Fundraiser Gala: December 12, 2019 / 7 – 11 pm
Propeller Gallery / 30 Abell Street, Toronto
Propeller Gallery in the Queen West area, in the middle of the artistic hub of Toronto, is an artist-run gallery. It is dedicatee to the empowerment of local and international artists’ creative agendas while also fulfilling the public’s interest in art. This year’s Off the Wall Fundraiser and Gala was a delightful event to end 2019.
This year’s Off the Wall was among the most successful. Over 100 artworks by 93 Propeller and invited artists were exhibited in the space. The two rooms of the gallery were packed with art enthusiasts. Every ticket holder at the event got 30 seconds to choose a piece of artwork they wanted to take home after their number was drawn. You could feel the excitement in the air as they waited.
The over 100 artworks provided a great selection and were done in a variety of medias. As Joseph Muscat, the Partnerships Chair of the gallery, drew the numbers, the lucky attendees ran to claim the work they loved.
Joseph Muscat announces a winning number
Frances Patella who is the Co-chair of the gallery, is among the most active participating artists of this event since the first Off the Wall in 2011. Patella’s “Columns at Metaponto, Italy” (acrylic and photography) was among the first ones to be taken off the wall.
Frances Patella: “Columns at Metaponto, Italy”. Courtesy of Propeller Gallery
The quality of the exhibited artworks was remarkable, regardless of whether it was made by young artists who were participating for the first time or more established members of Propeller. Some contributing artists were attendees as well who also got to pick their favourite artwork. Doris Purchase unhesitatingly claimed ownership of the painting “Autumn” by artist and art educator Svetlana Swinimer after her number was called.
Matt Jenkins with his photograph “Red Canoe”
Doris Purchase with her work, “Nest”, 2016, mixed media – canvas, wood and alloys
Doris Purchase’s chosen work: Svetlana Swinimer, “Autumn”, 2019 silk screen on Sekishu Washi. Courtesy of Propeller Gallery
In the two-room space of the gallery, in addition to seeing the engagement of the artists and the public, there were passionate exchanges of ideas everywhere. The winners happily showed their new purchase.
A happy winner with Daniel Anthony Yu’s “Untitled”, cast, permastone
Mazarine Memon’s mixed media work “In the heat of the moment”, 2019 found a good home
Given the great success that Off the Wall achieved this year through the works and enthusiasm of participating artists and the excellent organization, Off the Wall 2020 will certainly be another great event that art lovers won’t want to miss.
Kexin Wu. Photo: Xiaotong Cao