NEWS RELEASE
MACLAREN ART CENTRE
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The MacLaren Art Centre (MAC) is thrilled to announce the resounding success of the MAC Gala 2024, held on this past Saturday, April 20. The event, which saw an unprecedented turnout of art enthusiasts, community leaders, and sponsors, was a testament to the vibrant cultural scene in Barrie.
The 2024 Black Tie MAC Gala was an unforgettable event that left attendees captivated from start to finish. The evening featured a special guest performance by the renowned band The Trews, who brought an intimate and memorable musical addition to the gala.
"As chair of the 2024 Black Tie Gala committee, I am thrilled to reflect on the success of our recent event, which was an enchanting evening filled with art, performances, and a celebration of all things MacLaren. The MacLaren Art Centre continues to be a vibrant hub for creativity and community engagement, and we were delighted to see so many attendees enjoy and support our cause. Thank you to everyone who participated, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon to experience more of what the MacLaren has to offer," said Michael Kuluva, chair of the 2024 Black Tie Gala committee.
One of the standout features of the gala was the live artistry on display. Three talented artists from the Barrie community, Monica Loney, Neil Smith and Neda Mazhab Jafari, showcased their skills with live art demonstrations, covering a range of mediums from sculpture to line artwork. Guests were enthralled as they witnessed the creative process unfold from conception to completion, adding an interactive and immersive element to the event.
The MAC Gala also offered a gourmet dining experience that was nothing short of exceptional. Attendees indulged in a sumptuous three-course sit-down dinner, complemented by mesmerizing projections of the live artists' works. This combination of culinary delights and artistic visuals created an ambience that was both captivating and unique.
The live auction extravaganza was another highlight of the evening, featuring an array of enticing packages that garnered enthusiastic bids from attendees. The auction's success was reflected in the remarkable sum of over $54,000 raised in support of the MacLaren’s artistic initiatives, showcasing the generosity and commitment of the Gala's participants.
Musical delights continued throughout the night, courtesy of a live DJ who kept the energy high and the dance floor alive with an eclectic mix of beats. The combination of live music, art, fine dining, and philanthropy made the 2024 Black Tie Gala a truly memorable and impactful event for all who attended.
Acknowledging the invaluable support of sponsors, MAC extends its heartfelt gratitude to:
Platinum sponsors: Barriston Law, Kirkwood Properties, Pie Wood Fired Pizza
Gold sponsors: Pearson Engineering, Pure Health Pharmacy, Stewart Esten LLP, The Ingram Group
Silver sponsors: Ain Whithead Group, Cubic Fleft Designs, Lorriman Sturgeon Wealth Management Group, Seven Elements Wealth Planning, Zentec
Bronze sponsors: The Barbell Academy, Galbraith Family Law, Podium Prosperity Group
Event Partners:
- Appetizer: Cravings
- Auctioneer: All Star
- Cocktails: Karma Foundation
- Flowers: Art in Bloem
- Jewelry Sponsor: Michael Smiley Fine Jewellery
- Photography: Max Power Photography
- Social Media: Wild Media Co.
- Audio and Visual: Michael Enterprise
The MAC Gala 2024 was not just a celebration of art but a testament to the unwavering support of the community and the dedication of MAC's sponsors and partners. Through events like these, the MacLaren Art Centre continues to enrich lives and foster a thriving arts and culture ecosystem.
For more information about the MacLaren Art Centre and upcoming events, visit https://maclarenart.com.
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