Whistler’s Audain Art Museum takes its signature Illuminate gala online for 2021
The virtual celebration features a brilliant selection of unique artworks for bidding in a live auction
Audain Art Museum in Whistler hosts its Illuminate Gala & Auction online for 2021. Photo by RAEF.ca
Audain Art Museum’s Illuminate Gala & Auction is an annual highlight for art lovers—and this year is no exception, as the signature celebration makes its virtual debut.
Taking place April 24 at 6:30 pm with co-hosts Fred Lee and Gloria Macarenko, the event features special guest appearances, a performance by Arts Umbrella, and musical entertainment by Juno Award-winning pianist Jaycelyn Brown of Said the Whale, to name a few highlights.
Renowned auctioneer Robert Heffel of Heffel Fine Art Auction House will lead a live auction of exceptional, major works of art by luminary B.C. artists including Gordon Smith, Stan Douglas, Landon Mackenzie, Dana Claxton, Paul Wong, and Tiko Kerr.
Xwalacktun, Squamish and Kwakwak’wakw artist and AAM trustee, as well as Qawam, Lil’wat artist and SLCC cultural ambassador, will perform traditional songs.
AAM founders Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa will make a guest appearance from their home in West Vancouver.
Gordon Smith’s Winter Landscape is available for bidding at the Illuminate Gala and Live Auction, donated by Robert and Jennifer Heffel.
Guests will also get an inside look at artist Paul Wong’s Chinatown studio to explore the inaugural personalized commission offered during the live auction. A virtual visit to artist Landon Mackenzie's historic Vancouver studio is also on the program, as is an after-hours exploration of the museum’s collection and architecture and a silent auction with resort getaways, helicopter tours, gourmet dinners, and more
“Our committee has worked tirelessly to create an immersive virtual gala and auction experience for guests to enjoy from the comfort of their homes,” says Dr. Curtis Collins, director and chief curator of the Audain Art Museum. “I am thrilled to see such growing support for this critical fundraising event, during what is a pivotal moment for the Museum in reimaging how we connect with members and visitors.”
The highly anticipated online gathering also features at-home dining packages specially curated and prepared by the Lazy Gourmet.
There are six Illuminate event packages to choose from: $350 to $500 for individuals; $700 to $1,000 for two people; and a Safe Six Celebration for six. Each package comes with a Curated Event Box created and delivered by the Lazy Gourmet, which includes reception-style catering items, a unique cocktail, wine from Mission Hill Family Estate, and art-inspired mementos.
The ultimate $5,000 Hospitality Suite option includes gala access for up to five households, custom branded event boxes by the Lazy Gourmet, and a guided tour of Live Auction Preview in Whistler or Vancouver. This exciting package also includes a private Zoom session with Dr. Curtis Collins and an artist represented in the Audain Art Museum’s Permanent Collection for up to 15 invited guests at a future date.
For more information about the 90-minute livestream broadcast, visit Audain Art Museum. A step-by-step to the virtual format can be found here.
Tiko Kerr, Grey Area, is in the live auction, donated by the Artist, courtesy of Mónica Reyes Gallery.
This post was sponsored by Audain Art Museum.