By Duane Grandbois

32nd Annual Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts

Jun 23, 2018 | 9:34 AM

A total of 73 original artworks as well as cultural and experience packages and will be up for auction at the 32nd annual Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts, the major fundraising event for the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

2017 was the most prosperous year on record raising over $60,000, and there are even more artworks available at auction this year.

“MEA (Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts) is one of most memorable and successful fundraisers in Vernon, not a year has been missed in its long-standing 32 year history.

The support we have from guests, donors, and sponsors is a true reflection on the importance of arts and culture in the North Okanagan.

Fundraising accounts for roughly 20% of our budget so this event is vitally important to our operations, and that’s a fantastic fundraising result for a small charitable art museum.” – Dauna Kennedy Grant, Executive Director

Emergency Disaster Services

Vernon Salvation Army mobile team out supporting vulnerable people

53m ago

Housing Starts

Local housing construction declined in June, down for year so far

6h ago

Employee Safety

Employers responsible for worker safety as heat wave hits Okanagan: WorksSafeBC

23h ago

The event is growing every year and so are the expanding exhibition schedules and public programs. The Vernon Public Art Gallery is currently in a transition period, growing beyond the capacity of its current facility and working hard to advocate and plan for a new cultural centre for Vernon.

The popularity of MEA proves there is a need for a new facility and a greater emphasis on arts in our community.

The MEA art auction and garden party at Turtle Mountain Winery features gourmet appetizers, local beer, wine and cocktails, live music and dancing, a silent auction, and an exciting live art auction with Don and Peter Raffan of Valley Auctions.

Guests are treated to a shuttle service from Kal Tire Place provided by MEA Presenting Sponsor Bannister Honda.

The Gallery invites the public and participating artists to attend a preview of the artwork at an opening reception on Thursday, June 28th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

This is a great opportunity to purchase tickets to MEA and select some favourite pieces to bid on.

MEA tickets now are available to purchase online, in person at the Gallery at 3228 31st Ave Vernon, or by phone at 250-545-3173 (advance only).

Early bird ticket price is $50 if purchased by June 30, or regular ticket price is $65, and a VIP table of 4 is $300.

by Duane Grandbois