Media Release: VPAG Breaks Records, Raising over $80,000!

Date: July 19, 2024

Media Release

For Immediate Release

The Vernon Public Art Gallery Breaks Records, Raising over $80,000.

The Vernon Public Art Gallery is proud to announce the success of its 38th annual fundraiser, Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts, held on July 17, 2024. The event raised an impressive total of over $80,000!! Thank you to all attendees who came together to support the VPAG and our local arts community.

Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts featured artwork generously donated by over 60 talented artists, along with over 80 businesses far and wide contributing luxury items and packages. With a total of 133 packages and original artworks available for bidding, the VPAG is so impressed by the community’s dedication and passion for the arts!

The top sellers of the night recognized for their exceptional contributions to the art auctions include: Heidi Thompson with her painting Sun Jewel, which received the highest bid at $3,900. The next top sellers were pieces by Briar Craig and Rick Bond, which sold for $3,000 and $2,800 respectively. Following closely were pieces donated by Bryan Ryley and Barbara Fresz, which garnered $2,300 and $2,200 respectively. Each item sold contributed significantly to the overall success of the event.

Our top-grossing silent auction item included a stay at Halcyon Hot Springs which sold for $650. Other top items included travel packages to Whitehorse, Victoria, and Revelstoke – with the silent auction alone raising over $12,000.

The evening was complimented by delectable appetizers, generously provided by Gumtree Catering, Uprooted Kitchen and Catering, and Olive Us. Attendees enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine at the door from Arrowleaf Cellars, and had more tasty beverages available from Okanagan Springs, Lass Chance Beverages, and Starbucks. Entertainment was provided by local musician Old Man Junkins, followed by our lovely hosts from Beach Radio, Rebecca and Brian. The live auction was hosted by the incomparable Don Raffan, and was a site to be seen! Thank you to all of our partners who contributed to a wonderful evening.

“This event truly is a community event. It could not happen if the community didn’t come together each and every year to help make it happen,” says Executive Director Dauna Kennedy. “There are so many to thank, you know who you are, I am just so overwhelmed with the support we receive for the work we do in the community around the visual arts. Funding through grants is just not keeping pace with inflation and we couldn’t continue to provide all we do without this event taking place, and through the generosity of all who participated.” – Dauna Kennedy, Executive Director, Vernon Public Art Gallery.

Thank you again to all who attended and participated in the fundraiser. A final thank you to Bannister Honda for being our presenting sponsor, as well as our sponsors Clark Robinson Chartered Professional Accountants, Nixon Wenger LLP, Beach Radio, Wayside Co, and all friends of the gallery.