By Stacey Hare Hodgins
Stephen J. Krasemann, Cow Moose, Oil on canvas, 10×13 inches
Come as you are for a spirited evening in support of arts programming, and seize this rare opportunity to bring home an affordable piece of original art. Since 1976, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery has presented more than 50 art auctions, including its signature Birdhouse Auction. This year, the gallery is changing things up a bit: in lieu of the annual Birdhouse Auction and dinner, it will present a fantastic evening of brilliant art, small bites, and live music.
Art & Ambiance will feature a live and silent auction of original works (including pottery, mixed media, photographs, and paintings) by more than 40 local and regional artists. Hosted by CBC’s Lisa Laco, the evening will feature crowd favourite auctioneer Dave Shaw, who returns to Thunder Bay each year to help provide the gallery with a vibrant and authentic auction experience.
Why an auction? Aside from drawing a crowd to celebrate the fantastic talent in our region, art auctions serve as important fundraisers for public galleries like the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, which is a non-profit charitable organization that relies upon donations, sponsorships, and fundraisers for a significant portion of its annual budget. The proceeds from Art & Ambiance will directly support the Thunder Bay Art Gallery’s outstanding exhibition and education programming, which benefits artists and art audiences of all ages in the community.
Doors open at 7 pm to allow time to preview the auction, check out the raffle items, sample some delicious amuse-bouche, and enjoy live music by Robin Ranger. The auction commences at 8 pm. Hors d’oeuvres will be served during intermission, and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are $40 and are available at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Call 577-6427 or visit the gallery to reserve yours.
Art & Ambiance takes place Friday, April 11 and is generously sponsored by RBC and supported by Ambiance Catering, Lakehead Printing, Thunder Bay Xerographix, and Generator Strategy Advertising.
