Annual art auction has range of exceptional art up for grabs
Each year, the Visual Arts Student Association (VASA) and Bachelor of Design Graduation Committee here at the University of Alberta holds a highly anticipated art auction. The auction is an exclusive opportunity to obtain a unique piece of art from one of Alberta’s talented emerging artists and designers. Curious Arts recently caught up with Auction Coordinator, Alexandra Gusse, to find out a bit more about VASA and this year’s auction taking place on Saturday, November 26th.
Alexandra explained how the groups are vital to a visual art or design student’s progression through their years at UAlberta, serving as the “bridge between art school and life as a practicing artist upon completion of a degree.”
“The main manifestation of this is the planning, coordination and fundraising for the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Design Grad Shows every spring.This is a huge undertaking, and it all comes down to the initiative of the students.”
Photo by Jonathan Tieh
The auction is the main fundraiser for the BFA and BDes Grad Shows and also serves to help VASA raise funds for the many other exhibitions, initiatives and events held within the arts community and on campus throughout the year.
Organization of the auction is all done by members of VASA and the BDes Grad Committee who are also in the full-swing of classes right now, which serves as a testament to just how passionate these students are about art in Edmonton.
“All of us are in at least 2 and up to 4 studio classes. Studio labs include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpting, intermedia and design courses. I am in painting and printmaking. Most of my day is spent in my painting studio where I talk with professors, my classmates, paint, read and respond to VASA emails. One of the most exciting things about being apart of the art community is going to gallery, show openings or silent auctions!”
Photo by Jonathan Tieh
The level of art you will see and be able to purchase at the event is phenomenal, and often a culmination of many hours of student work. I’ve had the pleasure of touring the studios, which alongside all of the other work spaces in Art and Design, will have been alive with students pouring their souls in art that you can soon take off of the display walls and showcase in your own home. Widening your options even more, there will also be work from graduate students and alumni of the program up for grabs.
“People will be able to purchase many different styles of art: from abstract or representational paintings, drawings, prints, and all different forms of art media. This year is especially strong for high quality work that represents all of these different sensibilities.”
This year CCIS (the Centre for Interdisciplinary Science) here in the North Campus, alive with the sights, sounds and elation of the art auction experience, will be the place to be on November 26th at 7:00 p.m. There will be a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and live music, so clear your Saturday evening plans and come down to mingle with the movers and shakers of the art and design-world in Edmonton.
Presenter: VASA and theBachelor of Design Graduation Committee
Event Title: Off The Wall: Art & Design Auction
Date: November 26, 2016 from 7:00-midnight
Venue: CCIS PCL Lounge (11455 Saskatchewan Drive, University of Alberta)
Admission: Free, Cash Bar
Facebook event page: Off the Wall: Art and Design Auction
Photo by Jonathan Tieh
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