Art auction bidders will Back the Build for County’s new hospital
Administrator | Apr 29, 2019 | Comments 0
The newly formed Prince Edward County Art Dealers Association (PECADA) and the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) are partnering to host an inspiring art auction at Picton’s historic Crystal Palace.
On Saturday, May 11, up to 300 revelers will have the opportunity to ‘Bid for the Build’ on more than 100 works of art curated by professional artists in support of the new hospital campaign.
The gala evening will feature historical and significant pieces of art including painting and sculpture and a cocktail reception will highlight an impressive silent auction of unique and upscale artworks.
The live auction will be the centerpiece of the evening as hotly anticipated works of art are put on the block by professional auctioneer Julie Riches, who will captivate attendees with her entertaining banter and rapid-calling style.
Competition may be fierce as attendees outbid each other for once-in-a-lifetime pieces – including an original painting by Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis.
“The participating galleries that form PECADA have each denoted the starting bid levels for the works, resulting in an opportunity for arts lovers to bid upon art that is accessible and highly collectible, while raising money to support the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign,” said Carlyn Moulton, of PECADA. “The evening is expected to have much good-natured bidding and competition, resulting in a win-win-win for all involved.”
Galleries that comprise PECADA include Blizzmax, Carbon Art and Design, Hatch Gallery, Mad Dog Gallery, Oeno Gallery and Sybil Frank Gallery. Each gallery has committed to collecting at least 10 pieces for the event.
The County’s hospital, now 60 years old, is nearing its end of life and renovating the current building to bring it up to current standards for hospitals would cost as much, or more, than building a new facility.
“We are well on our way to building a new hospital. The estimated cost is $80 million,” said Shannon Coull, the Hospital Foundation’s executive director. “The provincial government will pay for 90 per cent of the construction costs while the community’s share of $16.5 million includes 10 per cent of the building cost, plus all of the equipment needed for the new hospital. With state-of-the-art design and infrastructure, the new hospital will offer the same range of services available now, but with better facilities and equipment.”
The proposed new hospital will have a projected 13 emergency beds and 18 larger inpatient rooms with private washrooms. The emergency services department will have the latest medical technology and be staffed 24-hours a day.
The Bid for the Build committee welcomed RBC Dominion Securities as lead sponsor for the event, helping to maximize proceeds.
“Bringing attention to our local hospital and supporting their funding goals is paramount to delivering the standard of care everyone deserves now and into the future,” said Lisa Thompson, vice-president, portfolio manager and wealth manager with RBC Dominion Securities.
Seating is limited with just 300 reservations available. Tickets, at $25 per person, are available online at www.pecmhf.ca.
Entry includes the opportunity to bid on the works featured in the live and silent auction and gourmet appetizers. A cash bar will be available. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the silent auction running until 7 p.m. The live auction is to begin at 7:30 p.m.
For more information about PECADA and to view the catalogue of works being auctioned on May 11, visit www.pecada.ca. The online catalogue opens May 1.
Filed Under: Arts & Culture
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