OTTAWA, ON.- The National Gallery of Canada Foundation announced the launch of The American Friends of the National Gallery of Canada, its affiliate in the United States of America. The new organization was established to strengthen the Foundation’s presence in the United States and to expand its ability to reach US-based art patrons.

“As a result of the close cultural and economic relationships between our two countries, millions of people residing in the United States have personal ties to Canada,” said the Chair of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation Board of Directors, Thomas P. d’Aquino. “The National Gallery of Canada offers them a wonderful opportunity to stay connected to or learn more about Canada’s cultural heritage and we are pleased to facilitate their support of the National Gallery.”

Internationally renowned, the Gallery’s collections include the most comprehensive holding of Canadian art. “Among other things, our national collection tells the evolving story of Canada and makes that story accessible nationally and internationally,” noted NGC Director, Marc Mayer. “A great example of this is the presentation of the exhibition Yousuf Karsh at 100: Portraits of Artists at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC, which marks the launch of The American Friends. We hope that it will stimulate interest in Canadian art and in our institution among our neighbors.” The exhibition is on view until December 18, 2009.

Patrons filing their income taxes in the United States can now be issued a tax receipt by The American Friends of the National Gallery of Canada, which is recognized by Internal Revenue Services (USA).