Beth and I were guests at Project Upstream’s Gala Fundraising Reception, Dinner and Auction, November 22, 2012 at Ashbury College in Ottawa. “Carrefour du village, St-Joseph-de-la-Rive, Charlevoix”, the 24” x 30” oil on canvas painting I donated was the featured live auction item. It sold for $1700. The funds raised go to programs for youth mental health.
The Gift of Art, the Kanata Civic Art Gallery’s Annual Christmas Art Show and Sale was held Nov. 17 and 18, 2012 in the upstairs halls of the Mlacak Centre. I haven’t missed this local event since it began 19 years ago. Many of the residents attend the show and because I’ve lived in Kanata for so long, it’s like old home week. I chat with friends, neighbours and newcomers for the entire two days. Sales were brisk and, although exhausted, I thoroughly enjoy this opportunity to exhibit my new work locally.
Getting ready for an art show is a lot of work. With 71 artists, Ottawa Art Expo, in its 4th year, is the largest indoor show in the area and is very well organized. When we arrived at 2pm Friday afternoon to hang our paintings, the booths were up and draped and the lighting installed. What a relief! All this was done by volunteers. We had to be out of the hall by 5 pm and back by 7 pm for the Gala Opening Reception so no time to waste. My wife, Beth, and our wonderful assistant Dave set to work. By 3:30 all paintings were hung and labelled, tools, boxes, ladders, etc. back in the car. Home in time for a much needed nap before the big night.
The winning raffle ticket for the painting I donated to Canadian Parents for French (CPF) was drawn on October 20, 2012 at CPF’s National Conference in Ottawa. Beth and I were guests at the banquet where the announcement of the winner was made. The raffle was a very successful fundraiser for CPF. Rita Parikh was the excited winner of, “L’étang, Morin Heights”, oil on hardboard, 11” x 14”. She ran from the back of the room to the podium. Rita is from Victoria, BC and was just nominated to the National Board of CPF. In 2008 Rita travelled around the world with her husband and two children spending four months in the South of France.
From the Kanata Kourier-Standard EMC, Thursday, October 18, 2012:
John Mlacak’s paintings will be on display at the Ottawa Art Expo at the St. Elias Centre on Oct. 27 and 28.
The art show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the centre, located at 750 Ridgewood Ave.
Mlacak has been with the show since it started four years ago.
The Kanata artist received the Lucille Broadbent Award for Artistic Achievement from Mayor Jim Watson at the expo in 2010 and has been recognized as an artist, designer, politician and city planner.
The expo described Mlacak as a successful artist who has sold his work in Canada and around the world, and as someone who has donated his time and his paintings to charity.
Some 70 artists will participate in this, the largest indoor art show in eastern Ontario and western Quebec, and all must go through a jurying process each year.
Admission and parking are free.
The Ottawa Art Expo is an annual event that was founded in 2008. The organization eventually hopes to create a student scholarship through the awards program.
For more information visit the website at ottawaartexpo.com
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