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UBC Okanagan are taking a hard-nosed look at how to spend profits from this year‘s popular fundraising auction, Art on the Line, now in its eighth year. And they‘ve decided fiscal conservatism is hot, while spending on travel to look at art is not. The auction, which happens Saturday, Feb. 6, typically nets about $15,000. In the past, that money has subsidized a field trip for students who want to broaden their creative horizons by visiting galleries in New York or another city with a vibrant cultural scene. But this year, students have decided to put revenue from the sold-out event toward things like scholarships, guest lectures and new school equipment, said Cory Dixon, who heads the student committee that organizes Art on the Line. “We‘re looking at how we‘re using that money,” said Dixon. “We‘ve got a really hungry group of students this year who want to make those funds – and the students‘ efforts – go further and provide them with some opportunities.” Art on the Line has won many fans since it was launched in 2003, in part because it offers 100 people a great deal on original artwork. A $175 ticket guarantees the holder one painting, drawing, print, photograph or sculpture donated by students, professors or alumni. But Art on the Line is also a fun night out because the order in which the 100 ticket holders make their choices depends on chance – they must wait until their number is drawn from a hat. Things get hectic as people track which pieces are gone and make quick decisions about what they want instead. It‘s great to be chosen early, but even the hundredth person has some choice because 125 works are juried in to the event, said Dixon. Still, it‘s essential for ticket holders to arrive early, make a list of their favorites and pay attention once the selections start. Those who are diligent – and lucky – may score a work by a faculty member, which can be worth as much as $2,000. Proceeds from this year‘s event, as in previous years, will cover costs for the graduating exhibition, which opens April 17. As well, students donate 10 per cent of proceeds to charity. This year‘s recipient is Cool Arts, a local non-profit organization that provides workshops for adults with developmental disabilities. But few students were interested in this year‘s proposed trip – a week in San Francisco and Seattle that would have cost about $500, says Dixon. “Even $500 played out quite pricey,” says Dixon. “It‘s the cost of a course here. Right now, especially, people are finding it hard.” So students will stay at home and use money from Art on the Line to enrich the educational environment, he says. Dixon says the decision comes in part because it is tough to get the university administration to support the arts. “The fine arts program is always in competition with everything else here at UBC Okanagan to see who will get money,” he says. “We didn‘t get a fume hood until last year and our staff and faculty had to fight really hard for that and that‘s something that is basic health and safety,” he says. “Our staff knew and wanted it really badly so we can use aerosol cans, spray cans, stuff like that.” While students have not made final spending decisions, priorities include equipment for the print room and storage space where students can keep their artwork, he says. “If we‘re not getting it from the university, if we‘re not getting it from anywhere else, then as students we‘re going to take it on ourselves,” says Dixon. “This year is definitely marked by a very proactive group of students.” Art on the Line gives students a practical lesson in hanging a show, selling tickets, organizing publicity and arranging food and beverages. This year, they decided to hold it for the second year in a row in the Fipke Centre on the UBC campus. “It‘s a beautiful space,” says Dixon, noting that students have invested in a $2,000 hanging system that can be used in the venue for years. Tickets, which give entry to two people, are sold out. But there is a waiting list for next year‘s event. Anyone interested can e-mail irma.ronkkonen@ubc.ca for first dibs in 2011. There are still plenty of $10 tickets for people who just want to watch the action on Saturday. What: Art on the Line When: Saturday, Feb. 6. Doors open at 6 p.m. Draw begins at 7:30 p.m. Where: Fipke Centre at UBC Okanagan Tickets: $175 with artwork, $10 to watch Info: ubc.ca/okanagan/creative/events/artontheline.html Top of Page |
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September 7, 2010, 6:20 am |