SAAG art auction fundraiser running today

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on May 6, 2023.

Herald photo by Al Beeber SAAG communications co-ordinator Jeremy Franchuk straightens artwork as the gallery gets ready for its annual art auction fundaiser tonight.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

The Southern Alberta Art Gallery’s annual art auction fundraiser today may be sold out but art supporters won’t miss out on all the bidding action.

Many of the 67 artworks to be sent home with the highest bidders will be sold online in an auction that runs through May 20.

Tonight’s auction that runs from 5 to 10 p.m. will feature a wide selection of works donated by previous exhibiting artists and members of southern Alberta’s visual arts community.

It’s SAAG’s biggest fundraiser of the year with proceeds going to support programming, outreach and accessible initiatives at the gallery.

Communications co-ordinator Jeremy Franchuk said Friday SAAG has gotten strong support from arts supporters this year with the sell-out.

“This is the first time since probably post-pandemic things have really gotten back into the swing of things. Last year we had a good turnout. We raised over $70,000 for the gallery last year but this year we’re expecting bigger and better” things, he said.

SAAG has gotten strong support from sponsors and the arts community alike, Franchuk said.

“We’ve got 67 artworks available at auction this year. We had about 50 last year so it’s been really great to see the outpouring of support from the community. A lot of these artists are people who have had shows in the past, who have come through the University of Lethbridge program.

“It just really showcases the strength of the community,” said Franchuk.

Eighteen works will be auctioned today but the others will available for bidding online through Levis Fine Art Auctions.

“So people can go on there and bid if they didn’t get a chance to get a ticket this year. You can go online and still come out with a great piece of art and support the gallery,” added Franchuk.

The works are a range of art including paintings, photography, prints, sculptures and a couple artists are contributing performances.

“There’s something for everybody I think. And a great mix in price ranges from low end all the way up to the high end” with the works of some established artists.

The auction has works by some amazing emerging artists including April Matisz who is SAAG’s featured artist this year and who has a show opening next Saturday in the upper gallery. Matisz is a U of L fine arts grad who “does some great stuff with collage and watercolour painting,” said Franchuk.

Some auction pieces have been donated back to SAAG by previous successful bidders. One piece by Robert McNealy was donated to the auction by Ken and Kathy Lewis in memory of Jackie McNamara.

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