Arkells lead singer Max Kerman entertains a packed MacLaren Art Centre during the 2026 MAC Gala. Photos by Max Power Photography.
[April 27, 2026 – BARRIE, ON] The MacLaren Black Tie Gala took place this weekend with the goal to raise $150,000 in support of the gallery’s children’s programs and community outreach initiatives. This year’s theme, “Paint the Night Red,” honours 40 years of creativity in the community. The organization’s ruby anniversary made for a rich, radiant night for guests to enjoy and celebrate all things art. Tickets were sold out two months before the event.
The 2026 Black Tie MAC Gala had several exciting highlights for attendees:
- Special Guest: This year, the Gala welcomed Arkells lead singer Max Kerman as he shared insights and stories from his new book, “Try Hard: Creative Work in Progress” and treated the crowd to a few well-known Arkells songs.
- Guests went home with a signed copy of Kerman’s book.
- Gourmet Dining Experience: Attendees indulged in a delicious and specially curated three-course sit-down dinner by Eclectic Café and Catering. Head Chef for the MAC Gala is Melanie Robinson who was named “Chopped Champion” (2015) of the Food Network’s Chopped Canada Television Show.
- Harpist Britt-Lynn Winch set the tone with beautiful live acoustics during cocktail hour, as guests enjoyed ruby-red Kir Royal cocktails, the signature drink of the evening, sponsored by Craddock Law.
- Door Prize by Michael Smiley Fine Jewellery: Roses with numbers from 1-250 were available for purchase, giving guests the opportunity to win a $3,000 custom piece of jewellery from Michael Smiley Fine Jewellery.
- Live Auction: Hosted by CTV’s very own Sarah Freemark and Mike Potter of AllStar Auctions, the Gala’s live auction featured an array of enticing packages with exclusive experiences such as a premium Arkells concert experience, a 2-night stay at Touchstone Resort in Muskoka, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Global Textiles Department at the Royal Ontario Museum
- Musical Delights: DJ Smolka set the perfect tone for the evening, keeping the energy high and the dance floor alive with an eclectic mix of beats.
- New this year: After Party at Bayside Variety where guests continued the festivities just down the street.
Guests arrive at the 2026 MAC Gala. Left to right: Cole Burke, Jacklyn Tuckey Burke, Jennifer Craddock, Peter Duguay, MAC Gala Committee member Nicole Cook, and Jeff Cook. Photo by Max Power Photography.
Acknowledging the invaluable support of sponsors, the MacLaren extends heartfelt gratitude to:
Platinum Sponsor: Barriston Law
Gold Sponsor: Meridian Credit Union
Silver Sponsors: BMO Bank, Galbraith Family Law, Pearson Engineering, Seven Elements Wealth Planning, Stewart Esten LLP, Zentec.
Bronze Sponsors: Ain Whitehead LLP, The Mortgage Coach Greater Simcoe, Osborne Goddard Team
Event Partners:
- After Party: Manifest Barber, The Red Tulip
- Auctioneer: All Star Auctions Inc.
- Caterer: Eclectic Café & Catering
- Flowers: Art in Bloem
- Gala Gift: Georgian College
- Jewellery: Michael Smiley Fine Jewellery
- Rental: Elite Party Rentals
- Visual Media: Juicebox Studios
- Photography: Max Power Photography
- Audio and Visual: Michael Enterprise Audio & Visual
- Welcome Drink: Craddock Law
- Wine: Hayco Commercial Group
- Bread: Homestead Artisan Bakery + Cafe
The live auction was a riveting scene, where guests battled it out to the last bid. The Live Auction and Fund the Need donations raised $36,000 in support of the MacLaren’s children’s programs and community outreach initiatives.
Items in the Live Auction Packages were generously donated by the following businesses and individuals:
- 147 Restaurant
- B’Spoke Kitchen + Market
- Donaleigh’s Irish Public House
- Dr. Stacie Weber’s Cosmetic and Facial Rejuvenation Clinic
- Envy Salon
- Jeffery Cook – Walton Financial
- Kristiina Lahde and the Royal Ontario Museum
- Lovely Darling Events
- LUCA
- Marlene Hilton Moore
- Michael and Marion’s
- Michael Smiley Fine Jewellery
- Power Yoga
- Shimmering Smiles
- SPINCO Barrie
- Touchstone Resort and Spa Muskoka
2026 Black Tie Committee: Michael Kuluva (Chair), Dr. Matthew Follwell, Nicole Cook, Kirsten Kekewich, Gary Pearson and Mira Ray.
Event volunteers:
The MAC Gala 2026 was a testament to the unwavering support of the community and the dedication of the MacLaren Art Centre’s sponsors and partners. Through events like these, the MacLaren continues to enrich lives and foster a thriving artistic ecosystem.
For more information about MAC Gala and upcoming MacLaren Art Centre events, visit www.macgala.ca and www.maclarenart.com.
Contact
Robyn Clarke
Communications Coordinator
Communications@maclarenart.com
705-720-1044 x 227
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About the MacLaren Art Centre
We acknowledge the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg people, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. The local bands consist of the Chippewa Tri-Council, who are made up of Beausoleil First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation, and Rama First Nation. We also acknowledge the Wendat Nation (Huron) who occupied these lands prior to the middle of the 17th century. We are dedicated to honour Indigenous history and culture and recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land. We are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit People.
The MacLaren Art Centre is the regional public art gallery serving the residents of Barrie, the County of Simcoe, and the surrounding area. The Gallery presents a year-round program of innovative exhibitions, education activities and special events.
Acknowledgements
As a registered charity, the MacLaren Art Centre relies on public and private support for its operations and programs. The MacLaren gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of its Members, Patrons, Donors, Sponsors, Partners, the City of Barrie, the Ontario Arts Council, the Government of Ontario, the Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Gallery Location
37 Mulcaster Street, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 3M2, 705-721-9696
Public Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00am to 4:00pm (Thursdays until 8pm)
Admission
Admission by donation. Wheelchair accessible.
