Vernon’s own container gallery is once again full with art.
The Vernon Public Art Gallery has announced that all of the donated artworks for its 2015 Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts fundraiser auction are now on display at the Big Steel Box Satellite Gallery.
“The Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts auction preview is a fabulous attraction for tourists and visitors of Vernon to check out, displaying such a diverse mix of work by local artists,” said VPAG executive director Dauna Kennedy Grant.
The steel containers were originally set up to house works for the third Okanagan Print Triennial, which took place from March to May.
In addition, Ratio Coffee and Pastry is located in front of the satellite gallery and is selling hot and cold beverages and gourmet pastries for people to enjoy during their visit.
“This is a great way to spend an afternoon in downtown Vernon,” said Kennedy Grant.
The Midsummer’s artwork has been on display in the containers as of Tuesday and will be shown until July 13, when the works will moved to the 29th annual Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts, taking place July 15 at Turtle Mountain Winery.
“This collection of artwork is not to be missed, and collectors will delight in what they find this year. Some of the mediums included in the collection are acrylic, oil, watercolour, printmaking, sculpture and collage,” said Kennedy Grant.
Donations received include large-scale pieces by Sean Serfas and Gary Dewhurst, valuable works by Peter Ewart and Joyce Devlin, along with more artworks in various mediums from artists from around the Okanagan.
“We are overwhelmed at the calibre of work being donated to Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts this year from emerging and senior artists,” said Kennedy Grant. “There is something for everyone in this year’s auction collection, with some great packages donated by local businesses as well.”
The gallery is also displaying all the donated artworks on its website at vernonpublicartgallery.com, under current exhibitions. Visitors to the site can opt to make an advanced sealed bid on a piece of art that will stand on the night of the auction.
The Big Steel Box Satellite Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays. It is located at the corner of 31st Avenue and 31st Street across from Cenotaph Park.
Tickets for Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts, which includes locally supplied appetizers, drinks, live music and the live art auction with Don and Peter Raffan of Valley Auction Ltd., are also now on sale. Cost is $50 each or $95 for two before June 30. Regular pricing after that is $60 each. Tickets can be purchased at the VPAG, 3228 31st Ave., by phone at 250-545-3173, or at www.vernonpublicartgallery.com.
