A local family recognizing the value of art is gifting a major legacy to help build the Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) a new home.
The Galbraith Family Foundation has pledged $1 million for the construction of the Gallery鈥檚 new home in the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre which will begin construction this summer.
The announcement was made by the family on behalf of their father George Galbraith and in honour of their mother, Caroline Galbraith.
鈥淢om would be absolutely thrilled,鈥� said son Kyle Galbraith, describing how 鈥渁rt always played a big part of her life.鈥�
Son Ian Galbraith says the VPAG allowed her to 鈥渕eet new friends, exercise her creativity and critical thinking, and get engrossed in the community.鈥� They recognize the new Gallery will 鈥渂e a place to bring people together and an absolute fantastic way to make Vernon an even greater place to live.鈥�
VPAG board chair Sarah Kennedy appreciates the extremely generosity of the Galbraith family, "and we recognize this leadership gift as a significant catalyst to our new facility and the fundraising campaign overall. This Gallery鈥檚 move into a permanent space will allow us to better collect, preserve and exhibit art.鈥�
The new Gallery will be able to offer visitors access to exhibits from various national and provincial galleries while also providing exciting new educational opportunities through the dedicated classroom space.
鈥淭his is such an iconic gift and the lasting impact it鈥檚 going to have on generations is immeasurable,鈥� said VPAG executive director Dauna Kennedy. 鈥淭his gift is about a family recognizing the value of art and wanting to contribute in a significant way to enriching our community.鈥�
The Galbraith Family will be recognized for their donation with the naming of the primary exhibition space which will be called The Caroline Galbraith Exhibition Hall.
This generous legacy gift brings the total donations to $1.6 million reaching 30 per cent of the $5.3 million goal of the recently announced fund-raising campaign.
Donations are being raised by the community through events, activities, foundations, corporate and personal donations.
Cash donations are tax-deductible for charitable purposes and pledges can be given now with payment over time as the project is scheduled to be completed in 2028. In addition to cash, securities and gifts-in-kind are welcome. For more information, visit website or email info@together4culture.ca.
Construction of the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre is scheduled to begin this summer in downtown Vernon.
The new 31,000 sq ft facility will house the Art Gallery, Vernon Museum and include a presentation space, classrooms, a gift shop, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.
The land and building will be owned by the Regional District of the North Okanagan through its Greater Vernon Cultural Services which is a partnership of the City of Vernon, District of Coldstream and Areas B and C of the regional district.
