The nonprofit Gallery5 is looking for 100 people who want to party, be entertained, and ensure that the art gallery and venue continues to program inclusive community events such as First Fridays, jazz night and Classical Incarnations.
“Gala5: Signal Boost, An Intergalactic Fundraiser” on Nov. 10 will be Gallery5’s second annual gala. This year’s throwdown features a night of creative collaborations with local artists and musicians sharing the stage in support of Jackson Ward’s community-motivated arts nonprofit. Much like a public radio station campaign, the goal is to raise funds to cover operational costs to continue and expand accessible arts programming.
The $10,000 that Gallery5 hopes to raise would support mission-driven programming, with a focus on community nights. According to Maya Walters, the gallery’s community liaison, these events represent opportunities for everyone to experience performing and visual arts without the barrier of cost. “It’s our goal to meet a percentage of the operations costs for these events, so that we can continue to offer this accessible programming,” Walters says. “These costs include compensation for performers and staff, as well as facilities maintenance.”
Those unfamiliar with just how integral to the arts community Gallery5 has been need look no further that its 18-year history of building community through the arts by creating positive social change. Through past exhibitions like “I Dream of a Richmond,” “Repressed” and campaigns such as Sustainable Richmond, the gallery has served as a platform to give voice to social issues, marginalized communities and mutual aid initiatives.
Long timers will recall how Gallery5 served as a partner and incubator to other Richmond stalwarts such as WRIR, Coalition Theatre, Art on Wheels, All the Saints Theater Company, and countless burlesque troupes. “We take an intentional approach to providing a wide range of programming in an effort to engage with and enrich the lives of our diverse patronage,” says Walters. “From the various offerings of free music throughout the month, to the thoughtful curation of our visual arts gallery, Gallery5 exists as a platform for all creatives.”
“Gala5: Signal Boost, An Intergalactic Fundraiser” will be curated to reflect both the history and spirit of the space. Fittingly, the musicians of Classical Revolution RVA will accompany a burlesque performance that Walters expects to inspire a whole new appreciation for both art forms. A live game of Exquisite Corpse, drawn by Richmond artists Nico Cathcart, Matt Lively, and S. Ross Browne, will be soundtracked by members of the Sweet Potatoes band, and afterward, attendees can bid on the pieces in a live auction.
Guests can expect to enjoy DJ sets from WRIR, light hors d’oeuvres, custom cocktails, and local beers. And since no fundraiser is complete without a silent auction and raffle, Gala5 will feature all sorts of very Richmond experiences and products to bid on, as well as an “Art Pull,” which gives attendees the chance to take home a print from artists like Jim Callahan (Barf Comics), Emily Herr, Melissa Duffy (Cryptid Party), Eli McMullen, and others.
Those who purchase a ticket for the Art Pull will be able to walk up to a wall of wrapped, framed, 5×7 prints and select any one of them. Although they’ll see a list of the artists whose work is wrapped and hanging there, they’ll have no idea exactly what they’re getting. “These are all digital prints that artists have given us the right to make a reproduction of for this game, and we’re only creating one print of each piece of art,” says Walters. “So far, we have over 20 artists participating, with a couple of artists offering multiple pieces of art. But still only one print of each image.”
As for the intergalactic theme, it would be easy –and accurate—to say that Gallery5 is out of this world, but there’s a more direct connection. “We’re also paying homage to our partnership with WRIR,” she says. “That’s where long-time board member Parker Galore hosts the show ‘Final Friday Signal Boost,’ highlighting local arts events and showcasing creative movers, shakers, and community makers here in Richmond.”
Smart movers, shakers, and community makers, as well as Gallery5 supporters, would be wise to score one of the 100 tickets, which start at $20, before Signal Boost sells out. You don’t have to be a long timer to know that it takes a village to support a community art space.
As Walters says: “Collaboration is key, and we invite all of our community to join in.”
“Gala5: Signal Boost: An Intergalactic Fundraiser” takes place on Friday, Nov. 10 from 7-11 p.m. at Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St. Tickets are available here.
