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By Corey Fischer
Record Total For Arts Event

Record Total For Arts Event

Jul 19, 2018 | 2:00 PM

There was strong support from Vernon’s arts and culture community at the Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts at Turtle Mountain Winery.

The 32nd annual event Wednesday raised a record $62,000, mostly from an an art auction.

“Turnout was great, probably on par with last year. There were some really big ticket items: Cara Barkved’s was the most expensive piece going for $2,800, followed by two of Heidi Thompson’s pieces at $2,400 and $2,100,” says the Vernon Public Art Gallery’s executive director Dauna Kennedy.

The money raised goes to support art gallery programs.

Kennedy says the support is a vote of confidence for this fall’s cultural complex vote.

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“This just propels us. Now our focus is on the referendum and this is just an amazing jumping off point to dive right in there, get out in the community, and help everybody be aware of what this project is all about and how important it is for the community.”

The Regional District of North Okanagan will hold a borrowing referendum on a proposed $40 million cultural complex Oct. 20.

If approved by voters, it would include space for a new art gallery and museum and other activities.

The City of Vernon’s preferred site would be on the former Coldstream Hotel site at 2910 32nd Avenue.

by Corey Fischer

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