There’s a free public art exhibition and auction this month in Vancouver

This fall, Arts Umbrella is set to host one of the most highly anticipated galas in Vancouver — Splash Art Auction.

Canada’s largest charitable art auction will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, and it promises a fun-filled night full of entertainment.

Those wanting a sneak peek at the amazing artworks up for grabs this year can visit a free public exhibition at the Pendulum Gallery from now until Thursday, Oct. 2. You can even make your early bids via online auction bidding.

“We are thrilled to work with the Pendulum Gallery to preview the amazing art pieces that have been so generously donated by artists from across Canada,” said Paul Larocque, president and CEO of Arts Umbrella, in a release.

“Splash is more than our flagship fundraiser – it’s a vital gateway for thousands of young people to access the transformative power of the arts. With donor support, we’re able to help students from all backgrounds build confidence, creativity, and a path to succeed.”

Arts Umbrella was founded in Vancouver in 1979 and has since grown to become Canada’s leading not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to arts education for children and youth. It serves approximately 20,000 young people annually, with nearly 75 per cent accessing programming at no cost due to donor support.

Over 90 stunning artworks make up the Splash 2025 Art Collection on display at the Pendulum Gallery at 885 W. Georgia St. The public preview showcases the pieces of art donated by acclaimed and emerging Canadian and international artists.

The lineup of artists this year includes Moses Salihou, a Cameroonian artist who blends abstraction with portraiture, Maggie Hall, a painter inspired by pop culture, and Cole Speck, a Kwakwaka’wakw artist who infuses Northwest Coast carving traditions with contemporary narratives.

Art lovers will also want to check out Splash 2025 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Saturday, Oct. 4. Tickets are currently sold out, but you can get on the waitlist online.

The 43rd gala event is hosted by Fred Lee and Gloria Macarenko, featuring an elegant cocktail reception and dinner, performances by the Arts Umbrella Dance Company and the Pre-Professional Musical Theatre Troupe, and a live auction led by Hank Bull.

Over 600 guests are expected to attend Splash, and a simultaneous livestream will also be available to audiences across Canada and beyond.

All funds raised from the night will be directed towards funding Arts Umbrella’s programming for young people aged 2 to 22. Initiatives include free outreach classes, scholarships, and bursaries.