Attend a gala, leave with a piece of art

It’s part auction, part fundraiser, part gala and part luck of the draw.

UBC Okanagan’s Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, in association with the student-run Visual Arts Course Union, once again presents the annual Art on the Line Fundraiser and Gala.

Taking place on Saturday, March 16, the 22nd annual event brings together the local arts community to celebrate the work of UBCO’s students, faculty, alumni and several artists practicing in the community.

The evening is an entertaining gala, where approximately 135 works of art are collected from local artists, faculty and students. The artwork is then raffled off as the night progresses. Every guest will go home with a vibrant piece of donated art, explained event host and visual arts instructor David Doody.

“The artworks donated will be on display and promoted for hundreds of local art collectors to view with anticipation,” said Doody. “We encourage the community to join us for this exciting evening of local art, beer and wine, live entertainment and of course great conversation.”

Matthew Kenney, a fourth-year Bachelor of Media Studies student and one of the event organizers, explained the drama.

Each guest selects a piece of donated work that they would like to take home. However, no one knows until their ticket is pulled which piece of art they will have the opportunity of claiming

“Connecting over art is one of my favourite things in life,” said Kenny. “Art on the Line is in the amazing position of being able to connect emerging and practising artists with members of the community.

Proceeds from the event support UBCO visual arts student exhibitions like the fourth-year show, the visiting artist program, opportunities for travel grants and exhibitions, as well as local charity Third Space, which is a non-profit organization providing mental health services and counselling to young people in the Okanagan.

Art on the Line tickets are $200 for two people to enter. The ticket guarantees one piece of artwork. People who would like to attend but not take home a piece of art can purchase a ticket at the door for $10.

Organizers are also accepting submissions of 2D and 3D artwork for the event. Submission forms, event tickets and more details can be found at: fccs.ok.ubc.ca/artontheline