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VPAG executive director Dauna Kennedy with artwork for the Midsummer's Eve of the Arts live event on July 21. (Submitted photo/VPAG)
By Pete McIntyre
Midsummer's Eve of Arts

Gallery to host first live event on July 21

Jul 6, 2021 | 9:33 AM

Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) will host their first live event since the beginning of the pandemic shutdown. The Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts, the 35th annual art auction gala, will be held on Wednesday, July 21.

This year’s fundraiser will be a hybrid of live and virtual formats, allowing those who aren’t able to attend in person to still take part in both the silent and live auctions.

The VPAG has already sold out the first phase of tickets and is looking forward to releasing a few more in-person tickets this month. Due to the current health restriction, the gallery will be limiting the number of in-person guests to under 100 people.

Back this year for the live auction is Don Raffan of Valley Auction. This live-streamed event will mean people in attendance, as well as those at home, can compete for their coveted pieces of art. Phone lines will be open for virtual bidders to call in and bid live during the event.

A website is also being created to showcase both live and silent auctions and will be open for bidding until the indicated cut off time. VPAG is thanking all of the talented artists who have helped make this year’s fundraiser possible. More than 80 pieces of artwork and some experience packages will be available.

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VPAG executive director Dauna Kennedy said, they are thrilled to be moving forward with a live/hybrid Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts fundraiser this summer.

“After pivoting last year’s events to a virtual format, and basically re-writing the entire playbook, we are excited to be one of the first organizations to bring back in-person events to our community. Our artists this year really came forward with their support for this event and contributed some significant pieces to the auction. We are so thankful and encourage our attendees to show their appreciation by bidding strong,” Kennedy said.

Funds raised during the evening provide important support to the gallery throughout the year.

“Join us at the MEA Auction Preview from July 3 to July 14, 2021, to see the spectacular pieces we have available this year. To learn more about MEA and tickets to the event, please visit www.vernonpublicartgallery.com/midsummer-s-eve-of-the-arts.”

Due to the limited amount of guests the fundraiser can accommodate in person, all tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in this event, contact the VPAG directly to inquire about the wait list.

VPAG is thanking the sponsors for the event: Clark Robinson Chartered Professional Accountants, Nor-Val Rentals and Nixon Wenger LLP.

by Pete McIntyre
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