Sask. art collections feature pieces from record-setting Group of Seven artist

The artist behind the most expensive artwork ever sold in a Canadian auction has pieces at Saskatchewan art galleries as well.

The work Mountain Forms by Group of Seven founder Lawren Harris sold for a record total price of $11.21 million Thursday night.

• Lawren Harris painting Mountain Forms sells for record $11.21M at auction

Another Harris mountainscape painting is part of the Mendel Art Gallery Collection at the Remai Modern in Saskatoon.

"This kind of attention, and particularly when people hear the high level of the price, it just creates a lot more attention on the fact we have such an iconic painting in the collection," Gregory Burke, executive director and CEO of the Remai Modern, told CBC Radio's Afternoon Edition.

The piece, known as Mountains near Jasper, was donated to the gallery by the Mendel family in 1965.

Mountains near Jasper was also part of a touring show organized by comedian Steve Martin.

• Comedian Steve Martin borrows Group of Seven painting from Saskatoon's Mendel Art Gallery

The painting is now back in the vault, but Burke said it will likely be coming back out when the Remai Modern Art Gallery opens in 2017.

"We've named one of our collection art galleries after both the Mendel gallery and the Mendel family, and of course this work will be taking pride of place at the opening in that gallery."

The MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina also lists a Harris piece in its collection. Winter Sunrise is listed as part of its University of Regina collection.