The Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery have their annual fundraiser returning this year, and they have another collection of great works up for grabs through their Art Raffle on Nov. 30.
Ross Melanson, operations manager at the MJMAG, has been organizing this year’s draw and open house, and he’s enthusiastic about the submissions from local artists this year.
“They're all original artworks, all of a whole bunch of different varieties. There's paintings, ceramics, there's some handcrafted jewelry, there's some blown glass, there's ceramic wall panels, quilt pieces,” said Melanson.
Artists from the local area, such as painter Heather Cline and potter Zach Dietrich, have donated pieces for the cause, as well as Saskatchewan artists from outside the community such as Belinda Harrow from Regina.
The draw will take place during an open house gala at the MJMAG, featuring music and food to fill out the evening. Regina musician Brent Pylot will be performing, and the event is open to the public — meaning you’re welcome to attend even if you haven’t purchased a raffle ticket.
There are only 100 tickets available to purchase, each one a chance to win one of the donated works of art. As the tickets are drawn on the evening of Nov. 30, the winner is able to select the artwork of their choice.
For those unable to be present during the draw, the MJMAG will take a list of preferred works and set aside any pieces that are won, but Melanson really encouraged ticket holders to come out to the evening.
“It's a lot more fun to be there,” said Melanson. “It's a really festive feeling and it's a really interesting feeling. It's like a game, where it's very suspenseful.”
All 19 of the donated pieces will be on exhibit at the MJMAG the week prior to the draw, giving people a chance to see the talented artists’ work before it finds a new home. The MJMAG is also featuring each peice on their Facebook page, leading up to the event.
At $75 a ticket, Melanson feels the raffle is a wonderful chance to add some wonderful pieces of local art to one’s home while also supporting a great cause.
“It is a way for people to acquire art and to get art in their home,” said Melanson. “It gives them a chance to have a piece of art that they can get for relatively less and to support the gallery that does serve the community.”
The Art Raffle is the MJMAG’s largest fundraiser, and everything raised is returned to the gallery to fund the many programs that are offered throughout the year. This is the second year that the MJMAG has organized the Art Raffle, with great success last year.
“It’s just a way to use art directly in fundraising, for the artists that we facilitate, so the artists that are associated with the gallery could support the gallery,” said Melanson. “It was very well attended last year and we almost sold the entire tickets, I think we had two left, so people should get their tickets as soon as they can.”
The Art Raffle will take place at the MJMAG, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 30. Tickets are available to purchase at the gallery during their open hours on Tuesday through Sunday, or by calling the MJMAG at 1 (306) 692-4471.
