Linel Rebenchuk 1954-2016
We are sad to announce the passing of Linel Rebenchuk, founder of the Toronto International Art Fair.
We have attended every year of Art Toronto since its inception and will always remember Linel’s wide smile, warm hugs and his boundless energy. He had a vision for promoting Canadian art and with Art Toronto changed the lives of many galleries, artists and collectors.
Born in Bucharest, Romania, Linel immigrated to Canada in 1986. Arriving in Canada penniless and without prospects, Linel took various odd jobs to help him improve his English and set up a home to welcome his wife Mihaela who joined him in 1987. In 1992 they moved to Vancouver where he set up a small art gallery that focused mostly with European artist exhibits and framing.
In 1997 he founded and produced the first Vancouver International Art Exhibition. The first two fairs 1997 and 1998 were very successful with positive media coverage and the participation of 40 plus quality international galleries. In 2000, with additional financing from an event organizer group, Linel moved the fair to Toronto and started the Toronto International Art Fair (Art Toronto) that has since enjoyed spectacular growth and success, becoming the largest and most important commercial visual art event in Canada. Linel was the Director for fifteen years of Art Toronto and retired following the 2014 show.
Linel lived passionately with a restless entrepreneurial spirit that was always in search for new challenges, his interests included music, art, design, gourmet food and vintage wines. Linel was also deeply devoted to his family and leaves behind his wife Mihaela (Ella) and daughters Sondra and Isabelle.
“Our community has lost a leader and a true visionary. Linel founded an international art fair at a time when it was not readily apparent that this would be possible in Canada. He did it anyway because he believed in the idea and saw its potential. Linel believed that Canada was ready and was a champion for it. He grew the fair to become a vital part of the global art scene and in doing so he helped to foster a vibrant art market in this country. What Linel built has positively impacted so many people and the legacy of his work will continue to live on for many years to come.” Susannah Rosenstock, Show Director, Art Toronto
Link to Globe and Mail Obituary HERE