Arts Umbrella, a prominent non-profit organization in Canada, is committed to offering arts education and training for young individuals. The organization achieved a major milestone at the 42nd annual Splash Art Auction.
The event, held at the prestigious Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on October 5 and proudly sponsored by Nicola Wealth, successfully raised an impressive $1.75 million in support of youth arts education. Attended by 550 guests, the sold-out event exemplified the unwavering dedication of the community to this noble cause. Notably, Dana Claxton‘s captivating LED firebox piece, “Headdress – Shadae and her Girlz,” fetched a record-breaking amount of $105,000, underscoring the generosity and passion of the attendees.
Splash serves as Arts Umbrella’s flagship fundraising event, with the proceeds going towards scholarships, bursaries, and programming aimed at enriching the lives of young individuals in Metro Vancouver and throughout Canada.
Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening hosted by the dynamic duo of Gloria Macarenko and Fred Lee. The event was a celebration of the arts, emphasizing their significance in our communities. Attendees were delighted by captivating student performances, exquisite cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and an exceptional art auction featuring carefully curated pieces.
The Splash 2024 Collection, a testament to the rich and diverse Canadian art scene, featured 90 art pieces by established and emerging artists. The collection included works by Dana Claxton, Marie Khouri, Douglas Coupland, Graham Gillmore, Maru Aponte, Ron Moppett, Andy Dixon, Shuvinai Ashoona, and Meryl McMaster. The event was graced by the presence of many of these talented artists, including Valerie Raynard, Douglas Coupland, Gabryel Harrison, Marleen Vermeulen, Athena Bax, Dana Claxton, Jolinda Linden, Jesse Brillon, Maru Aponte, Kevin Boyle, and Andrew Dadson.
“We are grateful to the artists who donated their works to the Splash 2024 Art Auction, as well as the local arts community for continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of children and youth,” said Paul Larocque, President & CEO, Arts Umbrella. “With an astounding $1.75 million raised, we can continue to provide accessible arts education for any young person with a passion for visual and performing arts, regardless of their economic or social circumstance.”
Founded in 1982, Splash has been dedicated to the idea that art serves as a potent force for fostering positive transformation in the lives of children. It aims to instill enduring virtues such as self-assurance, bravery, and imaginative self-expression.
For more information about Splash and Arts Umbrella, visit www.artsumbrella.com.
All images by Jamie-Lee Fuoco.
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