It was a hot, hazy Midsummer’s night, but that didn’t stop people from dressing in their finery and supporting the Vernon Public Art Gallery at its main fundraiser of the year.
Wednesday’s 28th annual Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts garden party and art auction saw patrons taking in the vista atop rows of grapes at Turtle Mountain Vineyards while sipping on local libation and noshing on delectable hors ‘d’oeuvres and listening to the jazz stylings of band Kath and the TomKats, who played throughout the night.
“We have an excellent turnout. It’s a delightful garden party atmosphere,” said Ruth Hoyte, chair of the Midsummer’s committee and VPAG board member, while taking in the sights.
“We are definitely appreciative of our sponsors, the wonderful support of our volunteers, artists and our new caterers Olive Us, Monashee’s Bar and Grill and Cracked Pepper along with Gum Tree Catering. Baron Insurance (along with title sponsor Predator Ridge) has also come on board as a main sponsor this year. Some of the staff is here helping with the event.”
The night’s star attraction, the art, saw bids coming from both the silent and live auction, the latter presided over by auctioneers Peter and Don Raffan.
When all was said and done, the VPAG managed to raise approximately $33,000 for its ongoing operations and educational programming.
“We grossed more than last year, which is great. We are thrilled with that, but we still need to work on getting our auction bids up a bit,” said VPAG executive director Dauna Kennedy Grant.
The big sellers of the night included two acrylic and collage works on paper by Commonage artist Bryan Ryley, which went for $1,600 and $1,300 respectively. Doug Alcock’s metal and glass sculpture, Ruby Tuesday, went for $1,200 while Rick Bond’s painting of Silver Star village received $1,100.
“The feedback so far has been very positive and we’re looking forward to next year,” said Kennedy Grant.
“We welcome the input from people on all aspects of the event,” added Hoyte, saying this year event organizers took the suggestion to extend the live music into the evening after the live auction.
“It allows for people to socialize and also puts the focus on the live auction.”
Midsummer’s also puts the focus on the need for amenities such as the public art gallery to support arts and culture in the community, added Hoyte.
“My passion for the art gallery expands into the community, embracing the talent we have and our programs to develop young artists. I am looking forward to us growing into a new facility one day and the opportunity for us to showcase all that we can be.”
