Business Details
34 Years
experience
Trusted Calgary Art Auctions & Appraisals Since 1992
Founded in 1992, Levis Fine Art Auctions has established itself as a trusted leader in the Canadian art auction industry. With over 30 years of combined experience, co-owners Cheryl Sonley and Andrea Lowe continue the legacy of integrity and professionalism initiated by founder Doug Levis. Our expertise spans consigning and selling historical and contemporary works by Canadian and international artists, including specialized auctions for Inuit and First Nations art. We offer comprehensive services such as written appraisals for insurance and estate matters, secure on-site art storage, and global packaging and shipping solutions.Our team of four full-time professionals combines scholarly knowledge with practical expertise to deliver client-centric solutions, supported by a commitment to community through benefit auctions and pro bono appraisal services. Backed by decades of industry experience and adherence to ethical business practices, we provide transparent processes and personalized service for both private and corporate clients.
Services
Art Auctions
Written Appraisals
Art Storage
Global Shipping
Consultation Services
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 27+ combined years of leadership experience in the auction industry
- Sold over 48,000 works of art with a 89% sell-through rate
- Secure on-site art storage facility with climate control and surveillance
- Global shipping expertise using Canada Post and FedEx networks
- Community-focused with pro bono appraisal services for Western Canadian galleries
Associations and certifications
- Canadian Association of Personal Property Appraisers (CAPPA)
- International Society of Appraisers (ISA)
- Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group (CPPAG)
Services
Art Auctions
We conduct biannual art auctions featuring historical and contemporary works by Canadian and international artists. Our specialized Indigenous art auctions highlight Inuit and First Nations creators. With 30+ years of experience and a 89% sell-through rate, we provide transparent bidding processes and expert curation for both live and online auctions.
Written Appraisals
Our certified appraisers offer insurance, estate, and import/export valuations for fine art. Services include condition reports, restoration consultations, and documentation meeting Canadian and international standards. Cheryl Sonley (CAPPA/ISA) and Andrea Lowe (CPPAG) bring decades of combined expertise to ensure accurate, defensible valuations for private and corporate clients.
Art Storage
Our climate-controlled facility provides secure storage for paintings, sculptures, and collections. Features include 24/7 surveillance, smoke detectors, and on-site staff. We catalog items digitally, offer insurance documentation, and provide volume-based pricing starting at $10/cubic foot/month. Clients receive customized access and inventory management solutions.
Global Shipping
We handle domestic and international art shipping with custom crating and border documentation. Services include Canada Post, FedEx, and specialized art couriers. Our team ensures safe packaging using rigid insulation crates and void fillers. We coordinate logistics for single pieces or entire collections, with resealable packaging for customs inspections.
Consultation Services
Our experts provide guidance on collection management, deaccessioning, and acquisitions. Services include estate planning, charitable donation strategies, and corporate art advisory. With deep knowledge of Canadian art markets and 30+ years of auction data, we offer tailored solutions for private collectors, institutions, and galleries seeking informed decision-making.
People
Cheryl Sonley
Co-Owner
Co-owner with 27+ years in auction industry. Specializes in appraisals, client relations, and art market strategy. CAPPA/ISA certified with focus on ethical business practices and community engagement.
Andrea Lowe
Co-Owner
Co-owner bringing retail and social services expertise. CPPAG-certified appraiser with focus on ethical business practices. Manages operations and client solutions with analytical approach to art market challenges.
Dave Ttrault
Technology Specialist
Tech expert handling database management, photography, and online auction platforms. Former freelance graphic artist with 15+ years in digital media. Ensures smooth technical operations during live and online auctions.
Anna Gardner
Administrative Manager
Experienced in financial bookkeeping and catalog proofing. Former curator of $3.5M corporate art collection. Provides continuity with 15-year tenure, combining big-picture vision with meticulous attention to operational details.
Doug Levis
Founder Emeritus
Founded LEVIS in 1992 after 7-year gallery career. Pioneered digital auction databases in 1985. Transitioned leadership in 2020 while maintaining advisory role. Recognized for integrity and technological innovation in Canadian art auctions.
Questions
How do I register for an auction?
Create an account with a valid credit card to receive a paddle number. Existing users with 4-6 digit paddle numbers can log in directly.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Debit, Cash, Cheque, E-Transfer, and Bank Wire. Credit card payments are processed automatically after auction closure.
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes, we provide global shipping with custom crating and border documentation. Services include Canada Post, FedEx, and specialized art couriers for international destinations.
How are appraisal fees calculated?
Written appraisals cost $200/hour. Our certified appraisers provide detailed valuations for insurance, estates, and import/export purposes with transparent billing.
What art categories do you handle?
We specialize in Canadian historical and contemporary art, Indigenous works, and international paintings/sculptures. Our expertise includes 40,000+ lots sold across diverse artistic mediums.
Can I get storage quotes in advance?
Yes, we offer free storage consultations. Costs start at $10/cubic foot/month with volume discounts. Contact us for customized storage solutions and facility tours.
