The Ottawa Art Gallery's annual Give to Get Art Auction transformed the Alma Duncan Salon into a vibrant celebration of creativity and philanthropy on Thursday, May 21. The Paint the Town Pink themed event drew a stylish crowd from Ottawa's arts community, with attendees donning bold pink attire and accessories.
A Night of Art and Generosity
Guests mingled among striking works by more than 100 Ottawa-Gatineau artists, sipping colourful cocktails and enjoying culinary creations inspired by the playful theme. Live music, creative activations, and live painting added to the electric energy as collectors, community leaders, artists, and supporters bid on an eclectic mix of pieces ranging from emerging talent to established local names.
The evening also highlighted the gallery's commitment to supporting youth and emerging artists while helping keep admission free and accessible for the community. By the end of the event, more than $162,000 was raised in support of exhibitions, wellness and community programs, acquisitions, and opportunities for artists and arts professionals across the region.
Notable Attendees
Alexandra Badzak, director and CEO of the Ottawa Art Gallery, was joined by Mark Schaan, chair of the board of directors, while enjoying the festivities on the terrace. Philanthropic rock star Joseph Cull fully embraced the theme with a spectacular head of pink hair and plenty of glitz and glam. Brenda Firestone shared a conversation with Cathy Phillips while surrounded by artwork, continuing her family's long-standing connection to the gallery through the nationally significant Firestone Collection of Canadian Art.
Sanjay Shah, CEO of ExecHealth; Dr. Bella Mehta; Tara-Leigh Mierins; and Jeff Mierins of Star Motors of Ottawa, longtime supporters of Ottawa's arts community and sponsors of the auction, were also in attendance. China Doll, a familiar face in Ottawa's drag and arts community, attended alongside their brother Don Kwan, artist and new board member. Chantal Sabourin received a henna tattoo from Mumtaz Mohamoud while enjoying the sunshine on the terrace.
Heather Simpson, founder and CEO of Simpson Art Advisory, and Erica Claus of Erica Claus & Associates Appraisers posed for a photograph with the Kodak Girls. Lee Rose, manager of community engagement at TD Bank Group, and Colin Noble, associate portfolio manager and investment adviser at TD Wealth, attended with TD serving as the presenting sponsor. Artist Julian Garner, known in Ottawa's tattoo community as 5ivecents, was among the more than 100 artists with work featured in the auction.
Shiva Nasiri's ceramic piece titled Zeit, Please Hold Still II drew attention, and Ursula Gobel paused to admire the striking pieces on display. The Kodak Girls photo booth offered guests a unique way to capture portraits, and Katie Lafferty, owner of Watson's Pharmacy and OAG board member, chatted with Mark Schaan. Catalina Viau, CEO of MDRN Activations, brought extra fun with a lively photo booth.
The evening proved that art has the power to bring people together while helping a city shine a little brighter. Stylish, colourful, and unmistakably Ottawa, the event was a resounding success.
