Benefactor Program

The Benefactor Program was started with the goal of increasing support for the MacLaren through its membership base. If Members donated the equivalent of $1 a day or $365 a year, they could choose to become Maclaren Benefactors. In addition to the benefits of being a MacLaren Member, Benefactors receive extra privileges, including an original artwork loaned for one year by a regional or national Canadian artist, invitations to special events, recognition as a Benefactor on the MacLaren donor wall and a charitable tax receipt for the value of their $300 donation.

The Junior Benefactor Program offers people under the age of 40 the same privileges for $265 a year, with a charitable tax receipt for $200. The Benefactor Program includes two special events every year, the April Benefactor Art Exchange evening, which gives Benefactors the opportunity to select a work of art for the next year, and an October artist talk and party to thank the contributing artists and Benefactors for their support. As well, each participating artist receives a one year complimentary MacLaren Membership (Artist Category).

Art Loans

Professional artists participate in the MacLaren’s Benefactor Program by invitation.  The loan period is limited to one year, ensuring new work in the programme every year. Artists willing to loan a work of art will be expected to collect the work at the end of the loan period if it has not sold. An artist may choose to loan one or two artworks per year.

No artwork should be larger than 42″ x 48″ framed. Works may be 2D or 3D. While we appreciate three-dimensional work and unusual submissions, artists should keep in mind that overly large, heavy and/or unwieldy forms can present a problem. Artworks moving into and out of the Gallery are stored in a small space for several weeks and will eventually travel to a private home by car. Artworks must be ready to hang. Works on paper must be framed. Oils and acrylics must have the D-rings and wire attached.

Every artwork must be labelled on the reverse, with the full artist’s identification, title and price. The established price should include HST and reflect the fact that the MacLaren will deduct a small service charge of 20% should the artwork be sold to a Benefactor. Ideally, all artwork loaned through this programme should be for sale. The MacLaren will insure the artwork while on its premises. The valuation for insurance purposes will be based on current market value.

Sales of Artwork

Every year, approximately 20% of the artworks in this program sell. Should the Benefactor wish to purchase the loaned artwork, all sales will be run through the MacLaren so that accurate records can be maintained. A cheque will then be issued to the artist from the MacLaren.