'What's in the Box' gala a good surprise for arts centre
More than 175 attended annual fundraising gala, with 58 mystery artworks raffled
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Last year, the Saint John Arts Centre’s What’s in the Box gala had one ticket left in the raffle once all the mystery artwork had been handed out.
This year, so many entered that the 10-sided translucent bowl was still more than half full of entries from hopeful art fans looking for a chance to buy a blind-packaged painting or art piece.
More than 175 people attended the annual gala last Thursday night at the Saint John Arts Centre, according to events coordinator Kelly Cunningham. She said that’s about a 20 per cent increase from last year’s event, which was the first in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve had excellent feedback from artists and the attendees,” Cunningham said. “Folks have just been commenting how on much fun they had, which is what we want to hear.”
Saint John Arts Centre director Andrew Kierstead draws entries during the What's In The Box? fundraiser Thursday night. Photo by ANDREW BATES/BRUNSWICK NEWS
Pizza boxes holding artworks wait to be drawn during the Saint John Arts Centre's What's In The Box? fundraiser Thursday night.Photo by ANDREW BATES/BRUNSWICK NEWS
Artworks donated to the Saint John Arts Centre's What's In The Box? fundraiser that don't fit in boxes go in gift bags, with the box containing a corresponding certificate. Photo by ANDREW BATES/BRUNSWICK NEWS /pmc
In addition to the art drawing, there was a one-night art show as Saint John Arts Centre held its What's In The Box? fundraiser Thursday night. Photo by ANDREW BATES/BRUNSWICK NEWS
Bill Mayberry holds a painting he bought at the Saint John Arts Centre's What's In The Box? fundraiser Thursday night. Photo by ANDREW BATES/BRUNSWICK NEWS
Art for sale is seen as the Saint John Arts Centre held its What's In The Box? fundraiser Thursday night. Photo by ANDREW BATES/BRUNSWICK NEWS
Around 175 people attended the Saint John Arts Centre's What's In The Box? fundraiser Thursday night. Photo by ANDREW BATES/BRUNSWICK NEWS
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The event, which has run for the past 14 years, raises money for artist rights fees that are paid to artists that exhibit with the non-profit charity. Cunningham said the final fundraising totals including gala tickets are still being calculated, but there were 58 artworks donated to the event and they all sold at a price of $100 each.
“This is an event where we see the level of interest, the excitement when folks have their name drawn. They can’t wait to see what piece they’ve gotten,” she said.
The event also featured catering by catering by Chef’s Table and a 360-degree photo booth from Borrow Me 360. For those who didn’t draw a box, there was a one-night art show with 100 per cent of sales going to artists, and Cunningham said the first piece was sold “in minutes” and they received a few more orders the next day.
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