Intimate Arts & Fashion Gala Night: Art Exhibit | Cocktails | Runway

An evening of art, fashion and connection celebrating Kwakwaka’wakw carver Ross Henderson and launching his newest Collector Collection.

About the evening

The gala is a night to bring people together around Indigenous art — to meet, connect and see Ross Henderson’s work come to life on the runway.

Guests move through an intimate exhibit of original carvings and canvases, then watch a fashion showcase featuring limited-edition collector pieces inspired by his designs. The night marks the launch of the newest Collector Collection.

It is built for collectors, creatives, founders, sponsors and community members who want a meaningful room to network in. Art exhibit: Original canvases and carvings by Ross Henderson, displayed gallery-style

Live jazz: A jazz band sets the mood through the exhibit and cocktail hour

Fashion showcase: A runway of limited-edition collector pieces carrying his designs

DJ: A DJ soundtracks the runway and keeps the energy up into the late evening

Cocktails & bites: Meet the artist and RHNA’s creative partners over drinks and small bites

Networking: Connect with guests, sponsors and ambassadors

Collection launch: First look at the newest Collector Collection

Music: live jazz for the first half of the night, then a DJ from the runway show onward.

About the artist

Ross Henderson (https://www.lattimergallery.com/collections/ross-henderson) is a Kwakwaka’wakw carver who has been carving seriously since 2002, working in the traditional Kwakwaka’wakw style.

Born: October 12, 1970, in Alert Bay, BC; now lives in Fort Rupert, BC

Influences: inspired as a teenager by his brother, Jonathan Henderson; works alongside Kwakwaka’wakw artist Trevor Hunt

Known for: masks (including Hamat’sa masks), paddles, red cedar panels and bentwood boxes

Materials: red cedar, yellow cedar and cedar bark

Recurring figures: Eagle, Raven, Thunderbird, Killerwhale, Wolf, Bear, Salmon, Hummingbird, Moon and Sun

Notable commission: in 2015 he carved a double-sided paddle, commissioned through Lattimer Gallery, for Rocky Mountaineer’s 25th anniversary

His work is represented by Lattimer Gallery in Vancouver, carved paddles start at $300 CAD and red cedar panels reach $4,800 CAD.

Guest information

RSVP: reserve your spot! Space is limited — it’s an intimate evening.

Dress code: black & white formal attire. Think tuxedos, suits, gowns and elegant cocktail dresses in black, white or both.

Getting there: Tee Bee Event Room, 6320 6 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2B7.

FAQ

Can I buy art at the event? Collector Collection pieces will be presented on the night; ask the RHNA team about availability.

Who should attend? Art lovers, collectors, creatives, entrepreneurs, founders and sponsors — anyone who wants to be part of something meaningful, connect with Calgary’s arts community and experience Indigenous art up close.

Can I bring a guest? Confirm on the RSVP page.

Open questions to confirm: ticket price or free entry, guest/plus-one policy, parking, age restriction (alcohol served), and an accessibility contact.

FAQs

Can I buy art at the event?

Collector Collection pieces will be presented on the night; ask the RHNA team about availability.

Who should attend?

Art lovers, collectors, creatives, entrepreneurs, founders and sponsors — anyone who wants to be part of something meaningful, connect with Calgary’s arts community and experience Indigenous art up close.

Is food included?

Yes — cocktails and small bites are served throughout the evening.

What entertainment is there?

Live jazz during the exhibit and cocktail hour, a runway fashion showcase, and a DJ into the evening.

Is this a good networking event?

Absolutely. The night is designed for connection, with guests, sponsors, ambassadors and creative partners in one room.