Last night I participated in Timeraiser. The event combined two of my favourite things; visual art and social responsibility. The concept involves a silent art auction with art purchased from local artists (that’s right, purchased from, not donated by). Instead of bidding money on the art, you bid your future volunteer hours at the charity of your choosing. I earned (or will earn) a great painting entitled "Hawaiian Summer Series 2" (shown left) by Lindsay Love (represented by Swirl Gallery in Art Central). After I volunteer a certain amount of hours next year, I’ll take home my painting! (It’s worth every minute...)

TimeRaiser is an event by the Framework Foundation in Toronto. This event has been held in Toronto for a number of years and has also been in Calgary twice now. The website boasts that Timeraiser has generated 26,464 volunteer hours, engaged 1,100 Canadians, supported the efforts of 120 voluntary agencies, and invested $110,000 in 120 Canadian artists.

The idea is brilliant (and well received in a strong visual arts city with high volunteerism like Calgary), Victoria’s Lounge on 17th Avenue is a superb venue (although not the best lighting for art) and the party was very cool… You should join me in attending or submit your artwork next year...