City of Saint John and Canadian impressionist Artist Painter Antoine Gaber supports Canadian Liver Foundation with special appreciation night for former Lieutenant-Governor.

For Immediate Release

An evening of appreciation and celebration for former Lieutenant-Governor, now Senator Marilyn Trenholme-Counsell recently appointed by the Honourable Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chretien, is set for Saint John on November 26th. Her Worship Shirley McAlary and Common Council will host the evening, with support from International, Canadian Impressionist Artist Painter Antoine Gaber. Proceeds from a special art auction will go the New Brunswick Branch of the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF). The evening, which begins at 5pm, will also serve as the official opening for the artist's solo exhibition at the Saint John Arts Centre. The exhibition will run through January 25, 2004. During the two months of the exhibit, Mr. Gaber will also donate a percentage of the art sold to the CLF.

Mr. Gaber, former resident, and director of the New Brunswick Medicare / Prescription Drug Program, began painting in 1994. His paintings quickly drew attention and began receiving invitations to major exhibitions. Mr. Gaber's work will represent Canada at Europe's most prestigious exhibition 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.

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 then Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick last October 29, 2002. "The presentations last October 29th convinced me of the urgent need to help the CLF, so much about liver disease is not known and if my contribution can help create more awareness in New Brunswick and in Canada, through my paintings, then I have an obligation to support such a worthy charity", Mr. Gaber said.

Les Stoodley, Regional Manager Health Promotion of the Canadian Liver Foundation said the willingness of Senator Trenholme-Counsell, Mayor McAlarey and Mr. Gaber is another major step forward for the work of the CLF in New Brunswick. "Having people such as the Senator, the Mayor and Mr. Gaber willing to support our Foundation's mandate, which is create awareness and raise research funds, is a continuation of the work we started two years ago", Stoodley said.

Mayor McAlary who also attended last October's event in Fredericton said she was pleased to lend the City's support to the evening. "Many residents of the city have to deal with one of the 100 forms of liver disease and in this way, Common Council can help the Canadian Liver Foundation continue its work in education and research ", said Her Worship. 'The City of Saint John has many charities such as the CLF who continue to make a significant contribution to the health and education of our citizens".

Senator Trenholme-Counsell who hosted the awareness night last October at Old Government House in Fredericton said she was humbled by the plans for the evening. A medical doctor, the new Senator said she was honoured to be part of any event that would help support health awareness for residents of New Brunswick.

Mr. Gaber will make a special presentation of one of his several paintings admired by the Senator, which she viewed at his last exhibit earlier this year in New Brunswick as the Patron of his art show. The presentation will be followed by an auction of another Gaber painting, with the net proceeds being donated to the Canadian Liver Foundation. For more information about the artist you can visit his art site at :www.antoinegaber.com

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Senator Marilyn Trenholme Counsell with Artist Antoine Gaber	Her Worship the Mayor of the City of Saint John, NB, Shirley McAlary with Artist Antoine Gaber

Antoine Gaber in Saint John, NB

Date: 5 October 2003