UBC Okanagan’s art department puts it all on the line this week with their signature fundraiser, Art on the Line, raising money for the fine arts graduating students’ final show.
This popular event routinely sells out long before the date, although there is still a way to get in on the action.
For $10, anyone who is interested in watching the proceedings, and maybe picking up one of the 25 pieces remaining at the end of the night, can come in and watch the ticket holders’ mad scramble.
Art on the Line ticket holders are given time to preview a selection of work from the students and a few local artists before a random draw is held to determine who will get to pick a piece.
One can only pick a piece once one’s number is drawn, making the selection process tricky.
“We were very lucky this year. Almost a third of the art was donated by professional artists,” said Nicole Dowhaniuk, who is co-organizing the event with Lacia Vogel.
For the young artists who are still attending school, the added selection from professional artists is a boost on two fronts. For one, the more professional work rolls in, the less there’s a need for students to donate their own.
Donating work to the show, while fun, can be taxing for those trying to pull together a portfolio of work and also saddled with limited budgets.
The students do not make any money directly from the event, though it is a good way for them to build a name.
The student’s work is juried before the event and there are 125 pieces included, though only 100 tickets sold.
A quick review of some of the pieces up for auction reveals they likely have nothing to worry about as there will be a huge range of talent on display.
Vogel has included a print of her notebook with doodles and thoughts all written onto the edge of a page, for example.
Dowhaniuk, meanwhile, has included some unique pieces which look like fashion sketches.
And for those looking for that outside-the-box piece, there’s a handmade iron chair and a rock suspended from a hook.
“The great thing about sculpture is you don’t have to worry about hanging it,” said Vogel.
This is the first year students have been able to earn credits for organizing the Art on the Line event. The jury process alone takes two meetings to ensure a good selection of artwork to suit the target market.
Art on the Line runs Saturday at the Fipke Centre on the UBCO campus in North Kelowna. Doors open at 6 p.m., the draw starts at 7:30 p.m.
