Canadian impressionist Artist Painter Antoine Gaber supports Canadian Liver Foundation.

For Immediate Release

Under the patronage of the Honourable Marilyn Trenholme Counsell, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick and with the support of International, Canadian Impressionist Artist Painter Antoine Gaber, the Canadian Liver Foundation today announced a unique fundraising strategy to benefit the people of New Brunswick. Antoine Gaber will contribute an important percentage of the sales of his paintings from an Art Exhibition to be held at the Dufferin Inn and Suites in Saint John, from April 5th to August 30th this year, to the New Brunswick Region of the Canadian Liver Foundation.

Mr. Gaber, former resident, and Director of the New Brunswick Medicare / Prescription Drug Program, began painting in 1994, he married his professional career in clinical research in cancer and hepatitis B treatment with his artistic expression. His paintings quickly drew attention and invitations to major exhibitions followed. The beginning of the millennium heralds great recognition for Gaber, as his work becomes increasingly known in Canada, the USA and sought after in Europe. Gaber has since rapidly captured the media's attention and has since made the front page of several newspapers and television shows.

As Canada's chosen artist, Gaber's work will be displayed at one of the most prestigious European exhibition at the Biennale Internazionale dell'Arte Contemporanea, in Florence, Italy, in December 2003. Participation in the Biennale is by nomination by the International Committee of Critics, now numbering almost fifty members from around the world. Over 600 artists, painters, sculptors and photographers from over 40 nations will participate in the world's most comprehensive exhibition of Contemporary Art. The Biennale Exhibition has featured work by such distinguished figures as Charles, Prince of Wales and well known actress Gina Lollobrigida.

Gaber initiated an important project that will last a few years to complete of a Canadian painting tour starting from the East Coast to the West Coast. Also included in his portfolio are recent land and seascapes of New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada. The purpose is of two folds, one to promote the Canadian landscape and the second to create new art images that will also support his charity work.

Using his art for charitable purposes is not new to Antoine Gaber. He has already made significant contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society with the imagery of his art and as well for HIV related causes.

Mr. Gaber decided to lend his support to the Canadian Liver Foundation following his attendance at an Awareness Evening on Liver Disease, hosted by the Lt. Governor of New Brunswick on October 29, 2002. One of the keynote speakers that evening was his fellow artist Freeman Patterson, a New Brunswick photographer/artist and a double liver transplant recipient.

"Freeman Patterson's personal story touched my soul" said Gaber. "As a result of his brush with death, I became concerned that not enough was known about the over 100 forms of liver disease. I was contacted by Les Stoodley, the Regional Coordinator of the CLF for New Brunswick and decided to offer assistance to improve the awareness of liver disease. My hope is that funds raised will help contribute to the work already being carried out in liver disease research in Canada", Gaber stated.

Les Stoodley said the offer of support from Mr. Gaber was totally unexpected. "I met with Antoine in Fredericton to discuss methods of reaching health professionals in the province and came away with a commitment of support from an internationally known Canadian artist. Mr. Gaber's desire to support the work of the CLF by donating an important percentage of sales is a unique method of fundraising for the province. The concept benefits the Canadian Liver Foundation by vastly increased awareness, as well as allowing the Foundation to continue its educational work in the province", Stoodley stated.

As his talent deepens and matures, Antoine Gaber ceaselessly strives to enrich his understanding and expression of the world around him. An increasing presence on the world's artistic stage is indicative of the piercing vision that guides and shapes Gaber's ever-evolving oeuvre.

Plans call for Antoine Gaber to attend a media Launch on April 2nd and 3rd. Her Honour, the Lieutenant Governor and Mr. Gaber will attend a reception and benefit RSVP dinner on April 5th from 6:30 pm -11:30 pm with an exclusive 7 course menu prepared by the renown Chef Axel Begner. The menu and wine will be exquisitely prepared and chosen based on the theme, color and texture from Gaber's paintings exhibited of France. Several of his New Brunswick and Atlantic paintings during his stay will also be featured. Her Honour will be present at the official opening of the exhibition to be held on April 6th, from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. The exhibit will close on August 30th 2003.

The Antoine Gaber Exhibit in Saint John is supported by Mrs. Margaret and Axel Begner of the Dufferin Inn and Suites, 357 Dufferin Street, Saint John. For more information about the artist you can visit his art site at :www.antoinegaber.com

Contact RSVP :

The Honourable Bernard Lord Premier of New Brunswick	The Honourable Marilyn Trenholme Counsell Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick

Welsford, NB	St-Martins Fundy Trail , NB

Mactacquac , NB	Bouctouche dunes, NB

Date: 14 March 2003