The Gala Event: December 18, 2015 / 7 – 11 p.m.
Propeller Gallery
30 Abell Street, Toronto
Propeller Gallery is an artist-run gallery, which moved to Abell Street in the Queen West area about a year ago. Although the gallery has been unfortunately blocked by construction since it’s relocation the event still happily brought out many guests who did not seem to mind the slight detour needed to get there.
Installation view with guests
Everyone in the gallery appeared to know each other and the rooms buzzed with chatter and laughter as they moved through the galleries two rooms. The Off The Wall Fundraiser and Gala is an annual gathering in which the attendee’s who purchased tickets wait for their number to be drawn and when it is – they have sixty seconds to chose the piece of art off the wall they want to take home with them.
Installation view
Joseph Muscat, Partnerships Chair of the gallery said that although the interest in Off The Wall has dropped a bit since the first year, the turnout was still great. Though perhaps in the galleries coming years they might switch up the idea and try something new. Whether or not they do, it is clear the gallery has many friends who will attend regardless to the event they chose in the future.
Installation view
Many of the works that were up for grab were provided from members of the gallery such as Frances Patella who had multiple works on display including “High Park Burn” and “Area 7 High Park”. She mentioned that she has happily participated since the events inception in 2011. Patella is the Co-chair of the gallery and was heavily involved in the evening’s festivities.
Frances Patella, Area 7 High Park
Although Joseph Muscat expressed that perhaps the idea was a little old now, everyone in attendance was clearly excited to be there. As him and gallery director Nathan Heuvingh drew the tickets people let out excited gasps as their numbers were called and they rushed to grab their choices. Even as the options quickly dwindled everyone remained in high spirits, as really any of the 50 options were great to take home for the $125 a ticket needed to participate.
Joseph Muscat and Nathan Heuvingh draw tickets
Winner, and member since 2007, Dominique Prevost was incredibly happy with her piece. She came in late and had a selection of options that she would be thrilled to take home. She said this was her first year choosing a piece done by someone outside the gallery’s membership: Sharon Dembo’s striking monotype, entitled “Great Big Dancer”.
Dominique Provost with Sharon Dembo’s “Great Big Dancer”
Although it is unknown if Off the Wall will occur again next year, the event brought out a wonderful crowd and provided a great atmosphere. Off the Wall is a one night only event, however, the gallery is worth a visit at any other time.
Text and photo: Rhiann Moore