2024 was a banner year for the Gallery Associates of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV). The group of volunteers is dedicated to raising funds in support of the Gallery.
From October 2023 to January 2024, they once again offered their popular Video House Tour. The videos, narrated by the homes’ owners who showcased their collections of art, allowed viewers one-hour glimpses into five amazing homes in various styles throughout the Greater Victoria region.
That was followed by the 10th anniversary of the Sunday Art Lecture Series in February and March, which drew attention to the history of Western Canadian art. This year, the illustrated lectures presented by knowledgeable and articulate speakers highlighted numerous innovative artists who don’t get the attention they deserve. Women, Indigenous peoples of Vancouver Island, immigrants, as well as frequently overlooked art installations in airports took centre stage.
For 2025, another dynamic Sunday Art Lecture Series is under development, but this time attendees will be able to enjoy the recent upgrades to the Gallery’s audio-visual equipment. These include compatibility with hearing devices, more speakers for improved sound and a larger permanently installed screen.
The guided fundraising tours to Japan and France were also a huge success, so much so that several of the participants signed up for the current sold-out tour headed to Spain. The group is now considering South Korea and Kyushu, Japan, as well as other destinations in North America for 2025 and beyond.
This year, funds raised by the Gallery Associates contributed to two important projects: upgrades to the Gallery’s aging studio and the development of a catalogue that will showcase works of the AGGV’s extensive collections.
Want to Make a Difference?
As the Gallery Associates begin their upcoming 2024/2025 season, they invite anyone who loves art and enjoys making a direct difference to the community to join them. They offer numerous opportunities to work together with other like-minded individuals from all parts of Canada and various walks of life who now make Victoria their home.
Under their mandate to volunteer, connect and fundraise, the Galley Associates also take care of each other. They offer numerous activities which are exclusive to the benefit of their membership.
These include a monthly meeting, illustrated lectures from many local artists, as well as a social hour over tea, coffee and sweets. They also organize a variety of art-themed excursions such as tours of artists’ studios and galleries on the Gulf Islands and other parts of Vancouver Island. This year a guided tour of the Ross Bay Cemetery to visit the resting places of various artists is planned near Halloween.
For those inclined to cozy up indoors to read, there is a monthly meeting of a book club, which explores themes or artists featured in the Gallery’s current exhibitions, as well as speakers featured in upcoming meetings of the Gallery Associates. Others meet regularly to view DVDs of art-related themes and post-viewing discussions. Happenings, a bi-monthly newsletter produced and published by the Gallery Associates, reports activities of the group, the gallery and individual members. Truly, there’s something for everyone.
Ideal Gallery Associates are individuals who like to make a difference, and who like to work with others who share a passion for art and community service. To anyone fitting that bill, the Gallery Associates extend an open invitation to join them at any time. All that is required is a current membership with the AGGV, a willingness to assist the Gallery Associates’ initiatives according to individual skills and a $35 membership fee.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Gallery Associate, you are invited to attend a meeting as a guest. Contact [email protected] with “Membership” in the subject line for details.
