Vernon and area arts patrons made their bids count in making Gallery Vertigo’s first event at its new location a success.
According to organizers, the Almost Famous fundraiser Sunday, Feb. 26 was well-attended as many came not only to see Gallery Vertigo’s new space, but to bid on the locally created masterful replicas and historically-inspired artworks in both the live and silent auctions. They also enjoyed live music and donated door prizes.
“Everyone was dressed up and having fun,” said gallery coordinator David Macri, whose own works, inspired by Group of Seven members, went on the block. “The auctioneer (Alfie Siedl of A&E Marketplace and Consignments) was funny and did a good job to keep things lively.”
One of the live auction items more than doubled the recorded highest bids of previous years.
“It was also nice that the new owner of our previous building was the one to buy my painting,” said Macri. “It was a good way to show support and keep a bit of Gallery Vertigo’s history associated with the future of the Winnipeg Union Bank Building.”
Funds raised from the auction are going towards the North Okanagan Artists Alternative’s (NOAA) continued renovations of the new space and to continue providing affordable art programming for the community.
“Even with this recent success, the need for volunteers, artists, and other contributions remains,” said Macri. “The renovations at the new space have not yet been completed and many boxes remain unpacked.”
Despite this, Vertigo is forging ahead with its first exhibition, featuring the works of Drea Teece and Jaime Seward, at its new address.
The images in Teece’s Well Being relate to the artist’s personal battles. She describes the art as a meditative escape. The sometimes provocative subjects include emotion, body image and clairvoyance. The art appears bright and whimsical, but often has an underlying theme of darkness or danger. The exploration is largely about finding the strength to deal with a contradictory world.
Seward’s exhibit Connection features cosmos-inspired images where she compares the relationship between the body, earth and heavens.
“The more we learn and respect these naturally occurring connections, the more we will see ourselves in each other and the universe,” said Seward.
Tetsuya Sakamaki is also showing his latest works as the first featured NOAA member at the new location.
Opening reception for the exhibitions is Friday, March 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. Gallery Vertigo is now located at #102-3105 28th Ave. For more information, visit galleryvertigo.com
