The city's brightest art stars were shining during this past Thursday's SPLASH art auction.
The annual event is the primary fundraiser for Arts Umbrella, Vancouver's premier non-profit arts organization for children and youth. Held on November 3, following the October cancellation due to extreme weather conditions, the sold-out event took place at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and over 600 attendees raised a record-breaking $430,000 in net proceeds to ensure accessible art education for young people throughout Greater Vancouver.
"With a record-breaking art auction, this was a landmark evening for Arts Umbrella," says Paul Larocque, president & CEO of Arts Umbrella. "We are truly honoured by the generosity of our community, including the many talented artists who gave their very best to support our mission to help young people explore their potential through the arts."
The enthusiastic crowd of attendees included art collectors, business and community leaders, and patrons who bid on almost 100 pieces created by prominent BC based artists, including works by iconic Canadian artist Gordon Smith, visual and media art maverick Paul Wong, and internationally recognized painter Bobbie Burgers.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of $70,000 raised for the Barry Scott Legacy Fund established to honour the longtime volunteer auctioneer of Splash and to provide much needed bursaries for young people with financial need.
While picking out their precious works of art, guests also noshed on a delectable menu selection from Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Executive Chef Cameron Ballendine. CBC news personalities Gloria Macarenko and Fred Lee co-emceed the evening, and introduced spectacular performances by the Arts Umbrella Dance Company and the Pre-Professional Theatre Troupe.
Over the course of Splash's 34 successful years, Arts Umbrella has raised more than $5.5 million in net proceeds to support programs that make such a positive difference in young lives.
