Art Gallery fundraiser: a virtual success

Jul 21, 2020 | 2:35 PM

People stayed at home, but were still able to show their support for Vernon’s art community.

The Vernon Public Art Gallery raised $19,500 at its first-ever virtual Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts.

The total from the 34th annual event came from silent and live auctions on donated work by Okanagan and B.C. artists.

“It was a great opportunity to hold a safe socially distanced gathering and see all the support for the art gallery,” said VPAG Executive Director Dauna Kennedy. “Both groups and individuals registered for the live event and we received a lot of positive comments. Considering we were all new to hosting this type of event, we are proud we managed to do something new and exciting.”

Camillia Courts (left) and Dauna Kennedy have fun during the event (Photo credit: Peter Solymosi)

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Ticket holders had the opportunity to bid on nine out of 44 paintings at the live auction, which was broadcast live via online channels on July 15.

Among the nine live auction items, Rick Bond’s painting, Paris Nights, ended up receiving the highest winning bid of $1,200, while Gabrielle Strong’s Emerald Coast III sold for well over its fair market value of $750 in the silent auction.

“There were people who were willing to pay above and beyond, and those extra dollars go such a long way,” said Kennedy, adding those who bid over fair market value receive a charitable tax receipt for the difference.

Operated similar to a mini telethon, Beach Radio morning show host Brian Martin and his partner, Camillia Courts, kept the action moving, along with executive director Dauna Kennedy. Besides the auction, live music was performed by band Virgil Caine. Bidders also had the opportunity to enjoy a catered at-home picnic supplied by Gumtree and Uprooted Catering.

Behind the scenes, VPAG board member Shell Duggan and long-time supporter Sarah Kennedy took the lead in helping to organize this new take on Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts. Kennedy said it wouldn’t have been possible without the technical support provided by the VPAG’s summer students as well as Sproing Creative and photographer Peter Solymosi.

With the 2020 Midsummer’s Eve now wrapped up, the VPAG continues with its programming and exhibitions as it looks into the future of what can be done under the circumstances around COVID-19. The gallery is also actively involved in planning and development for the proposed new cultural centre.

“It’s really important for us to keep on track and move forward as we look to build this new facility. We look forward to working with all partners in making the cultural centre a home to support the economy, the community, and the arts for years to come,” said Kennedy.

by Pete McIntyre

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