Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) board chair Mark Schaan, associate deputy minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and OAG's director and CEO Alexandra Badzak at the Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Ottawa Art Gallery’s signature fundraiser reaches highest total in 20-year history
The Ottawa Art Gallery’s director and CEO calls the Give to Get Art Auction “truly the best art party of the year,” and last week’s edition lived up to its name while raising $162,000.
“Give to Get Art 2026 was truly our best auction yet,” said Alexandra Badzak. “With sold-out tickets and the highest amount raised in the auction’s more than 20-year history, the evening was a joyful celebration of art, community and the incredible generosity of OAG supporters.”
Badzak says that total will help keep admission to the gallery free and accessible to all, while sustaining the exhibitions and programs that connect our community through art.
“We are deeply grateful to the 109 remarkable artists who showcased the extraordinary talent of our region, to our presenting sponsor TD, and to all of our sponsors and local hospitality partners who helped make the night so vibrant and memorable,” Badzak added.
From left, Colin Noble, a wealth advisor with TD Wealth; Talia Silvestri, the bank’s senior manager of retail strategy and solutions; branch manager Emily Haier; Zack Martel; and Lee Rose, community engagement manager at TD, at the Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Ed Kwan, aka China Doll, at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Guests were seen mingling and bidding on the artwork at the Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
The event, held mainly in the Alma Duncan salon, spilled out onto both of the art gallery’s upper terraces — the first overlooking the city’s south side and the second facing north. The latter, which was dappled in warm sun for much of the night, was about 10 degrees warmer on the event’s relatively chilly spring evening. The participating artists give their art a minimum bid amount, which they get when the art sells. Anything above that price goes to the gallery.
TD was represented by a team of five, including Lee Rose, Colin Noble, Zack Martel, Talia Silvestri and Emily Haier.
The auction attracted a who’s who of artists, including assistant Dominion sculptor Anna Williams, Martin Golland, Christine Fitzgerald, Leslie Hossack, Eryn O’Neill, Colette Gréco-Riddle and Marc Adornato, to name a few.
The evening’s “Paint the Town Pink” theme was enthusiastically embraced, with event-goers wearing everything from hot pink dresses to other touches, such as the bright pink feather earrings worn by Badzak herself. Mark Schaan, associate deputy minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and chair of the OAG’s board of directors, posed for a photo with Badzak and commented that he “has to” buy a new pink suit every year.
There were also some show-stopping outfits, including that of visual arts supporter Joseph Cull. He fashioned some pink tulle into a headpiece that fictional cartoon character Marge Simpson would admire while also sporting a sequined magenta apron. His getup was rivalled only by Edward Kwan, Ottawa’s legendary drag queen and karaoke host. He was wearing a cloak that had been silkscreened by his brother, artist Don Kwan, with images of the brothers’ ancestors.
Tara-Leigh Mierins and Jeff Mierens, of Star Motors of Ottawa, embraced the theme; she in a hot pink tailored jacket and he in a pink ball cap and neck tie.
From left, Leslie Hossack, Steve Gobel, Krystyna Smith, Ursula Gobel, Christine Fitzgerald at the OAG’s the Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Crowds gathered outside on the terrace during the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Arts supporter Joseph Cull was his own visual work of art at the Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Ottawa Art Gallery volunteer Denise Trottier and Tara-Leigh Mierins from sponsor Star Motors at the Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Rob Khare, senior wealth advisor and portfolio manager with CIBC Wood Gundy, artist Tiffany April and Khare’s wife, Ottawa School of Art student Ann Sweetman (far right), seen mingling at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Musician Nathanael Larochette performed before DJ OK Naledi took over. Guests were also invited into a photo booth, which spat out sparkly black-and-whites snapshots, and a video recording space where they could show off their moves while being filmed.
Some of the participating food purveyors included Chef Ric’s, Mādahòkì Farm, Tulips and Maple Ottawa, My Catering Group, Thyme & Again and Flora Hall Brewing.
From left, Rima Azzawi, Clara Kim and former Ottawa Citizen arts editor Peter Simpson, who was part of the auction committee for the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink fundraiser. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Participating artist Diane Woodward wore cowboy boots she painted herself. Her whole outfit matched her zebra painting that was up for auction. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Guests seen browsing the artwork at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Guests Benjamin Guthrie and Shea D. Ladie were enjoying the evening at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s fundraising auction. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
The Ottawa Art Gallery’s fundraiser featured interactive elements to keep things fun and engaging. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
From left, Véronique Couillard, public and media relations at the Ottawa Art Gallery, Reuben Tom-Kee from TD Direct Investing and artist, producer and designer Ryan Stec at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
The Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser encouraged guests to add a splash of pink to their wardrobe and accessories. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
From left, Modern OT co-owner Fiona Smith Bradley and her sister Susan Smith, co-founder and principal at Bluesky Strategy Group and board member with the Ottawa Art Gallery, her partner, Rob Ferguson, and Jordan Paquet and Angelo Bakoulas, both vice-presidents of Bluesky, at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Guests seen browsing the local artwork at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
From left, Ottawa city councillor Ariel Troster and artist Colette Gréco-Riddle at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Lee Rose, community engagement manager of presenting sponsor TD, delivered brief remarks at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser. In the pink ball cap and tie is Jeff Mierins, owner of Star Motors of Ottawa, which was also one of the event sponsors. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Artist Diane Woodward and Wally Brazy at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
The Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser featured live music from OK Naledi. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Ottawa artist Joyce Crago smiled at the camera during the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
The Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser held Thursday, May 21, 2026, saw many guests add a splash of pink to their attire. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Artist Pina Manoni-Rennick, alongside her artwork, Going Home, and David Soobrian at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink fundraiser. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
Magazine editor Jennifer Campbell — a guest writer for Caroline in the Capital — shared an affectionate moment with arts supporter Joseph Cull on the terrace at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Paint the Town Pink-themed Give to Get Art fundraiser. Photo by Amanda Thirkill/Amanda Thirkill Photography
This article is made possible through sponsorship from Star Motors, WEALTH (WCPD), Syntax Strategic, RBC, Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, ExecHealth, Altis Recruitment, Bell Canada, First Avenue Investment Counsel, Welch LLP, Brazeau Seller Law and Prime Benefits Group.
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