The Penticton Art Gallery has a fundraising event that has the makings of what is describe as a “ridiculously fun night.”
“In the Eye of the Beholder II is a unique event that guarantees every attendee a piece of art work and a lot of laughs,” said art gallery president Nicholas Vincent.
The fun art extravaganza invites the public to unleash their inner art critic. The event is a fundraiser for the Penticton Art Gallery and every ticket purchased is guaranteed to take home a one-of-a-kind masterpiece carefully curated and gathered from the dark recesses of the gallery, thrift store, auction houses and donations.
“We try to keep it light and fun. We came up with funny artist statements using art speak and nonsense for the descriptions of the work. It is just a way of poking fun at the art world a little bit,” said art gallery curator Paul Crawford. “It’s fun to watch. We draw tickets to give each person a chance to choose from the wall and there will be collective sighs when someone chooses something everyone wants or applause when they go for something funny. It is very interactive.”
In fact, Crawford said anyone who wants to come down and just enjoy the evening without taking home a piece of artwork is welcome to come in and just watch.
“We want people to have fun and not be so concerned with who the artist is and just on the idea that they are choosing something because they simply like it,” said Crawford. “Who knows, you might actually research one of the pieces and it could be a treasure.”
The art gallery has a number of upcoming fundraising events including an antiques and fine art appraisal day featuring Peter Blundell and Anthony Westbridge on May 8. Cost for a 15-minute verbal appraisal is $40 with partial proceeds to benefit the gallery.
Those interested are asked to contact the gallery to make an appointment by contacting the art gallery.
Unique items are also being sought for the art gallery’s annual fundraising auction on July 5. Paintings, prints, vintage books, photographs, clothing, drawings, sculptures, models, instruments, furniture and many other items can be picked up and a tax receipt given in exchange.
In the Eye of the Beholder takes place on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for members.
The event is all ages and there will be beer, wine and light refreshments served.
Tickets can be purchased at the Penticton Art Gallery, or for more information phone the gallery at 250-493-2928 or visit www.pentictonartgallery.com.