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.

Early Bird Access

Enjoy advanced notice of all Gallery events and the opportunity to purchase tickets early to events that are often sold out.

Monthly Meetings

Gallery Associates enjoy meeting at the Gallery on the 2nd Friday of each month featuring interesting speakers and presentations followed by time to mingle with members over coffee.  Visitors may attend a meeting to learn more about us.

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 and updates from the Board of Directors, about members and their interests, a variety of activities and Gallery events. Photos and commentary keep members informed wherever they are.

New members are always 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 travels focusing on art-related topics.

Book Club

The Book Club, which began in 2015, meets at the Kearley Room at the Art Gallery from 1:30 to 3:30 on the last Monday of each month. Emphasis is put on reading books that will enhance members’ understanding of Gallery Exhibits. Reading material is selected to relate to them. All Gallery Associate members are welcome to attend.

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.

Join today to support the Gallery and to impart the importance of art in the community. It’s easy to become involved in one of Victoria’s most rewarding volunteer experiences. First, make certain your Gallery membership is current. Then join the Gallery Associates for $35 annually.

For more information, pick up a brochure from the front desk at the Gallery.

All fundraising activities below are organized by the Gallery Associates in support of the Gallery. All events are also open to the public.

House Tour
This popular annual Fall event is the largest fundraising event for the Gallery Associates. In 2018, the tour celebrated its 65th year and exceeded planned fundraising levels. The self-guided tour features innovative architecture and interior design in homes in the Greater Victoria area. Sell out crowds visit the homes that also showcase exquisite floral designs by members of the local floral arranging guild and feature established regional artists working at each house. More than 150 volunteers plan a year ahead to continue building on the popularity of the event.

Click the link below to view highlights from the House Tour last year:

65TH ANNUAL HOUSE TOUR (2018)

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 lead 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

This series has been operating for four years. Speakers are selected because of their knowledge and expertise in various art-related topics. Lectures by Dr. Daniel Mato, professor emeritus in art history at the University of Calgary, has covered Russian modern art and Surrealism. Each lecture includes a question and include a Q&A.

Art and Fashion Together on the Runway
Sunday, May 26, 2-4pm
This exciting event is a fundraiser in support of the Gallery’s exhibitions and educational programs for children and families.

Tickets on sale now!
PURCHASE TICKETS

Ad Hoc Activities
Several fundraising activities continue to be considered by the Gallery Associates for specific fundraising purposes. Over the years, these activities have been popular and have included: What’s It Worth, the Gallery Associates’ version of The Antiques Road Show; Art in Bloom, floral designs complementing Gallery artworks; Let’s Talk Design, a series featuring interior designers in discussions specific to home design and renovation. Fundraising initiatives are reviewed annually and new ideas are welcomed!

Donna Jones – President
Carol Anne Harper – First Vice President
Wendy Lovitt Warren – Second Vice President
Louise Klaassen – Secretary
Marci Shilliington – Treasurer
Karen Ayers – Membership Chair
Yvonne MacKenzie – Programme Chair
Pieta VanDyke – Past President

Our committees welcome new members throughout the year. Check the list and see where your skills and interests would fit best!

Archives: Charlene Brown, Archivist
Art Tours & Studio Tours – Joan Huzar and Wendy Lovitt Warren (Co-Chairs)
Book Club – Joan Shimizu, Pat Katz and Joan Fraser (Co-Conveners)
Communications & Marketing – Pat Preston, Chair
DVD Series – Corinne Taylor, Convenor
Happenings Newsletter – Joan Shimizu, Editor, and Charlene Brown, Layout & Production
House Tour – Bill Huzar, Chair
Membership Committee – Karen Ayers, Chair, Mona Herring, Co-Chair, Dorothy Griffin, Telephone Contact for Members without Email, Bill Samis, Membership List Recorder
Social Committee – Louise Maguire, Eleanor Mix and Judy Walker (Co-Chairs)