The Gallery Associates
“Welcome! I appreciate your interest in the Gallery Associates, a group of energetic volunteers who work together to raise funds and increase awareness of the many programs and exhibitions offered by the Gallery. The funds we raise come to life in the Gallery and in the community through arts programming and the building itself.”
Carol Anne Harper, President
The Gallery Associates are AGGV members who raise funds for the Gallery. They are a diverse volunteer group who have supported the Gallery for more than 67 years. Celebrating and fostering interest in the Gallery is at the heart of their activities.
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 to support The NEXT Gallery 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.
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 on reading books that will enhance members’ understanding of Gallery Exhibits. Reading material is selected to relate to them. All Gallery Associates 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. 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
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. Sellout 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.
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 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, have covered Russian modern art and Surrealism. Each lecture includes a question and include a Q&A.
Thrifty’s Smile Cards
Smile Cards, a new fundraising initiative, make it easy for members to raise funds for the Gallery Associates. We take our pre-assigned Smile card to Thrifty’s, load it with any amount of our choice, pay for the card using cash, debit or credit card and reload when the amount on the card runs out. Gallery Associates receive an amount equal to 5% of members’ dollars loaded.
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: Art and Fashion…together on the runway, a sellout event with Art to Wear, an art auction, art for sale and raffles at the Union Club; 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!
Carol Anne Harper – President
Bev Kallstrom– First Vice President
Wendy Lovitt Warren – Second Vice President
Louise Klaassen – Secretary
Marci Shilliington – Treasurer
Sita Ferri– Membership Chair
Yvonne MacKenzie – Program Chair
Donna Jones– 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: Joan Huzar and Wendy Lovitt Warren (Co-Chairs)
Book Club: Planning Group: Pam Allen, Joan Fraser, Laura Dempseu, Casey Sunderland, Lynne Woodruff
Communications & Marketing: Pat Preston, Chair
DVD Series: David Sproule, Convenor
Happenings Newsletter: Joan Shimizu, Editor, and Charlene Brown, Editor, Layout & Production
House Tour: Bev Kallstrom and Bill Huzar, Co-Chairs
Membership: Sita Ferri, Chair, Anneke Rubingh, Co-Chair, Dorothy Griffin, Telephone Contact for Members without Email, Bill Samis, Editor, Membership List
Social: Convenors: Nancy Montgomery, Dorothy Stanley, Sue Weeks
Smile Card: Donna Jones, coordinator