Gala event and auction brings in $17,000 for Creative Airdrie
About 100 people attended the second annual AIRdirondack Art Project Gala and Auction, which took place from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at McArthur’s Fine Furniture, Sept. 221.
Twelve adirondack chairs that were hand-painted by local artists, were auctioned off during the evening. Black-tie-wearing attendees also participated in a silent auction, which featured a hockey night in a Saddledome private box, local artwork, designer items from Airdrie boutiques and a year’s worth of golf at Woodside Golf and Country Club.
About $17,000 was raised for Creative Airdrie, the umbrella organization that advocates and supports arts and culture in Airdrie.
“It was a fantastic event,” said Linda Bruce, executive director of Creative Airdrie. “People were excited to be there and actively participated in the auction and silent auction.”
The event saw participants partake of gourmet appetizers while mingling and listening to the soft melodies of Deanne Matley Jazz Septet. They also imbibed in hand-selected wines and craft beers.
Last year’s event attracted about 100 participants and raised about $10,000 for Creative Airdrie, which has facilitated the downtown street art gallery, the Art in Motion bus passes and ARTember, the 17-day festival that is ongoing until Sept. 30.
Local artist Kathryn Zondag’s chair, Ocean, went for the highest bid, bringing in $2,050.
“It is truly beautiful, the water had such depth, it was absolutely phenomenal,” said Bruce.
Bruce said the organizing committee is looking forward to next year’s gala event and will likely add something new to keep the event fresh.
According to Bruce, the popularity of the AIRdirondack auction ensures it will likely be a part of the formal event for years.
“Our artists love it,” said Bruce of the fundraising campaign, which sees local artists volunteer their talents. “We have people lined up to take part.”
She said as a result of the popularity, next year’s artists will submit their ideas for the chairs and the proposals will be juried.
For more information, visit www.creativeairdrie.ca
Comments
The Airdrie City View welcomes your opinions and comments. We do not allow personal attacks, offensive language or unsubstantiated allegations. We reserve the right to delete comments deemed inappropriate. We reserve the right to close the comments thread for stories that are deemed especially sensitive. For further information, please contact the editor or publisher.
blog comments powered by Disqus