Cheryl combines three outstanding traits that have groomed her for co-ownership of LEVIS; a good head for business, sound instincts for authentic and trustworthy connections with people, and a long time love affair with the visual arts. These attributes are woven together and skillfully expressed in her relentless commitment to be of genuine service to those who cross her path every day through her work in the secondary art market. Whether a buyer is hoping to acquire the next important piece for a personal art collection or a seller is reluctantly parting with an artwork treasured for years by family, Cheryl’s professional commitment to the client is the same: to work towards the best possible outcome with clear processes, transparent interactions, and kindness.

Cheryl has completed appraisal courses through the International Society of Appraisers, the largest professional association of personal property appraisers in North America. This training allows her to provide clients with formal appraisals written to ISA and USPAP (The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) standards, meeting the varying appraisal needs of the Canadian art industry. She is a current member of CAPPA (Canadian Association of Personal Property Appraisers). An active participant in the arts and environment culture of Calgary, she has volunteered with TUC (Trout Unlimited Canada), the Calgary Folk Festival, the Honens International Piano Competition, plus others. Her proven ability to work successfully with private individuals, not-for-profit organizations, and corporate clients on all matters art related, including secure storage and confidential inventory, deaccessioning, and acquisitions provides strong leadership for the continued growth of the company. 

As Co-owner of LEVIS, Andrea is committed to expanding and strengthening the presence of the company in the Canadian art auction industry. Her allegiance to core values of honesty, dignity for every person, and ethical business dealings have been road tested and found to be road worthy. For Andrea, “How can we help?” is an authentic and passionate inquiry, not a marketing ploy. Her superb organizational and analytical abilities combine with nuanced interpersonal skills to bring dynamic and collaborative solutions within the firm and to facilitate win-win creative outcomes for LEVIS clients, both buyers and sellers.

Andrea completed the appraisal course through the CPPAG (Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group) in January 2020.  She has volunteered at the Calgary Public Library for the last 10 years helping people with literacy through ESL and enhanced reading skills.

Dave grew up in a mixed farming region of rural Ontario and knew from the get-go it was not the life he wanted. Leveraging his suite of precociously self-taught computer skills he found work in the technological sector, primarily in graphic arts, animation, and filmmaking. During most of this freelance career spanning 15 years he also managed a restaurant in Calgary. His tech wizardry contributes to unexpected solutions for computer issues when required and his calm focus during the fast-paced action of online auctions is appreciated in equal measure by clients and staff. His valuable skills in photography, database management, and graphic arts design, combined with his “Let’s figure this out!” attitude have earned him a solid place in the LEVIS team since becoming a full-time employee in 2022.

Growing a successful business in the small and highly competitive arena of art auctions requires staff with unusual breadth of experience and many diverse skills and, happily, Anna was well-suited to help LEVIS during this time of change. Following completion of degrees in Philosophy (UofT) and French Language (UofC) she had worked variously as a book buyer for an independent bookstore, a technical writer in an electrical engineering firm, an assistant in a traditional bookbinding establishment, an executive assistant for a Calgary franchise that was expanding internationally, and the curator of a $3.5 million art collection owned by an oil and gas company - all while being married to an artist and raising a blended family with four children. The years with LEVIS were exciting and challenging and Anna only resigned (reluctantly!) to pursue new dreams in Nova Scotia with her husband.

Fast forward 15 years that brought unexpected life changes (including seven beautiful grandchildren) and LEVIS is delighted to welcome Anna back on a part time basis. She brings experience with every aspect of running the business and knowledge of both our client base and the Canadian art scene. Her talent for both seeing the big picture and having an eye for meticulous detail are utilized in keeping the financial books in order, proofing catalogue text, and writing copy for our website. 

Doug has lived through massive changes in the Canadian art auction industry from the period when the only art auctions of note were in Toronto and Montreal to the current global market for secondary art made possible by online auctions. His skillful navigation of the firm through these changes was due in large part to being both in the vanguard of technological advances in the industry and in the trenches of the local art scene.

As early as 1985 he had developed a digital database which recorded auction results of the four major Canadian auction houses, while at the same time, these impressive analytical and inventive capacities were firmly anchored in his experience at a local gallery. During a 7 year tenure with Kensington Fine Art Gallery Doug worked his way up from the ground, from framer in the back to gallery director, learning every aspect of the business.

He credits his degree in Fine Arts (University of Victoria, 1976) with a deep respect for the open ended processes required in any creative endeavour, including that of risking an ambitious entrepreneurial venture on one’s own. His commitment to constant improvement by asking “What could we have done differently or better?” was implemented across all aspects of running the business right from the beginning and is foundational to the LEVIS drive for professional excellence now in the capable hands of co-owners Cheryl Sonley and Andrea Lowe.

Doug’s mentorship and lifetime career in the arts has earned him a new title at LEVIS: Auctioneer Emeritus. And, like all professionals with emeritus status, he now enjoys the luxury and freedom of contributing his skills and expertise to the firm in ways that most interest him as he shapes his own inimitable style of retirement.

Since childhood, the loyal and steadfast companionship of dogs has been central to both Cheryl and Andrea’s lives. And happily, it is part of the fabric of life at LEVIS as well.

George came to work with Cheryl every day for 11 years until his passing in 2021. Long time clients will remember his adorable Chihuahua face and humorous antics gracing many Levis Fine Art Auction and Appraisals media publications. These days it is sweet-natured Kyle, a Havanese poodle, who comes to work with Andrea and can usually be found sleeping behind her desk or gnawing on a chew toy … inviting the LEVIS team to balance hard work with rest and play. “Carpe diem,” Kyle reminds everyone, “and take pleasure in small things.”