In promoting the current exhibition at the Vernon Public Art Gallery, The ‘70s – The Big Turnaround of the Seventies, from the Collection of the Musée du Bas-Saint-Laurent, Cheek to Cheek Dance Studio is hosting a social event inviting singles, couples, and anyone who’d like to reminisce about the 1970s.
In addition to the optical art, hyperrealism, kinetic art and tapestries in the current exhibition at the VPAG, the Retro Date Night on Thursday will include music, food and fashion from this far out generation. Guests will also enjoy grooving to the sounds of the Bee Gees, while enjoying sangria and fondue, Saturday Night Fever style.
“The ‘70s exhibition is a great representation of a wide variety of artistic practices by Canadian artists in the ‘70s, and we want to share this community wide,” said VPAG executive director Dauna Kennedy Grant. “Our Valentine’s Day event is a fun way to bring people together, bring new people to the gallery, and show everyone that art is not pretentious. It can be fun, it’s accessible and relatable, and some of it is just far out.”
For any Vernon singles out there looking for a hot date on Valentine’s Day, emcee April Lyn from SunFM will introduce both the bachelor and bachelorettes in a date night auction to help raise funds in support of the art gallery.
Included on the auction block is the gallery’s Kennedy Grant, Holly Scott of Jax and King Salon, Rodney Goodchild of Okanagan Spirits, Valerie Blundell of North Okanagan Hospice Society, and Iain Ritchie, avid scuba diver and cha cha dancer extraordinaire.
“There are surely going to be a few surprises and mystery bachelor/bachelorettes thrown into the mix that will appeal to all audiences,” said Kennedy Grant. “Included in the purchase of a date night are gift certificates donated by downtown Vernon restaurants, including Crush Bistro, The Palace, Italian Kitchen, Monashees Bar and Grill, Siam Orchid and the Range Restaurant at Predator Ridge.”
In addition, both the Vernon Film Society and Vernon Towne Cinema have donated a pair of movie passes for each couple to enjoy for an evening out on the town.
Lorna Robb and guests from Cheek to Cheek Dance Studio will also teach participants the Hustle under the sparkle of the disco ball. Guests are encouraged to dress the part and those who dawn the best leisure suit, bell bottoms, fedora, or leopard print, will take home top prize.
The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14 at the VPAG, 3228-31st Ave. Tickets are $15 each, available at the gallery and Cheek to Cheek Dance Studio, 3011-28th St. This event is limited to 75 tickets. Must be 19 years.
