec’s new downtown offices.

Sheri Somerville has been a supporter of the Nina since the very beginning. Her contributions to Edmonton’s arts community are truly remarkable and the Nina thanks her for her ongoing support.