The Gallery Associates
Thank you for your interest in the Gallery Associates. We are a group of volunteers dedicated to supporting the Gallery through a variety of fundraising activities. As ambassadors for the Gallery, we also put our efforts toward increasing community awareness of the many programs and exhibitions offered by the Gallery. Our fundraising efforts are visible in the Gallery and through arts programming and the building itself. The Gallery Associates began purchasing art seven decades ago that helped launch the Gallery’s collection. We continue to initiate creative ways to continue our support. We build on our history in order to secure a positive future for the Gallery. Please join us as we move forward. – Bev Kallstrom, president
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.
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 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 Postponed until 2022.
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
This series was initiated by Dr. Daniel Mato, professor emeritus in art history at the University of Calgary. Lectures have covered many topics from European modern art to medieval balsam in Egypt and surrealism. Each lecture includes questions and answers. Get your ticket for 2021, The Visionary Eye: Surrealism from Europe to North America. Join the Gallery Associates in March for 4 lectures via Zoom, and explore how surrealist artists in Europe, Canada, and the United States tried to free the mind from the oppression of rationalism, conformity, and the ordinary in order to experience new ways of seeing.
Each lecture includes questions and answers. Watch for news about next year’s series and get your ticket early for 2022 when they are released.
AGGV 2022 Calendar
The calendar was created as a fundraiser for the gallery and, to mark the beginning of the Gallery Associates’ 70th anniversary celebrations. It features 13 of the 700 works acquired by the Gallery Associates and donated to the Gallery. Some of the works in the calendar are being shown publicly for the first time. The calendars are available for $22 at the Gift
In Conversation With…
This series of recorded conversations has been created to ensure senior artists’ accomplishments and contributions to the arts’ community are preserved so others will have access to the local, national and international work of these local artists. A committee of Gallery Associates continues to work on the project.
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!
Bev Kallstrom – President
Katherine Young – First Vice President
Mona Herring – Second Vice President
Charlene Brown – Secretary
Marci Shilliington – Treasurer
Dorthy Stanley– Membership Chair
David Sproule – Program Chair
Carol Anne Harper – Past President
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 David Sproule
Archives: Judy Thompson
Art Tours: Mona Herring
Book Club: Planning Group: Pam Allen, 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 Carol Anne Harper, Co-Chairs
Membership: Dorothy Griffin, Telephone Contact for Members without Email, Bill Samis, Editor, Membership List
Social: Convenors: Nancy Montgomery, Dorothy Stanley, Sue Weeks