The Caroline Galbraith Exhibition Hall | Vernon Public Art Gallery

Vernon Public Art Gallery Announces $1,000,000 Donation

(Vernon, BC)…. To recognize the value of art and support the work of the Vernon Public Art Gallery in the community, the Galbraith Family Foundation has pledged one million dollars to the Vernon Public Art Gallery as a legacy gift. The funds will be used for the construction of the Gallery’s 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. “Mom would be absolutely thrilled,” says son Kyle Galbraith describing how “art always played a big part of her life.”

Son Ian Galbraith says the Vernon Public Art Gallery allowed her to “meet new friends, exercise her creativity and critical thinking, and get engrossed in the community.”  They recognize the new Gallery will “be a place to bring people together and an absolute fantastic way to make Vernon an even greater place to live.”

Vernon Public Art Gallery Board Chair, Sarah Kennedy says, “The Galbraith family are extremely generous in our community, and we recognize this leadership gift as a significant catalyst to our new facility and the fund-raising campaign overall. This Gallery’s move into a permanent space will allow us to better collect, preserve and exhibit art.”

Executive Director, Dauna Kennedy expressed the Gallery’s genuine heartfelt appreciation to the Galbraith family saying, “This is such an iconic gift and the lasting impact it’s going to have on generations is immeasurable.” For example, 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. “This gift is a bout a family recognizing the value of art and wanting to contribute in a significant way to enriching our community.”

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. The family tells their story in a short video.

This generous legacy gift brings the total donations to $1.6 million reaching  30% of the $5.3 million goal of the recently announced Together4Culture 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 together4culture.ca website or email info@together4culture.ca.

Construction of the Greater Vernon Cultural Center is scheduled to begin this summer in downtown Vernon. The new 31,000 sq ft facility will house the Vernon Public Art Gallery, the 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, The District of Coldstream, Area B and Area C of the Regional District.