Donor parting with piece of art
Every piece of art tells a story, but for Penticton Art Gallery curator Paul Crawford, art is as much about the story being told through a painting as the story behind the piece itself.
Among some of the more famous stories currently on display at the gallery is that of Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis, which Crawford anticipates will be one of the most sought-after items at the gallery’s annual art auction fundraiser on June 28.
The painting, a winter snow scene, was purchased by the donor from Lewis herself in 1965, so it’s been in the same collection for 50 years. The tale, Crawford said, is as unique as the artist herself.
“The woman who is donating the painting unexpectedly came into some money and wanted to buy something special for herself so she ended up flying to the East Coast and meeting Maud Lewis and buying the painting from her in person,” he said.
He said the “exceptional” part of the story is the donor’s decision to part with it.
“One of Lewis’s paintings recently sold in Vancouver for $20,000,” Crawford said. “Bidding for this one here opens at $10,000, so she could have gone to the Heffel Gallery (in Vancouver) and sold it for much more for herself, but she said she wanted to see it help a good cause and, hopefully, go to a good home, hopefully in Penticton.”
In addition to Lewis’s painting, Crawford said the auction includes 100 items from artists all over the world, all of which are listed online and will be on display at the gallery until the night of the auction.
He said the collection does include the work of local artists but it will mainly feature pieces from artists outside of the Okanagan.
That decision, he explained, was born from a desire to “take the pressure off” local artists.
“Locals are always asked to donate their work to charity auctions and fundraisers, but selling their work is how a lot of them make their money so we thought we’d focus outside of the valley and give them a break.”
And while the goal of the event is to fundraise “integral support” for childrens' and educational programming facilitated by the gallery throughout the year, he also hopes to foster the Okanagan’s appreciation of art.
“I want to promote a culture of collecting and encourage people to learn the history behind the objects,” Crawford said.
“Everything here has a great story behind it and it’s all available to own and appreciate in your own home.”
The 41st Annual Fundraising Art Auction will be held at the Penticton Art Gallery on June 28 from 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now for $80 and can be purchased at the Penticton Art Gallery or by calling 250-493-2928. Tickets are also available online at Eventbrite.
Tickets for gallery members are $70 and must be purchased in person at the gallery or by phone at 250-493-2928. VIP Tickets are $150. All tickets must be purchased in advance. Online bidding for the auction has already begun at www.32auctions.com/PAG2018.
The auction preview will be on display at the Penticton Art Gallery until the event.
Pre-bidding began on May 18.