TORONTO.- The seventh annual Toronto International Art Fair (TIAF) celebrates its leading role as one of the most important and anticipated contemporary art fairs in North America, with an impressive array of galleries, artists, collectors, critics, curators and art professionals from Canada and abroad who will gather to showcase and view more than 3,000 pieces of work by some of the most compelling artists of the 20th and 21st century.

Art Toronto 2006 launched on Thursday November 9 with the Opening Night Preview, a benefit for the Art Gallery of Ontario and the social event of the season. The Opening Night Preview is a lively and enjoyable cocktail party offering guests the opportunity to preview and purchase a vibrant mix of artworks presented by over 80 galleries from 10 countries around the world... before the Fair opens to the public.

For the serious collector, the exclusive advance Special Collectors' Preview opens at 4:30 pm. With a limited number of tickets available, this champagne reception offers the very first opportunity to see and purchase what the Fair has to offer. Commencing at 6:30pm, the rest of the guests will join the celebration for the Opening Night Preview which continues until 10pm.

The Opening Night Preview is a special occasion to mingle and to meet some of today's leading gallery owners and artists. All proceeds will be committed to education and exhibition programming at the Gallery.

Come raise your glass and meet many of today's leading artists featured in the 2006 Toronto International Art Fair.