Ahead of its highly anticipated Give to Get Art Auction on May 29th, the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) offers some expert advice on investing in art.
Art can inspire, spark conversations, and communicate a story without saying a word. With over 100 pieces up for bid, the OAG’s annual fundraiser is a golden opportunity to grow your art collection while supporting your local community.
What to look for
Stephanie Germano, the OAG’s Collections and Building Manager (previously its Commercial Curator), maintains that finding the right piece for you is an acquired skill. Exposing yourself to the wide variety of work at the Auction can help you figure out your artistic tastes and vision.
“When you buy original artwork, you’re not only adding to the uniqueness of your home, but you’re also investing in a human being,” Germano states. “Learn about the artist, follow them on social media, don’t be afraid to engage with them.”
The event will allow you to discover and build a relationship with local artists, granting you better access to their creative work. They will be more than happy to connect and answer all your questions.
What your art says about you
Investing in art is essentially storytelling: you’re making a statement about you and your brand values. By taking part in the Give to Get Art Auction, you’re telling the world that:
You’re community-minded. Half of the auction’s proceeds go to keeping admission to the OAG free for the public, who benefits from over 400 different educational programs.
You’ve got your local artists’ back. The other half of the proceeds go to Ottawa-Gatineau creatives in support of their practice and long-term careers.
You’re one-of-a-kind. Each piece is original, authentic, and reflects a perspective and lived experience unique to the region, which helps you stand out from your competitors.
You’re financially savvy. The value of art collections tends to increase over time, and auctions are an affordable way to acquire pieces that may grow in worth. For the sake of inclusivity, the featured art selection spans a wide range of price points.
You’re a city builder. Social events like the Give to Get Art Auction revitalize Ottawa’s downtown area, cementing the Gallery as a meeting place for the community.
You have good taste. The Auction’s rotating roster of artists has been hand-picked by Gallery staff, with an eye for regional diversity. Their work will be considered for the coveted Critics’ Choice selection, picked by a jury of notable locals.
The art party of the season
Just as art allows you to show your true colours, the OAG invites you to Paint the Town Pink by wearing its signature rosy hue to the fundraiser. Featuring live art, themed cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres, this first-class event will have a distinctly local flavour.
With over 450 guests having raised 142K$ last year, the Gallery is expecting an even bigger turnout in 2025. With a 10-pack of tickets, your team can mingle with local personalities, engage in some team bonding, and even attend the first-ever Art Auction After Party! Presented by Dunrobin Distilleries, this extended night of music, drinks, late-night snacks, and celebration will start once the bidding is done and continue to 11 PM.
Online bidding opens on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025, at 8:30 AM, and closes on Thursday, May 29th, 2025, at 8:30 PM. For a preview of your next statement piece, visit the Give to Get Art exhibition between May 24th to May 29th at the OAG’s Alma Duncan Salon.
With the “buy local” movement on the rise, let’s support our local artists too!
Get your tickets and view the latest event updates here: oaggao.ca/whats-on/oag-art-auction/
Location:
Ottawa Art Gallery
Alma Duncan Salon, level 3
10 Daly Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6E2
Rideau O-Train Station
If you’d like to join the 2025 Give to Get Art Auction as a sponsor, please contact Zoe MacNeil at (613) 233-8699 ext. 221 or by email at zmacneil@oaggao.ca.
