The Gallery Associates
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the Gallery Associates, a volunteer-run group for almost seventy years that has supported the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria by creative fund-raising events (such as the house tour, lecture series and trips), promoting public awareness and enjoyment of the Gallery and supporting the importance of cultural activities in the larger community.
Besides participating in our special events, the Gallery Associates provides exciting opportunities for members to further their own knowledge of and enjoyment of art. For instance, the popular monthly meetings (10:00 AM the second Friday of every month) feature guest artists, curators, and authors. There is a book club for in-depth discussion of artists and art movements. Or you can join a DVD group to see and discuss such topics. Our monthly illustrated newsletter called Happenings is filled with articles about our activities but also about our members.
Whatever your interest, the Associates is a wonderful way to give back to your Gallery and community, extend your own interest in art and develop new friendships. If you are interested in attending a meeting to see what we are all about, please contact associates@aggv.ca.
You can join the Associates by having an active Gallery membership and joining the Associates for an annual fee of $35.
Join today to support the Gallery and enjoy art in the community of other art lovers. Annual membership is $35 in addition to a current AGGV membership. You can buy the membership online or at the Front Desk of the AGGV, or give us a call 250 384 4171 (ext 231).
The Gallery Associates is a volunteer run organization that supports and promotes the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Annual membership is $35 in addition to a current AGGV membership.
Gallery Associates membership $35.00
Since its original inception as The Women’s Committee in 1952 (when the Spencer Mansion was donated to the Art Centre), the Gallery Associates have organized a variety of fundraising activities. Under the umbrella of the AGGV, the Gallery Associates provide educational and social programs, conduct art-related activities on and off-site including regional, national and international art tours. The Gallery Associates have raised funds to purchase art, to renovate and refurbish the Gallery, to sponsor major art exhibitions, to maintain and enhance family and children’s programs and Public Open Houses. Gallery members are always welcome as new Gallery Associates.
Celebrate the Arts Together
Becoming a Gallery Associate puts you in contact with other art lovers who are part of a volunteering opportunity that is stimulating and enjoyable.
Membership provides a rich and fulfilling experience, as well as opportunities for intellectual and personal enrichment and community development.
Working Together is Rewarding
Fostering public awareness of and interest in the Gallery are not only rewarding for members but also benefit the Gallery.
Members enjoy the chance to work on behalf of the Gallery and with Gallery staff to promote the many programs and exhibitions offered by the Gallery.
Members are encouraged to join a committee, attend events, volunteer at one of the Gallery Associates’ events. This can be a one-time experience or an ongoing opportunity.
Monthly Meetings
Gallery Associates enjoy meeting at the Gallery on the 2nd Friday of each month. Interesting speakers and presentations are followed by time to mingle with members over coffee. Visitors may attend a meeting to learn more about us. But COVID-19, has meant members and others interested in hearing the variety of speakers meet via ZOOM, still at 10 am.
Happenings
The Gallery Associates’ popular e-newsletter, is published about six times a year between September and June. Included are articles from the AGGV Director, the Board, President, about members and their interests, a variety of activities and Gallery events. Photos and commentary keep members informed wherever they are.
New members are featured so that they can be recognized and welcomed at meetings and events. Speakers at the monthly meetings are profiled and Gallery Associates are encouraged to submit articles about their art-related topics.
Book Club
The Book Club, which began in 2015, meets on the last Monday of each month. Emphasis is on reading books that will enhance members’ understanding of Gallery Exhibits. Reading material is selected to relate to them. Emphasis is on books that relate to Gallery exhibitions. Members choose different artists. All Gallery Associates and Gallery Members are welcome to attend. Currently, members meet via Zoom, beginning at 1 pm.
DVD Series
Members meet the first Monday every month at 1:30 pm at the Art Gallery. Video lectures about art history and programs about famous works of art are shown and discussed. Often a recognized curator attends to provide insightful background and information about the presentation.
All fundraising activities are organized by the Gallery Associates in support of the Gallery. Our fundraising events provide a wonderful opportunity to meet new members and enjoy collaborating on interesting activities. All events are also open to the public.
House Tour
ART MEETS ARCHITECTURE – The Video House Tour runs from October 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024.
Gallery Associates Art Tours
Designed to foster interest in and promote appreciation of local, regional, national and international art, these tours attract art lovers and usually sell out quickly. Tours have hosts who are well versed in the art and culture of the destination and participants visit artists, galleries, and museums as well as touring communities where these reside.
Sunday Art Lecture Series (In-Person)
Don’t miss the 10th anniversary edition – Art History of the Now: Contemporary Western Canadian Art The 2024 Sunday Art Lecture Series examines expressions of identity in contemporary Western Canadian art and the influence of art movements – especially those since the mid-20th century – on them. Five speakers will offer illustrated talks on such topics as modern art movements and the expression of identity, the innovations of women artists in BC, contemporary indigenous art of Vancouver Island, experiences of displacement and rebirth in the art of a Chinese immigrant, and the symbiosis of airport architecture and artworks.
Each lecture includes questions and answers.
Louise Klaassen – President
Donna Jones – Past President
Valerie York – First Vice President
Bill Huzar – Second Vice President
Elizabeth Pulker – Secretary
Joan Huzar – Treasurer
Janyce Ronson – Membership Chair
Wendy Warren – Programme Chair
Our committees welcome new members throughout the year. Check the list and see where your skills and interests would fit best!
Art Lecture Series: Katherine Young and Carol Anne Harper
Art Excursions: Larissa Ciupka
Archives: Janet Renouf
Art Tours: Mona Herring
Book Club: Co-convenors: Nancy Montgomery, Pam Allen, Laura Dempsey, Casey Sunderland
Communications: Lynda Philippsen
DVD Series: MaryAnn Appleby
Happenings Newsletter: Marilyn Denton, Pieta VanDyke, Sharon Warren
House Tour 2024: Vacant
Programme: Wendy Warren
Membership: Janyce Ronson
Social: Sue Weeks
Technology Committee: Bill Huzar
