BIG EXPOSURE: Now in its third year, the Capture Photography Festival shines a spotlight on photography and lens-based art. More than 100 exhibitions and events are dedicated to thought-provoking and challenging photography. An art installation by celebrated photographer Stephen Waddell on the Dal Grauer Substation on Burrard Street is among the many public works adorning the city. The festival launched the month-long luau of shows, artist talks and workshops at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Steered by founder and executive director Kim Spencer Nairn, the opening celebrations also saw the handing out of the inaugural Phil Lind Emerging Artist Award, established to support emerging artists working with photography, film and video. Besting seven other finalists, SFU’s Vilhelm Sundin’s video installations won top honours and a $5,000 prize towards an upcoming exhibition at the future Polygon Gallery.
WISHES COME TRUE: The third annual Night of Wonders gala to benefit the B.C. and Yukon chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada lived up to its name. Chaired by Jessica Hollander and presented by Pacific Blue Cross, the party saw nearly 200 of Vancouver’s most glamorous and generous business luminaries convene at Mike Wood’s Autoform showroom for the evening of wish making. The audience was brought to its feet when Wish Child Ida Yang performed “Nataliana” on the harp she received as her wish. They were on their feet again after hearing from wish mom Natasha Prokosh, who shared her family’s personal story. The touching moments buoyed gala-goers to give to the tune of $242,000. Proceeds from the magical night will support the foundation’s ongoing efforts of granting wishes for Canadian children aged three to 17 who are facing a life threatening illness.
CLASS ACT: The Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»East Cultural Centre, a.k.a. the Cultch, hosted its flagship fundraiser, this time embracing Argentina as its theme country for the seventh instalment of its charity dinner. CBC’s Margaret Gallagher and yours truly hosted the passionate affair, led by senior brass Heather Redfern, Cindy Reid and a committee of 12. The memorable night featured a champagne reception, live and silent auction items and a three-course dinner on the company’s historic theatre stage. Between courses, performances by tango dancers and opera singers kept things hot. The hottest act however came when arts patrons, encouraged by auctioneer David C Jones, emptied their wallets of a reported $50,000 for the organization. Proceeds will support the company’s ongoing programming, as well Cultch Connect, an initiative that provides free tickets to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the performing arts.
