It’s Vernon’s own cattle call for artists and art lovers.
The open audition, however, is not so ominous… It’s not even an audition, but the 29th annual Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts, a live auction and garden party benefitting the Vernon Public Art Gallery.
The event, which takes place at Turtle Mountain Winery, with its spectacular views of the valley, July 15, once again features the live art auction conducted by award winning auctioneers, the Raffan brothers of Valley Auction Ltd.
Known for auctioning cattle –yes, those beauties that go moo! – the Raffans’ rapid fire banter, humour, and those prized cowboy hats are all part of what makes Midsummer’s, well, Midsummer’s.
Top that off with locally produced art on the block, along with gourmet hors d’oeuvres supplied by local caterers, regional libation, live music, dancing, and a photo booth, and it’s understood why Midsummer’s has long been recognized as the social event of the season, said VPAG executive director Dauna Kennedy Grant.
“The generosity of our supporting artists and businesses this year has been overwhelming. For those looking to purchase a piece of art, they couldn’t pick a better year for quality and selection,” said Kennedy Grant.
The event starts at 6:30 p.m., when guests arrive and can redeem their admission ticket for a free white or red sangria. Locally catered canapés will be passed while guests mingle and take in the array or artworks and auction packages available this year. A cash bar, with a selection of wine, beer and sangria, will also be available.
New this year is the photo booth, where a professional photographer will capture some fond memories for guests before the auction starts.
In addition, live music by local band Feet First will entertain the crowd throughout the evening until 11 p.m.
The live art auction begins at 8 p.m.
“We have some noteworthy artworks up for auction this year, including a Bryan Ryley painting that will be reproduced for the upcoming VPAG banner project,” said Kennedy Grant, adding the banner will be mounted on the east side of the downtown Vernon parkade in the near future.
Vernon-international artist Amanda Shatzko, who is this year’s B.C. Culture Days ambassador, will be creating a painting at the event, which will go on the auction block hopefully by the time the paint is dry.
Also included are some large-scale pieces by Shawn Serfas and Gary Dewhurst, valuable works by Peter Ewart and Joyce Devlin, a print by Laura Widmer, who will featured in a solo exhibition at the VPAG later this summer, and more artworks in various mediums by artists from around the Okanagan.
“We have artwork for first-time buyers through to the serious collectors. I highly recommend you stop by the Big Steel Box gallery and the VPAG Community gallery to preview the work ahead of time and prepare your bids. There are some pieces you don’t want to miss out on,” said Kennedy Grant.
All of the artworks and auction packages for the event are available to view online at www.vernonpublicartgallery.com under current exhibitions in the Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts preview. Or swing by the Big Steel Box Satellite Gallery and the Community Gallery at the VPAG to see the newest additions to the preview, including packages for accommodation, recreation, health spas and more.
“We can’t say thank you enough to everyone who contributes to making this event happen,” said Kennedy Grant.
Regular priced tickets for Midsummer’s are on sale for $60 each, available online or at the gallery, located at 3228 31st Ave.
