The GBA Melbourne Studio started their own Pop Up Art Show tradition this year, raising much-needed funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), a not for profit organisation providing one-to-one mentoring programs that respond to the individual needs of young people between 7 and 17 years, particularly those considered to be socially and emotionally isolated across Australia.
The artists featured on the night included many of the Melbourne team, our suppliers and local artists like Jeremy Geddes, best known for his series of photorealistic cosmonaut paintings (a favourite of our director Kavan Applegate), and Olga Finkel, who does impressive felt on canvas artworks.
Our top fundraising artist on the night, however, was our own, super talented Patrick Giles who raised a total of $435 and surprised us all with his artwork Guymer Disney Architects, a cartoon representation of the entire Melbourne team.
Throughout the evening guests enjoyed sushi platters, cold meats and cheese platters, quiches, dips and breads, and Krispy Kreme donuts as they meandered through the studio admiring art and eagerly awaiting the raffle prizes to be announced.
Prizes from our generous sponsors ranged from wine, whiskey, jars of honey and burger vouchers, to massage vouchers, gold class movie vouchers, travel vouchers, stationery and craft hampers, hair products and illustrated children’s books.
We also held two silent auctions on the night, one for a Royal Mail Hotel voucher (one night’s accommodation for two people and a restaurant voucher) which was purchased by Sarah Downie and another for one of Jeremy Geddes’ artworks which was acquired by John Avramiotis. Over $3,400 was raised on the night with all proceeds going directly to BBBS.
After a fun photo with our novelty Instagram frame picture, guests watched a quick video from BBBS about their foundation, what they do and how Guymer Bailey Architects and our director Kavan has been involved with them for 17 years now.
““Having seen the impact Big Brothers Big Sisters makes in the lives of young people over the years I’ve been involved as a Big Brother, I’m thrilled that we can support this incredible charity through our first Art Show.
Our work in rehabilitative corrections architecture has taught us that while the best correction facilities are essential, they can never be as good as prevention. By providing kids with practical mentoring and the relationships they need, we can do our part in keeping them out of these facilities in the first place. In our eyes, this is another element in designing a better world, and it is why we love and support the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters so much.””
We would like to thank the following businesses who donated our fantastic raffle prizes:
National Tiles - Wine
Benny & Anna's Bees - Jars of organic Melbourne honey and handmade Beeswax Wraps
Arc Agency - Voucher for Royal Mail Hotel
Autex - $250 gift basket
The 3pm Box - 3pm gift box
Hair by Danni - $20 gift vouchers
Hair by Danni - Hamper of hair products
M McMahon - 2 x illustrated children's books
Heritage Wall Café - Coffee voucher
Prash PT - Group PT voucher
Kingspan - 2 x bottles of Jamiesons Irish Whiskey
Signature Flooring - Art piece
Signature Flooring - Gold class movie tickets x 4
Bostik - Stationery/crafts hamper
Corporate Traveller - Travel voucher
Phat Stacks - $100 gift voucher
Even if you missed the Art Show, you can still donate! Click here to help BBBS facilitate long-term, intensive, one-to-one mentoring programs that provide a safe and supportive space for our next generation.
For more images from our Melbourne Art Show head to our Facebook page.
