After two years online, Ottawa Art Gallery’s annual art auction “Give to Get Art” is back in person–this time hosting the first ever Give to Get Art Market that will encompass all four floors of the gallery. The Opening Gala launches the event on May 27th, marking the beginning of the silent auction where attendees can bid on local Ottawa-Gatineau art—putting Ottawa’s talent on display and at your fingertips.
“OAG,” says Alexandra Badzak, OAG’s Director and Chief Executive Officer, “is where connection happens between Art and City—the Give to Get Art Auction and inaugural Art Market are testaments to this. There is no better opportunity to surround yourself with the art and artists of our region.”
“The auction’s opening night May 27,” she explains, “will see the return of our live event for the first time in two years and we are thrilled that it will be our biggest auction yet, with 95 donated artworks up for bid, and fifty percent of the art sales going right back to the artists in support of their practice.”
The benefits of the night will be felt by all: proceeds support Ottawa-Gatineau artists and help maintain free public access to the Gallery, as well as exhibitions, workshops, programming, collection preservation, and support for local artists and artisans. VIP tickets include one-hour early access to bidding in the Art Auction, and complimentary signature cocktail hour, with access to elevated food stations. General admission tickets give access to bidding, and a roaming food experience in addition to one complimentary drink ticket and access to the cash bar. Can’t make it in person? OAG is bridging the physical-digital space with Bid Beacon, an online bidding platform that allows you to bid online.
“Our commitment to highlighting regional talent extends all weekend-long,“ Badzak continues, “as we transform the four floors of the Gallery into a free marketplace featuring more than thirty makers and artisans. We are thrilled to be able to share our space with small businesses who are only now starting to emerge from the uncertainty of the pandemic. Families can enjoy the market and take advantage of OAG’s renowned programming throughout the building.”
The Give to Get Art Market from May 28th to 29th is the first ever building-wide art market featuring local artists and artisans who will showcase and sell their mixed media art, prints, ceramics, jewelry, confections and preserves.
For the Ottawa Art Gallery, art and culture are essential to our sense of belonging, the building blocks to creating the society we want and the community we want to cultivate. That is why OAG is providing opportunities for everyone to participate. Whether you are an established artist looking to celebrate your community, an aspiring artist, or simply curious to support Ottawa’s art community, the Art Market has something for you to experience.
Free on-site programming and workshops will take place all weekend, from the Community Collage Quilt, Art Tent, Exhibition Tours to gain a deeper understanding of the exhibitions in French of English, and more! Be sure to fill your Discovery Card as you make your way along the gallery and collect your reward at the Visitor Experience desk on the way out.
“OAG was built for this,” says Badzak, “—a true community space, an inspiring cultural destination that you will want to share with friends and family.”
Gala and Online Bidding Tickets Available Here
Opening Gala: 6:30pm to Midnight, May 27th
Art Market: 10am to 4pm Saturday, May 28th to Sunday, May 29th.
Free admission, registration appreciated and walk-ins welcome
PICTURED ABOVE: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT)
1. Beth Stikeman, Unstoppable Spring, 2022, acrylic, 24” x 18”, Market Value:$700, Starting Bid: $350
2. Joel Jamensky, Untitled, 2010, acrylic & ink on canvas, 11” x 14”,MarketValue: $200, Starting Bid: $100
3. Christopher Griffin,The Last Skate of the Season, 2022, mixed media on canvas, 42” x 24”, Market Value:$2,400, Starting Bid: $1,200
4. Patsea Griffin, Dare to Wear, 2021, beadwork and porcupine quill work
5. Gayle Uyagaqi Kabloona, Anguhadluq irngusiq, 2021, ceramic, 5” x 4”, Market Value: $85, Starting Bid: $43