December 13, 2014 / 7 – 11 p.m.
Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts
984 Queen Street West, Toronto
Gallery Chair Joseph Muscat calling off ticket numbers
“Oh, that’s me!” claimed one of the guests for Propeller Gallery’s third annual Off The Wall fundraiser and gala. Her ticket number had just been called and she was now able to choose any artwork hanging in the gallery to claim as her own. The raffle style event sold tickets to participants for the chance to claim one of nearly sixty displayed artworks.
Gallery Chair Joseph Muscat is calling the first ticket number while Gallery Administrator Arianne DiNardo (in middle) is looking for the winner.
Member and Chair, Joseph Muscat opened the event with a brief introduction thanking members for their continued support and explaining the event, in which guests would have only sixty seconds to choose their artwork after their number had been called. With such random chance it is often that “people don’t get the work they have their heart set on,” he said to me. Muscat had three works of his own up for grabs.
Guests before the drawing event.
Guests before the drawing event with “Lilith” by Heather Gentleman in the background.
Guest before the drawing event looking at (from left to right) James Bourke’s work, (from top) “Harbour and Jetty” by Janet Read, “Slats” by DNA Dodds and “Tale of an Unknown City” by Janet Read.
Guest before the drawing event looking at (from left) “Harbour and Jetty” by Janet Read (top), “Slats” by DNA Dodds (middle) and “Tale of an Unknown City” by Janet Read (bottom), “Lake Ontario no.10” by Janet Hendershot (top), “Happy New Year” by Gwen Tooth (bottom), “New York Conversations II” by Dan Nutell (top), “Perseverence” by Gabriella Casineanu (top), “Space Raft Takes Off!” by Andres Vosu (bottom), “Dreamer” by Maria-Teresa Hernandez and “Carefree” by Garth Scheuer.
Guest before the drawing event in front of (from left to right) “Dreamer” by Maria-Teresa Hernandez and “Carefree” by Garth Scheuer.
However, for Frances Patella, whose ticket was called first, luck was certainly with her. She chose Harry Enchin’s “Bay and Front 1930/2011”. As she called out her choice, audible sighs could be heard among the crowd. Enchin’s photograph was one of the most popular pieces at the event; its manipulated composition juxtaposes Toronto’s historic past with the bustle of the 21st Century. This was Patella’s second year at the fundraiser event, luckily she was happy with her choice both years. Patella commented that this year’s fundraiser had a great choice of artworks and was very organized, evidence I could witness for myself.
Harry Enchin, “Bay and Front 1930/2011”.
It seemed that the Propeller Gallery’s gala was quite successful and guests seemed happy with their purchases. With the gallery’s impending move in the New Year, member support is crucial for their mission in supporting their community and their artists. The gallery will host a Gala opening at its new location, 30 Abell Street, in the Artscape Triangle Gallery Lofts Building, on January 17th, 2015.
Brinae Bain