Gallery Connexion is hosting the Salmon Run auction to raise money for their renovation of their new home, the Chestnut Complex on York Street.
The gallery was displaced after the 2008 flood, which caused extensive damage to many buildings in the downtown area. The auction will showcase 23 salmon sculptures by local artist at a starting bid of $400.
Gallery director Meredith Snider said she hopes to raise ten thousand dollars. Any additional dollars will go into an endowment fund.
“It’s a fund for self sustainability.” Snider said. “We gain revenue off the interest.”
The gallery is artist-run and a not-for-profit organization which showcases contemporary art of Canadian and international artists.
The auction will serve as a soft opening event so the community can see the gallery while it’s still in renovation. The building, once the Chestnut Canoe Company, later became a nightclub. The gallery wants to maintain that heritage.
“We hope to open late November.” Snider said. “[The gallery] will have office space for artists and a cafe.”
Despite the setback of the flood, Snider said that the move has aided in the gallery’s growth and their Salmon Run exhibition generated a lot of public interest.
The salmon sculptures, which were on display in downtown businesses over the summer were a hit with tourists and locals. Gallery Connexion published a map that showed where they could be viewed. Snider said she received positive feedback from the participants and another similar project could be in the works.
The sculptures are available for viewing online at www.galleryconnexion.ca.
The auction will take place at the Chestnut Complex, 470 York Street on October 24th at 5pm and all are invited to check out the Salmon Run exhibition and the new gallery.
