Marissa Brown, the newest addition to the Vernon Public Art Gallery as administrative assistant, is working hard at organizing all the details for one of Vernon’s most memorable arts events of the year, the Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts.
With help from VPAG board members, staff and volunteers, Brown is finalizing the list of participating artists, musicians, caterers, and entertainment, for what is expected to be a fabulous evening of arts and culture, July 18.
The annual benefit, which supports gallery exhibitions and programming, while also raising awareness for the VPAG’s proposed new facility, will once again be held at Cenotaph Park in downtown Vernon.
The location draws attention to the designated site for the proposed gallery at the corner of 31st Avenue and 31 Street (the old Vernon Flower Shop), and is also adjacent to the greenway featuring the Caetani family and Alex Ebring murals, and the new bus terminal.
“The location is open and inviting, spacious and easily accessible for guests,” said VPAG executive director Dauna Kennedy Grant. “The park will be transformed into a beautiful garden party and outdoor auction in celebration of arts in Vernon.”
Midsummer’s first took place in 1986, and the support for the event has been strong ever since. The 2012 organizing committee is excited about some new surprises for this year’s event, to invite new guests to the arts community, and welcome back continued supporters, said Kennedy Grant.
“We are thrilled Predator Ridge is back to support the gallery at the 2012 Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts. Their investment in the VPAG through their sponsorship shows their recognition of the important role the arts play in our community,” she said. “We have many sponsors, donors and members who continue to support the gallery each and every year and we thank them for their generosity and welcome new supporters to come out and experience our annual benefit event.”
Revellers will enjoy hors d’oeuvres provided by The Fig Catering and Itty Bitty Catering Company, a featured drink from Okanagan Spirits, followed by wine from Gray Monk Estate Winery and ale from Okanagan Spring Brewery.
There will be live music by Zentangle, and the chance to take home original artwork from the silent and live auctions.
Guests will once again be entertained by word champion auctioneers Peter Raffan and Rod Burnett of Valley Auction.
Tickets to Midsummer’s are $50 each and include appetizers and a complimentary beverage, followed by a cash bar. Dress code is dressy casual or garden party attire.
Tickets are available now from the VPAG, 3228-31st Ave., 250-545-3173 www.vernonpublicartgallery.com. They can also be purchased at the Ticket Seller, 250-549-7469, www.ticketseller.ca.
