As a long-standing or new Member of the AGGV, you might be asking yourself this question. The Gallery Associates are a group founded more than 70 years ago with the express mandate to raise funds for the Gallery. Here's what they've been up to this past year:

Going into their June 2024 AGM, the Gallery Associates are celebrating a banner year. Two guided art tours – one to Japan and another to France – were sold out, as was the Sunday Art Lecture Series which celebrated its tenth anniversary. In addition, the Video House Tour once again featured splendid local homes and their art collections.

This fundraising lineup forms the core of the Associates’ most popular ventures which enable them to support the AGGV in various ways while enjoying rewarding activities for members and forming friendship connections through shared project management. Over the decades these dedicated volunteers have been able to offer generous support to the Gallery’s programs, acquisitions, publications and much more.

Image Credit: Japan 2023 Tour participants about to partake in a multi-course Hokkaido Crab feast.
Image Credit: One of the courses offered at the Hokkaido Crab feast.

Throughout the year, various committees also undertake numerous social and educational activities exclusive to the Associates’ membership. These include monthly meetings featuring guest-artist speakers, a book club (which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary), a regular Gallery Associates newsletter called Happenings, as well as excursions to local studios, galleries and art festivals.

 Image Credit: From the Gallery Associates trip to France.

Plans are now well underway for the next season which begins in September after a summer recess. The fall art tour to Spain has already sold out, but other ventures closer to home are in the offing, as are trip discussions for 2025.

With a membership comprised of dynamic individuals from numerous walks of life and career backgrounds who share a common love of art, the Associates are always eager to welcome new members – who must also be members of the AGGV – into the fold.


Interested in joining this dedicated and enthusiastic group of Gallery supporters?

For more information, please check out the Associates’ Webpage on the AGGV website or inquire at associates@aggv.ca with “Membership” in the subject line.

 

Feature Image: Japan Tour participants on a walk with torii gates in the background.