The Art Gallery of Peterborough is holding its annual “It’s All About ART” auction online again for the third year in a row, giving people a unique opportunity to bid on original fine artwork created by Peterborough-area artists.
The silent auction opens for bidding at midnight on Friday, October 21st and continues until bidding closes at 9 p.m. on Saturday, November 5th. You can preview auction items now by visiting the auction website, where you can register to participate in the bidding when it opens.
The annual auction is an important fundraiser for the Art Gallery of Peterborough which, since its founding in 1974 by a group of dedicated volunteers, has been sustained by the contributions of members, donors, and supporters. By participating in the auction, you can build your art collection while supporting local artists and the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s exhibitions and programming for everyone in the community.
VIDEO: It’s All About ART
According to Art Gallery of Peterborough Director Celeste Scopelites, local artists have been very generous with their donations to the auction this year, with over $34,000 worth of artwork donated. Participating artists either agree to donate 100 per cent of the winning bid to the Gallery, or they can split the proceeds equally between themselves and the Gallery.
As well as multiple photos of each piece of artwork in the auction and the current bid, the auction website includes information about the artist and the donated piece — providing an opportunity to promote the talent of Peterborough-area artists to a global audience.
“We’ve tried to do as much as possible to bring awareness of the creativity that’s here in our community,” Scopelites says, adding people have lots of opportunity to find a piece that speaks to them.
The auction includes pieces from well-known local artists as well as newer artists, with artwork including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and more.
“There’s a real scope of amazing work this year,” says Scopelites.
Pieces up for auction this year include paintings by Peer Christiansen, Jenny Kastner, Rob Niezen, and John Climenhage, photography by Arnold Zagaris, sculpture by Christy Haldane, drawing by Kathryn Durst, relief printing by Jeff Macklin, carved wood by John Boorman, and many more. Items will continue to be added to the auction until the start of bidding.
Scopelites reminds those participating in the auction to make sure to check their bids before the auction closes to avoid disappointment.
“You have to pay attention at the end of the auction,” Scopelites says. “Those last few hours are always really exciting for us.”
For those who prefer to see the artwork in person rather than online, you can visit the Art Gallery of Peterborough at 250 Crescent Street for the auction preview exhibit, on now until November 6.
“Even though online is wonderful, it’s still not the same as actually being in front of the art piece,” notes Scopelites.
The Art Gallery of Peterborough’s decision to host an online auction with an in-person preview exhibit began during the pandemic in 2020, when the Gallery learned of a small art gallery in New Brunswick doing the same thing.
The Art Gallery of Peterborough hosted an online auction again in 2021 and, when making plans for the 2022 auction, decided to continue online rather than returning to an in-person auction where hundreds of people would have to gather in one room.
“For our audience, we have a mixture of people still feeling cautious of the pandemic, so we thought it best to do it online again,” Scopelites explains.
While the Art Gallery of Peterborough has once again adapted to the realities of the pandemic, Scopelites points out that hasn’t dampened people’s enthusiasm for art and for supporting local artists.
“The intimate experience that you have with artwork is something that people really have missed,” Scopelites says. “Over this year, we find they’re eager to come in and experience the art, to spend time in the space. It is also kind of rejuvenating to be with art.”
Participating in this year’s “It’s All About ART” auction is a great way to rejuvenate your own love of art, while also supporting the Art Gallery of Peterborough and local artists.
Find out more by visiting the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s website at agp.on.ca/its-all-about-art/. For updates, you can also follow the Gallery on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The presenting sponsor of the 2022 “It’s All About ART” auction is LLF Lawyers, with Electric City Real Estate the event sponsor and Ashburnham Realty the hosting sponsor.
Auction sponsors are Ash Nayler Photography, George Ripoll BMO Private Wealth, Kim Wood TD Wealth, Scotia Wealth Management Lipsett Landry Group, and Limestone Bed & Breakfast. In-kind sponsors are We Design Group and Christensen Fine Art. Media partners are kawarthaNOW, Classical 103.1 FM, Move 99.7, and Pure Country 105.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Art Gallery of Peterborough. If your business or organization is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
