The Brockville Arts Hub hosted a successful fundraising event called 'A Night at the Gallery' on Saturday evening, November 8, 2025, bringing together art enthusiasts for an evening of socializing and art appreciation. The innovative fundraiser featured over 100 donated artworks and used a unique selection system that added excitement and suspense to the traditional art auction format.
The event offered two ticket tiers to accommodate different budgets and preferences. The $100 tickets, which sold out five weeks in advance, entitled patrons to a glass of wine, appetizers, and guaranteed them one piece of artwork from the collection. The $25 tickets provided wine and appetizers along with entry into a drawing for one of 12 door prizes. According to co-chair Chris Coyea, who organized the event alongside Judy Quick, Jean Boyd, and Harold Hess, all artwork was completely donated by local artists.
'There are more pieces here than I expected, with a great variety of new and old, with something for everyone,' said guest Michael Milne. 'It's friendly, of course, but like an auction, it's elbows up,' he added with a smile, capturing the competitive yet cordial atmosphere of the evening.
The artwork was thoughtfully displayed throughout the venue, which doubles as St. John's United Church altar, extending to the side areas to create a panorama of color, texture, form, and medium. The collection included paintings, sculptures, and pottery, representing both contemporary works and pieces from deceased Brockville artists whose families chose to donate their legacy pieces. 'There are new works, old works, works that families decided to donate of Brockville artists who are no longer with us. The selection is amazing,' Coyea explained.
The event's unique format added an element of suspense that distinguished it from typical art auctions. Master of ceremonies Bruce Wylie oversaw the selection process, where each patron and artwork received numbers. Throughout the evening, Wylie randomly drew patron numbers, and when called, individuals could claim their preferred piece – provided it hadn't already been selected. This system required attendees to have backup choices, creating anticipation and strategy among participants. 'The luck of the draw produced both cheers and groans,' Coyea noted.
Guests began arriving at 5:30 p.m. for a preview period, allowing them time to examine the artwork and identify their preferred pieces before the selection process began. During this time, attendees enjoyed live piano performances by Brockville pianist Christopher Cennon, while volunteers led by Marion Dalley served colorful and flavorful appetizers.
Local resident Aynne Farmer expressed appreciation for the venue and cause, stating, 'I love how the church has been preserved. It's wonderful to have the Arts Hub here in the community. It's so important to support local artists.' Fellow attendee Eileen Doner echoed this sentiment, saying, 'It's so generous of the art community to donate their work. I'm so impressed by the variety of techniques.'
The fundraising success will enable the Arts Hub to build a modern commercial kitchen, a significant upgrade to their facilities. The Sifton Foundation had originally pledged to match up to $50,000 in donations, but due to the evening's success, they increased their commitment to $75,000 in matching funds. This financial boost represents a major step forward for the organization's infrastructure development.
The Arts Hub continued its community engagement beyond Saturday's fundraiser. On Sunday, they offered a free Remembrance Day concert to the public, accepting freewill donations. The musical program featured performances by the Herald Brass under David Druce's direction, and the Brockville Community Choir led by Madelyn Mensen with collaborative artist Abe TeGrotenhuis. Musician Donna Matheson provided piano accompaniment for Alex Fleuriau Chateau and Christopher Coyea as they performed 'In Flanders Fields.'
Looking ahead, the Arts Hub has scheduled another significant musical event for November 23 at 2 p.m., titled 'A Sentimental Journey.' This full afternoon of music will honor the memory of Howard and Bruce Alexander and will feature the inaugural performance of the BHL Big Band, named after Bruce and Howard Alexander and Lance Besharah. The program will include diverse performances from the clarinet ensemble Quintessence, vocals by Coyea, Fleuriau Chateau, and Megan Quick, and a cello solo by Jan Jensen. Additional performances will come from the Festive Flutes Trio and the Brockville Brass Quintet, with a special horn solo by Charlotte Alexander performing a piece written specifically for her by her father, Howard Alexander. Donna Matheson will provide piano accompaniment throughout the afternoon, and admission will be free with optional donations welcomed for the Brockville and Area Food Bank.
