Canadian Artists Donate In Support Of Accessible Arts Education

Vancouver, B.C. (September 10, 2024): Arts Umbrella is thrilled to announce the 42nd annual Splash Art Auction will take place on Saturday, October 5 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Presented by Nicola Wealth and co-chaired by Christie Garofalo and Bruce Munro Wright, Splash is the not-for-profit’s flagship charitable art auction with proceeds ensuring that all young people, regardless of economic or social circumstance, are provided access to a high-quality arts education. Though the event itself is sold out, the public will have the opportunity to preview the 2024 Splash Art Collection and bid on the 90 impressive donated works.

Established and emerging Canadian artists and collectors have collectively donated 90 art pieces to the 2024 Splash Art Collection, including a significant, new work by Dana Claxton – a longtime supporter of Arts Umbrella – called Headdress – Shadae and her Girlz that is valued at $100,000. This artwork is currently featured at The Armory Show in New York City. Other celebrated participating artists include Marie Khouri, Douglas Coupland, Graham Gillmore, Maru Aponte, Ron Moppett, Andy Dixon, Shuvinai Ashoona and Meryl McMaster, among others.

This year’s Splash will once again feature a live broadcast, bringing the action directly to audiences across Canada and beyond. In addition to the art auction, the evening offers inspiring entertainment, including performances by Arts Umbrella Dance Company and the Pre-Professional Musical Theatre Troupe. Splash will be hosted by Fred Lee and Gloria Macarenko, with Hank Bull – who is donating an eye-catching art piece of his own – returning to lead the live auction.

“We are so grateful to the art community for their generosity to Splash each year,” said Paul Larocque, CEO of Arts Umbrella. “Thanks to their generosity, and the support of sponsors, donors, and guests, we are able to support access to arts education. Art can change children’s lives in incredible ways, and we thank everyone who supports this important event and in doing so helps to transform young people’s lives each and every day.”

Splash includes an expanded roster of volunteers and supporters in the Calgary and Toronto art communities, in addition to the extraordinary support we continue to have in Vancouver. With dedicated support across Canada, Arts Umbrella is steadily growing its presence across the country with a goal of raising awareness for the power of the arts in our communities and raising additional funds to support Arts Umbrella’s mission.

Splash is currently sold out, with 600 guests expected to convene at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on October 5. While additional tickets are waitlisted, community members from Metro Vancouver and beyond can support Arts Umbrella in many other ways, including:

Bid on an art piece in the Splash Online Auction. Splash Art Collection is now available to view online, with advance bidding for the live and online auctions.
Preview the Splash 2024 Art Collection at the Pendulum Gallery. Downtown Vancouver’s Pendulum Gallery will display the Collection from September 9 – October 3, with engaging talks and tours amplifying the viewing experience taking place on Friday, September 20 and Wednesday, September 25.
Watch the action online. The Splash Art Auction will be available for free via livestream, so you can watch the special evening unfold in the comfort of your home.
Donate to Arts Umbrella. Donate online to help Arts Umbrella continue to provide bursaries and free-of-charge community programs to approximately 20,000 young people each year. Over 77% of youth enrolled in Arts Umbrella programming participate at no cost, thanks to generous donations like yours.
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