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Island Mountain Arts in Wells soliciting donations for upcoming Bids, Brews and a BBQ fundraiser

IMA seeks donations of artworks, unique items and experiential packages for June 2 event in Quesnel
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Island Mountain Arts in Wells, B.C. File photo

Lindsay Chung

Observer Reporter

With a major fundraiser just around the corner, Island Mountain Arts in Wells is hoping the community will contribute unique auction items to help raise money for arts education and experiences in the Cariboo.

Island Mountain Arts (IMA) is soliciting donations of artworks, unique items and experiential packages for the third annual Bids, Brews and a BBQ dinner and fundraising auction, which will be held in Quesnel at the College of New Caledonia on Saturday, June 2.

The auction will run online in the lead up to the event and then will be live on June 2. IMA is pleased to again partner with Integris Credit Union (who brings its community barbecue), Craig’s Table (formerly Savalas Steak House), the College of New Caledonia, Barkerville Brewing and Bench 1775 Winery for the event.

IMA executive and artistic director Julie Fowler says this fundraiser is “essential” to supporting all the programs that IMA delivers, including the Toni Onley Artists’ Project, the International Harp School, children’s programs, the ArtsWells Festival of All Things Art, the exhibitions at the IMA Gallery and the new Artist-in-Residence program.

“With your support, we can ensure that Island Mountain Arts will continue to deliver quality arts programming in the Cariboo for at least another 40 years,” she says in a letter to supporters.

IMA has been operating for 40 years, attracting world-class and emerging artists to Wells to educate, perform, study and exhibit in a wide range of artistic mediums.

The organization began with the School of the Arts in 1977, offering professional arts programs from ballet to music to visual arts.

As a charity, IMA can provide businesses and individuals with a tax receipt for their donated original work or unique auction item (at the assessed value) and will assist with the framing and the transportation to Wells. IMA also offers a 20-per-cent commission back to the artist on the sale price if requested.

Fowler asks that anyone who is interested in donating an auction item let her know by May 15 — preferably by email to media@imarts.com — so there is enough time for IMA to arrange for shipping and to promote the donation online in the lead up to the event.

The Bids, Brews and a BBQ event on June 2 begins at 5:30 p.m. with apples, drinks and entertainment, and the live auction starts at 6 p.m. Tickets include dinner and are available at imarts.com or by calling 1-800-442-2787.

For more information, contact Fowler at media@imarts.com.