ASSINIBOIA - The Shurniak Art Gallery held their second annual Blacktop Hop along with the other Canada Day festivities on July 1.
The outdoor venue opened for people to come and visit, tour the Gallery and relax before the meal. The fundraiser featured a dinner catered by Fresh Start, the health food café located in the Gallery.
Regina band “Detour” entertained with live music for the street dance and were followed by Evolution Sound deejay who played for several more hours. There were over 250 people who enjoyed the evening.
A silent auction of donated artwork was on display for bidding that evening and will continue at the Gallery and online at www.shurniakartgallery.ca until July 29.
A grand prize raffle of the Ultimate Moose Jaw Getaway package was won by Ken Fredrickson of Wawota.
There was another raffle launched that weekend for a beautiful handcrafted king size quilt of a butterfly created and donated by Iris Lord to support this fundraising initiative. The butterfly quilt summer raffle will be drawn August 31.
Many businesses were recognized as sponsors, who provided cash donations, in kind support, and volunteers. Fresh Start sponsored the meal. Jyann Williams helped guide and make this event possible.
The Shurniak Gallery opened in 2005, a project of international businessman Bill Shurniak which hosts the artwork he collected around the world. Bill was born and raised in nearby Limerick and began his career as a bank teller in Assiniboia.
After Bill’s passing in 2020 the Gallery became a non-profit organization run by a board of directors, consisting of an appointee from the Town of Assiniboia, the Chamber of Commerce, the Assiniboia and District Arts Council, the University of Saskatchewan, an independent director and two family members.
A trust fund was set up for the gallery where a specified amount of funds will be distributed to the gallery for a number of years to come. The yearly bequest will help pay for the many operating costs but certainly not all. In order to keep the gallery serving the public, and fundraising is part of the objectives and goals.
The Shurniak Board of Directors and staff are working towards increased programming for local community’s enjoyment and education. Shurniak Art Gallery events and exhibitions will be aligned with public interest and availability, resulting in a cultural hub where all will feel welcome.
